Limping Ducks: An Examination of Presidential Speechmaking across Two Terms.

Second term presidents are in a delicate situation. Reelection for a second term is never far from the mind of the first term president. In their initial four years, presidents plan towards and hope for an additional term for a variety of reasons. An additional term allows more time to shape programs and bring the country more in line with their ideals for governmental organization. Perhaps even more important, a victorious reelection functions as a mandate on the sitting presidents popularity and success. How does speechmaking change across the two terms? This paper examines Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush's speeches by location. It explores significant changes in patterns between the two terms and how George W. Bush has been a unique administration by not conforming to any previously established patterns for either first or second term presidential administration. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]