In my research for possible topics, I encountered many options that allowed me to investigate the carefully crafted measures that are taken in molding the image of an American politician. Many aspects are involved within these public relations endeavors, including proper implementation of rhetoric and tone in speeches. Also there is the affect of visual representations of the politician that are used to arose various different constituencies. Among these constituencies, there lies a politician's base which is solidified by issue allegence but also by factors such as demographics.
One particular instance comes from a 1984 campaign rally for the re-election of Ronald Reagan in the state of Texas, which had suddenly and almost inexplicably became a battleground state. It was obvious that the President would have to portray himself as a likeable and trusting figure in order to focus on more challenging battleground states for not only his candiancy but for the GOP as a whole as well. In a display of attempting to connect with the demographic, Reagan wore a cowboy hat along with his running mate and incumbent Vice President George Bush. The campaign also tried to lean on Bush's ties to Texas even though he was born in Connecticut. Reagan also displayed more subtle visual ideosyncracies that would give him a more rural, western appeal. He carried a contenance that was accompanied by a strong, stand-up-straight style, and the laid back rhetoric similar to that of the protaganist in Owen Wister's The Virginian.
This is just one of many instances that Ronald Reagan and his cronies used in order to appease certain demographics for political gain. Visual imagery from the American Western era was deemed as extremely useful for implementation by Ronald Reagan in order to combat the eastern foes of or under Soviet persuasion. Reagan and his staff were inspired to implement these visual representations that harken back to the era of the western cowboy hero through such works as the illustrated version of the American classic, The Virginian.
After researching Media archives relating to Ronald Reagan at the Library of Congress, I have found that there is sufficient material to make this case in an unique and specific manner. This material will then be analized along with the illustrations in Owen Wister's novel to make the case of the said thesis.
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