Persuasive Attacks on Donald Trump in the 2016 Presidential Primary investigates the nature of persuasive attacks on Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential primary campaign. It begins by extending the Theory of Persuasive Attack to include attacks on character as well as attacks on actions. William L. Benoit& Mark J. Glantz use topical analysis to understand humor (late night television jokes; video fromSNL, Colbert, and Oliver; articles inThe Onion, and political cartoons) and Republican establishment attacks from Mitt Romney and theNational Review. Quantitative content analysis examines attacks in primary debates and primary TV spots. The book concludes with criticisms found on social media platforms and TV talk shows.

William L. Benoit is professor of communication studies at Ohio University.Mark J. Glantz is assistant professor of communication& media studies at St. Norbert College.

ContentsAcknowledgmentsChapter One: Persuasive Attacks in Election CampaignsChapter Two: The Republican Establishment Attacks Donald TrumpChapter Three: Attacks on Trump in 2016 Republican Presidential Primary Debates and TV SpotsChapter Four: Attacks on Trump in Social MediaChapter Five: Attacks on Trump in HumorChapter Six: Attacks on Trump on 2016 TV Talk ShowsChapter Seven: ConclusionsReferencesAbout the Authors