The Eagleton affair: A fantasy theme analysis

Concepts

Social SciencesPolitical CommunicationPolitical ScienceAmerican PoliticsDemocratizationPublic OpinionDemocracyDemocratic BackslidingDemocratic ConsolidationElectionsPolitical IdeologyVoting BehaviorElection Spectacle

Abstract

To win in 1972 the Democrats needed a unified rhetoric. Their strategy was to emphasize persona. The breaking news of Senator Eagleton's mental health, coming at a strategic time, created a fantasy that chained through the electorate and presented the McGovern persona as inconsistent, inept, and untrustworthy.

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