| This study evaluated senators' discourse at confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominees from 1987 to 2009. The electoral connection between senators and the electorate has provided a nexus for a continuous reelection campaign to occur. Benoit's Functional Theory of Campaign Discourse was extended into the governing discourse. Confirmation discourse was evaluated by analyzing the functions and topics of senators' dialogue. This study determined communication behavior in governing activities mirrors communication strategies and behavior of campaigns. In governing and campaigning senators used acclaims (statements stressing advantages, benefits, or positive qualities) more often than attack (statements stressing undesirable attributes, costs, or negative qualities). When election day nears, senators used a greater frequency of acclaims. Although a campaign and a governing activity---the confirmation hearing---were two different settings senators exhibited similar approaches and behaviors. These behaviors of discourse functions and topics aided senators in their attempt to promote favorability and preferability among voters in the next election. |
