While examining the three candidates, I
noticed that each one used persuasion to try and sell their good points and
downplay their bad ones in order to build credibility in the eyes of their
voters. I tried to pinpoint these techniques as they were used by each candidate and evaluate the effectiveness they might have on voters. I made my judgments based solely on the official statements from each of the candidates' websites and/or public videos, so I did not evaluate the statements for accuracy, just on how true they seemed based on the way the candidates presented themselves.
Rob Maness plays on his 32 year long military
career for the expertise and trustworthiness factors of ethos. Serving from the
age of 17, he worked his way up the ranks all the way to Colonel, leading
combat operations and disposing bombs. He shows perceived caring with his
principles of protecting the rights of the citizens as laid out in the
Constitution and is an avid fighter for 2nd Amendment Rights. He also has inspiring visions to create energy
independence from foreign oil, better school systems, tighten our borders, and
maintain national security while honoring our veterans. Despite his strong
arguments, I think he comes off a bit too rigid, particularly in the widely
debated social issues, making him lack dynamism. He also chose to attack his opponents opinions, rather than supporting his own.
Bill Cassidy also has a strong background to support his campaign. As a
physician who has helped treat uninsured patients, he demonstrates competence
and empathy. He has also demonstrated his goodwill by helping to vaccinate
schoolchildren and leading volunteer efforts to help treat Hurricane Katrina
victims. He has devised alternatives to the Health Care law and has outlined a
plan for creating jobs by developing natural energy resources. Appealing to
trustworthiness factor, he defines his motives as returning power to the
American people. He definitely has captured the likeability factor with his
commitment to serving the community, but I think his campaign effort takes a
narrow focus on transforming the medical field.
Mary Landrieu seemed to have the strongest
credentials with her extensive political background. Being the first woman from
Louisiana elected to a full term in the U.S. Senate and member to several
committees, she has a past record of helping lead the Gulf Coast recovery
efforts and securing billions of dollars to help restore America’s coast. She
has also shown concern and care by introducing the Children In Families First
Act, the Horse Transportation Safety Act, and legislation to provide disaster
assistance to farmers. Most of all, I noticed she presented her topics like she
knew the information and was genuinely interested in seeing results. I think
her confidence made her seem like the most credible candidate and she presented
the most well rounded motives for her campaign.
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