This article examines the numerous conversational appeals made by candidates during the 2008 presidential elections. Specifically, this essay explores the way in which Hillary Clinton, John McCain, and Barack Obama talked about the importance of democratic discussion as a central theme in their bids for the White House. Ultimately, this study argues that the conversation being appealed to was one that emphasized a friendly dialogue that could help people overcome their differences and disagreements, and then it suggests several possible reasons why politicians might believe the American people find such conversational appeals appealing.
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