How do stump speeches help build political narratives?

Do Now: Why are political campaign speeches called “stump” speeches?

Get on the Stump! In the 1800s politicians would literally stand on tree stumps to deliver their speeches when they travelled from place to place spreading the word about their campaigns!

DISCUSS! How would a politician create an effective stump speech? (What points would you expect to find in that speech?)

Why are stump speeches important? Stump speeches are so important to political campaigns! Effective stump speeches enable candidates to: Make promises to potential voters Deliver attack against their opponents Lay out their future plans Talk about their policies (and how they can help!) Connect with voter on a personal level And can help build their narrative!

Mitt Romney vs. Barack Obama Mitt Romney delivered a pivotal campaign speech in New Hampshire in 2012 when he was running against former President Obama Former President Obama delivered a now famous Victory speech in Iowa in 2008 when he was running for the first time against John McCain

Anatomy of a Stump Speech Most stump speeches will consist of the following points: Showing local pride Praising local government officials Attacking their opponent(s) Showing American pride Reconfirming campaign message (narrative!) Demonstrating party values Reviewing key policies Bragging about past accomplishments

DISCUSS! In your group’s opinion, which politician delivered a more effective stump speech? Justify your response. (hint: think about which speech best communicated the politician’s narrative)

Now Let’s Watch some Speeches! Clinton - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W6gU5t2gvU Trump - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqD4GF58qb8

Bonus! How could the message be improved to reach even more voters? DISCUSS! In your group’s opinion, which candidate’s speech supported their narrative the best? Why? Bonus! How could the message be improved to reach even more voters?