Richard Leeman is professor of communication studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

• Chapter 1. Teleological DiscourseChapter 2. The Pre-Presidential Discourse of Barack ObamaChapter 3. The Presidential Discourse of Barack ObamaChapter 4. Presidential Rhetoric and Teleological DiscourseChapter 5. Teleological Discourse and the Rhetoric of Civil RightsChapter 6. Barack Obama, Teleological Discourse and the American Polity

Most Americans, regardless of their political persuasions, are captivated by President Barack Obama’s soaring rhetoric. Even when his rhetorical brilliance is the target of criticism, as it certainly has been, few can deny the powerful and dynamic effect of his speeches. Richard W. Leeman, in his insightful and in-depth work, The Teleological Discourse of Barack Obama, sets out to identify exactly what it is about Obama’s rhetoric that touches and inspires his listening audiences. In doing so, Leeman masterfully critiques not only Obama’s rhetorical style, but also his leadership qualities, his values, and his vision for the American polity. ... Taken as a whole, Leeman’s argument that Obama’s discourse, worldview, and character are teleological is both cogent and fully nuanced. Indeed, the book itself stands as a teleological ideal, striving toward an understanding of the essential nature of political rhetoric.

Richard Leeman is professor of communication studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

• Chapter 1. Teleological DiscourseChapter 2. The Pre-Presidential Discourse of Barack ObamaChapter 3. The Presidential Discourse of Barack ObamaChapter 4. Presidential Rhetoric and Teleological DiscourseChapter 5. Teleological Discourse and the Rhetoric of Civil RightsChapter 6. Barack Obama, Teleological Discourse and the American Polity

Most Americans, regardless of their political persuasions, are captivated by President Barack Obama’s soaring rhetoric. Even when his rhetorical brilliance is the target of criticism, as it certainly has been, few can deny the powerful and dynamic effect of his speeches. Richard W. Leeman, in his insightful and in-depth work, The Teleological Discourse of Barack Obama, sets out to identify exactly what it is about Obama’s rhetoric that touches and inspires his listening audiences. In doing so, Leeman masterfully critiques not only Obama’s rhetorical style, but also his leadership qualities, his values, and his vision for the American polity. ... Taken as a whole, Leeman’s argument that Obama’s discourse, worldview, and character are teleological is both cogent and fully nuanced. Indeed, the book itself stands as a teleological ideal, striving toward an understanding of the essential nature of political rhetoric.

Richard Leeman is professor of communication studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

• Chapter 1. Teleological DiscourseChapter 2. The Pre-Presidential Discourse of Barack ObamaChapter 3. The Presidential Discourse of Barack ObamaChapter 4. Presidential Rhetoric and Teleological DiscourseChapter 5. Teleological Discourse and the Rhetoric of Civil RightsChapter 6. Barack Obama, Teleological Discourse and the American Polity

Most Americans, regardless of their political persuasions, are captivated by President Barack Obama’s soaring rhetoric. Even when his rhetorical brilliance is the target of criticism, as it certainly has been, few can deny the powerful and dynamic effect of his speeches. Richard W. Leeman, in his insightful and in-depth work, The Teleological Discourse of Barack Obama, sets out to identify exactly what it is about Obama’s rhetoric that touches and inspires his listening audiences. In doing so, Leeman masterfully critiques not only Obama’s rhetorical style, but also his leadership qualities, his values, and his vision for the American polity. ... Taken as a whole, Leeman’s argument that Obama’s discourse, worldview, and character are teleological is both cogent and fully nuanced. Indeed, the book itself stands as a teleological ideal, striving toward an understanding of the essential nature of political rhetoric.