tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982716.post5080574468462377297..comments2023-10-31T11:52:48.235-04:00Comments on The Rhetorical Situation: Random, Sans-Links Reflections on the Sotomayor Discoursesolonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05929873120291212602noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982716.post-6665973871305633572009-06-01T23:12:03.502-04:002009-06-01T23:12:03.502-04:00Solon,
Totally agree that i this case, the bootst...Solon,<br /><br />Totally agree that i this case, the bootstrap narrative is a front line weapon that helps ensure her confirmation. Harrogate HAS been paying attention to the Right on her, and they have almost alll of them fallen into the trap, beginning their talks with caveats about how great Sotomayor's story is. So, politically and rhetorically effective? Hell yes.<br /><br />As to your point on Sotomayor's own communitarian rhetoric. Hmmm. Harrogate hasn't been following her own speeches that closely, but during her acceptance what Harrogate heard was a lot of thanking family and other personal connections. Which is great. But that too plays into this long-established idea that public assistance to the underclass is not necesary, that a "hand up" is the province of family and friends.<br /><br />Harrogate's problem is that this strategy, while astute in that it paves an easier road to confirmation, cedes important rhetorical ground--in effect once again perpetuating a narrative that hurts poor people in America.<br /><br />And you may be right that it won't be ugly. Harrogate certainly hopes her confirmation process goes smoothly, as all in all, at this point, she looks like a fine judge. We'll see.harrogatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02026095215683554629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31982716.post-88643022403870140642009-06-01T18:37:11.930-04:002009-06-01T18:37:11.930-04:00There are a few interesting aspects of the "bootst...There are a few interesting aspects of the "bootstrap" narrative. <br /><br />First, I think for the Obama administration, it is a means for confirmation and not an end in itself. The narrative is similar to the "Pin Point" strategy to introduce Clarence Thomas. But now the added effect is to cut off debate on the topic: how can conservatives vote against a Latina woman who worked hard and overcame so many obstacles, yada yada yada. It does not validate the Reagan myth as much as it provides political grounds to further diminish conservative ideology: this woman represents all that you believe so how can you vote against her? <br /><br />It is a masterful ploy to an easy confirmation. <br /><br />Second, during the announcement, it was interesting to listen to the "bootstrap" narrative from everyone except the nominee herself. In her acceptance, she spoke solely in communitarian themes, which I do not think the right has mentioned (though I have not been looking to hard). Since the dominant narrative is "bootstraps" there is a deflection away from her beliefs, which is truly mind boggling. <br /><br />I do not think that this nomination will be ugly at all. I think, because of the pick, this will be an easy confirmation. With Obama's selection there are few grounds to choose against her and not suffer a major political setback. Which Republican will vote against the first Latina nomination and not be fearful of further GOP losses at the polls, especially in Florida, Texas, the midwest, and the southwest. If your the GOP, you may pick up votes in the rust belt because of identity politics but the GOP will not be taking the rust belt back any time soon. <br /><br />Obama plays long ball. And he is farther ahead of the competition.solonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05929873120291212602noreply@blogger.com