Debating America’s Role in the World: Representative Ron Paul’s Exceptionalist Jeremiad

• In Event: Political Communication: A Global Perspective

Abstract

This essay examines Representative Ron Paul's 2008 presidential campaign discourse on American foreign policy. It is argued that Representative Paul uses an exceptonalist jeremiad to argue that the United States should return to a more traditional foreign policy. This discourse stood in stark contrast to his Republican and Democratic opponents, but it is an effective microcosm to examine a larger conversation going on within foreign policy circles about America's role in the world.

Author

• Jason Edwards, Bridgewater State College