William F. Buckley and Gladiatorial Argumentation

• In Event: Spectacles Of The People/ For The People: Constructing Legitimate Authoritative Arguments

Abstract

I argue that William F. Buckley afforded conservatives a gladiatorial style, a flashy, combative style whose ultimate aim is the creation of frenzying drama. I analyze Buckley’s use of three tropes (stylistic spectacle, reversal, and antagonism) and the reception testimonials of conservatives including Rush Limbaugh and Ronald Reagan to demonstrate the provocative politics that Buckley inspired.

Author

• Michael Lee, College of Charleston