‘Bridging’ Spheres of Argument: Vernacular Argument, Public Experts and Public Accountability

• In Event: Top Student Papers from the Argumentation and Forensics Division

Abstract

In his feud with Jim Cramer, Jon Stewart bridge's Goodnight's spheres of argument. His responses to Cramer’s arguments are intertextual—a mix of common indignation, a sufficient degree of technical knowledge to engage in the debate, and, most strikingly, a fluid pastiche of video clips from Cramer’s television program Mad Money. By speaking in both technical and personal language, Stewart is able to hold Cramer accountable in the public sphere.

Author

• Ryan McGeough, Louisiana State University