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Ausgehend von Annahmen über die politischen Verstöße, die mit dem Begriff der politischen Korruption belegt sind, werden die sozialen Regeln untersucht, die auf sprachlicher Ebene die soziokulturellen Kräfte versinnbildlichen, die erst dann sichtbar werden, wenn eine korrupte Persönlichkeit ans Licht der Öffentlichkeit gebracht wird. Die soziolinguistische Arbeit betrachtet faktische, institutionelle und kulturelle Symbole der Korruption, die sich sprachlich ausprägen. Die Untersuchung symbolisch-interaktionistischer, ethnographischer, ethnomethodologischer und dramaturgischer ELemente der Rhetorik der politischen Korruption führt zu der Erkenntnis, daß Gesellschaften regelmäßig ein Bedürfnis entwickeln, "periodisch das Böse zur Bestärkung der kulturellen Identität zu zerstören"; daher spielt die Aufdeckung der Korruption eine so gewichtige Rolle in der Öffentlichkeit. (SJ)

This volume explores a central political paradox: why American scholars, journalists, and citizens periodically question the viability of their presidential electoral system and yet believe that presidential elections are our best hope for tomorrow. The book argues that the key to understanding this paradox lies in the concept of "self-image," exploring relationships between campaign activities and political culture. After presenting an introduction to the history of presidential campaigning and a theory of political image, the book arranges essays in three parts: images centered on candidates, mass media, and the public. A final essay assesses explanations of the contrasts between the 1988 and 1992elections and suggests tomorrow's research agenda.

This essay reviews Barack Obama's 2008-2009 transition from president-elect to president. Not only must the new and old presidents coordinate practical, bureaucratic matters, but in the United States, the president-elect is put through an 11-week legitimation ritual. As his status is transformed from campaigner to president, his words and actions in various situations are viewed as tests of strengths, weaknesses, vision, prudence, negotiative skill, humanity, fiber, and resolve. Not only is he tested but his words and actions are read by the press, commentators, and bloggers as signs of good or bad fortune for the country, just as the augurs of old read natural signs before momentous events. In general, Obama passed the tests and for the most part, an era of good fortune was predicted.