The limits of a rhetoric of compromise: Henry Clay and the election of 1844

doi:10.1075/aic.7.04ch4

In:Political Argumentation in the United States: Historical and contemporary studies
David Zarefsky
[Argumentation in Context 7] 2014
► pp. 63–82

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Henry Clay and the election of 1844

The limits of a rhetoric of compromise

Published online: 24 September 2014

https://doi.org/10.1075/aic.7.04ch4

Henry Clay’s reputation was based on his skill in formulating legislative compromises between competing positions, enacting the attribute of prudence. This approach proved unsuccessful in the context of a heated election campaign. Focusing on a series of public letters Clay issued during 1844, this analysis traces his rhetorical difficulties in the campaign and suggests the limitations of a rhetorical stance based on compromise.

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