The Power to Persuade Essay - 1028 Words

In the most widely quoted and discussed model of presidential power, Richard Neustadt states that the power of the president lies in the power to persuade. According to Neustadt, the key to presidential success and influence is persuasion. Although some may view the president as a powerful authority figure, the checks and balances established by the founders makes the president’s skills of persuasion crucial. The president’s accumulation of personal power can make up for his lack of institutional powers. The president must act as the â€Å"lubricant† for the other sectors of government in order to preserve order and accomplish business. Neustadt emphasizes the president’s ability to forge strong personal relationships and his or her†¦show more content†¦He ensured the construction of the Panama Canal, won the Nobel Peace Prize for mediating the Russo-Japanese War, reached a Gentleman’s Agreement on immigration with Japan, and conserved thousands of acres for national parks in the West. He used his leverage with the people and likeability to affect congress, and used his charm and geniality to influence foreign powers. He set the stage for the presidents who came after him in using the power of persuasion in the modern presidency. (Hargrove 98) Another President who validates the ideals of Neustadt was Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt’s fifth cousin (Presidents). Franklin Delano Roosevelt made the presidency a symbol of leadership and purpose in a time of depression and war. He established the role of the president to be chief legislator and has been labeled the â€Å"manipulative leader.† His charm was remarkable. He relied on his persuasion skills as a political tool. It was written that â€Å"In his geniality was a kind of frictionless command.† His success during the depression and New Deal programs, and the leadership he displayed during World War II is partially due to his presidential personality of unity. President Roosevelt was described as an artist of interpersonal relations; he knew how to combine diverse advice in unified solutions and strike chords of support through affirmation. He truly strived to gain the trust of theShow MoreRelatedPresidents Power to Persuade Essay644 Wo rds   |  3 PagesPresidents Power to Persuade The president of the United States of America is seen around the world to be the most powerful man on Earth. However, many believe that his only real power is the power to persuade. The checks and balances of congress and the Supreme Court over the president are great, and without their support he has relatively little power. A president cannot get any legislation passed if he does not have the support of the senate and or the house of representativesRead More Language and Perception Essay examples699 Words   |  3 Pagesto persuasion. The power of persuasion allows individuals to influence and control people (Dictionary.com, 2005). 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Persuasion is a huge deal because it gets peopleRead MoreThe Power of Persuasion1336 Words   |  6 PagesThe Power of Persuasion Thesis Statement: To inform my audience about the science and the power of persuasion. Introduction I. â€Å"If you would persuade, you must appeal to interest rather than intellect.† These are wise words spoken by Benjamin Franklin, whom we all know for his roles in American History as a writer, scientist and politician. II. In this quote, Benjamin Franklin speaks of how to persuade. But why would it be important to know how to persuade? III. I always have to askRead MoreIf Black English Isn t A Language, Then Tell Me, What Is?1434 Words   |  6 PagesWhat Is?† by James Baldwin, he was able to illustrate the history of the discrimination of language and how Black English is not accepted as its own language. Baldwin also shows that due to the lack of acknowledgement of Black English, it lacks the power it needs to empower the people who speak it. 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Orwell expresses that he is not considering the literary useRead MoreLanguage : A Political Instrument1460 Words   |  6 PagesWhat Is?† by James Baldwin, he was able to illustrate the history of the discrimination of language and how black English is not accepted as its own language. Baldwin, also, shows that due to the lack of acknowledgement of black English, it lacks the power it needs to empower the people who speak it. In the essay â€Å"Politics and the English Language† by George Orwell, he was able to break down language and explain how language shapes reality. Orwell expresses that he is not considering the literary use