The Politics of Sacred Rhetoric: Absolutist Appeals and Political Persuasion

This book is deeply innovative. The Politics of Sacred Rhetoric examines oddly underexplored aspects of public opinion–in particular, the power of sacred values to trump technocratic-utilitarian reasoning in shaping the course of political debates and elections.

— Philip Tetlock, Leonore Annenberg University Professor in Democracy and Citizenship, University of Pennsylvania

The Politics of Sacred Rhetoric is an extraordinary book that streams together careful empirical analysis based on content analysis and experimental method with the paradoxes of democratic theory. To those worried about polarization and the future of civil political discourse, this book is essential reading.

— Bert A. Rockman, Professor Emeritus of Political Science, Purdue University

One of the most innovative studies of political communication I have read. Marietta examines entirely new kinds of effects, including effects on how citizens reason about political issues, and evenhandedly locates both the promise and perils of sacred rhetoric in American politics.

— Diana C. Mutz, Samuel A. Stouffer Professor of Political Science and Communication and Director, Institute for the Study of Citizens and Politics, University of Pennsylvania

One of the most innovative studies of political communication I have read. Marietta examines entirely new kinds of effects, including effects on how citizens reason about political issues, and evenhandedly locates both the promise and perils of sacred rhetoric in American politics.

— Diana C. Mutz, Samuel A. Stouffer Professor of Political Science and Communication and Director, Institute for the Study of Citizens and Politics, University of Pennsylvania