19.2.2 Powers of Persuasion in the U.S. Presidency

Presidents' Own Power of Persuasion

The President's power of persuasion is a key element in their ability to govern effectively. This power hinges on the President's personality, communication skills, and vision for the country. Presidents must rely on persuasion to push their legislative agenda because they cannot force Congress to act. The concept of the "bully pulpit" is central to this power—it allows the President to appeal directly to the American people, shape public opinion, and influence legislative outcomes without needing formal constitutional authority.

Joe Biden

• Communication with Congress: Biden is considered effective in communicating with Congress, particularly the Senate. His decades of experience in the Senate give him a unique ability to connect with lawmakers and negotiate compromises.

Donald Trump

• Aggressive Communication Style: Trump was known for his aggressive and direct communication style, often using Twitter as his primary tool for persuasion. His use of social media was unprecedented in its frequency and directness, allowing him to bypass traditional media channels and speak directly to his base.
• Impact: While this approach was successful in mobilizing his supporters and maintaining their loyalty, it also created significant polarization. Trump's reliance on aggressive rhetoric often alienated members of Congress, including some within his own party, making bipartisan cooperation difficult.

Barack Obama

• Oratory Skills: Obama was widely recognized for his exceptional oratory skills and his ability to connect with diverse audiences. His speeches often aimed to inspire and elevate public discourse.
• Challenges: Despite these strengths, Obama was sometimes criticized for being too aloof and not engaging enough in the personal politics of Washington. This was particularly evident in his struggles to pass comprehensive immigration reform, gun control legislation, and the closure of Guantanamo Bay during his second term.

Methods of Persuasion

Through Their/Their Vice Presidents' Personal Relationships and Negotiation Skills

Presidents and Vice Presidents often rely on their personal relationships and negotiation skills to influence Congress. These relationships are essential for building coalitions, negotiating compromises, and ensuring that key legislative priorities are advanced.

Joe Biden

• Direct Engagement with Lawmakers: Biden personally reached out to moderate Republicans and Democrats to secure support for his legislative agenda. This was evident in his efforts to pass the bipartisan infrastructure bill in 2021.
• Specific Engagements: Biden held direct discussions with Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema to shape the American Rescue Plan, ensuring that it included bipartisan considerations. These negotiations were critical in securing the passage of one of his administration's most significant legislative achievements.

Mike Pence (Under Trump)

• Role as a Negotiator: Vice President Mike Pence played a key role in negotiating with GOP senators to advance Trump's legislative priorities. His close relationship with House Speaker Paul Ryan was instrumental in securing the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
• Mediation Role: Pence often acted as a mediator between Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, especially during times of tension within the Republican Party. His ability to navigate these internal conflicts was crucial in advancing parts of Trump's agenda, such as the attempted repeal of the Affordable Care Act.

Through EXOP and the Cabinet

The Executive Office of the President (EXOP) and the Cabinet play vital roles in lobbying Congress on behalf of the President. These entities work to advance the President's legislative priorities by coordinating with Congress and advocating for policies related to their specific departments.

Donald Trump

• Role of the Office of Legislative Affairs: Under Trump, the Office of Legislative Affairs was key in coordinating efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, although this effort ultimately failed. Despite this failure, the office was critical in navigating the complexities of Congress and pushing forward Trump's agenda.
• EXOP's Role in NAFTA Replacement: Trump's EXOP was heavily involved in negotiations to replace NAFTA with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The successful negotiation and passage of USMCA demonstrated the effectiveness of EXOP in supporting the President's trade policies.

Pete Buttigieg (Under Biden)

• Infrastructure Advocacy: As Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg actively lobbied Congress for infrastructure investment under Biden's administration. His efforts were central to the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, highlighting the importance of Cabinet members in advancing the President's legislative priorities.

Through Relationships with Party Leadership in Congress

Presidents often work closely with party leaders in Congress to facilitate the passage of their legislative agenda. Collaboration with party leadership is crucial for aligning the party's priorities and ensuring legislative success.

Donald Trump

• Collaboration with Mitch McConnell: Trump frequently collaborated with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to advance key legislative items, including the appointment of conservative judges and the 2017 tax overhaul. This partnership was essential for implementing Trump's judicial and fiscal priorities.
• Strained Relationships: However, Trump's relationship with McConnell became strained, particularly towards the end of his presidency. This tension limited their effectiveness in collaborating on legislative matters, especially during the impeachment proceedings.

Joe Biden

• Close Work with Chuck Schumer: Biden has closely collaborated with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to pass significant legislation such as the American Rescue Plan. Schumer's leadership in the Senate was pivotal in navigating the complex dynamics of a narrowly divided Senate and securing the necessary votes.

Through Offering Perks and Photo Opportunities to Individual Members of Congress

Presidents sometimes use perks and high-profile opportunities to persuade individual members of Congress to support their agenda. These perks can include key committee positions or media exposure that benefits the member politically.

Donald Trump

• USMCA Signing Ceremony: Trump's signing ceremony for the USMCA trade agreement prominently featured Senator Joni Ernst, providing her with significant media exposure. This was particularly beneficial for Ernst, who was up for re-election in a state positively impacted by the trade deal.
• Support for Ted Cruz: During the 2018 midterm elections, Trump threw his support behind Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, who was facing a competitive re-election. Trump's endorsement culminated in a massive rally in Houston, where he praised Cruz's accomplishments and alignment with his administration's policies. This support was crucial for Cruz's re-election campaign.

Joe Biden

• Bipartisan Infrastructure Meeting: Biden hosted a bipartisan infrastructure meeting at the White House, prominently featuring Senator Mitt Romney. This gathering, aimed at discussing the bipartisan infrastructure framework, gave Romney significant media exposure and underscored his role in the negotiations. The photo opportunity was a strategic move to highlight bipartisan cooperation.

Through Using the Bully Pulpit to Put Public Pressure on Congress

The bully pulpit refers to the President's ability to command public attention and use this platform to influence Congress by swaying public opinion. This tactic is especially effective after an election when the President's electoral mandate is fresh.

Donald Trump

• Use of Twitter: Trump's use of Twitter was a hallmark of his presidency. He frequently used the platform to advocate for funding the border wall, framing it as essential for national security. His tweets often included specific incidents and statistics to bolster his argument, creating public pressure on Congress to fund the wall. This public pressure contributed to the 2018-2019 government shutdown over border wall funding.
• Targeting Specific Senators: Trump also used Twitter to call out individual members of Congress who opposed his healthcare reform plans. By directly naming and shaming senators who resisted the repeal of Obamacare, Trump attempted to exert pressure on them through public scrutiny.

Joe Biden

• Speeches on COVID-19 Relief: In his efforts to pass the American Rescue Plan, Biden delivered a series of speeches emphasizing the urgent need for COVID-19 relief. His address to the nation in March 2021 highlighted the benefits of the plan in empathetic terms, aiming to create public momentum for its passage. This use of the bully pulpit was instrumental in garnering public and congressional support for the plan.

Obama's Use of the Power of Persuasion

• Oratory Skills and Public Engagement: Obama was known for his exceptional oratory skills, which he used to connect with diverse audiences. His ability to communicate effectively was a key asset in rallying support for significant initiatives like the Affordable Care Act, despite facing substantial political opposition.
• Biden's Role as VP: Vice President Biden played a critical role in these efforts, working closely with congressional figures like Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid to secure the passage of the ACA.
• Second Term Challenges: However, Obama's persuasive power waned during his second term, as he struggled to persuade Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform, gun control legislation, or to close Guantanamo Bay. These failures highlighted the limitations of persuasion in the face of entrenched opposition.

Trump's Use of the Power of Persuasion

• Direct and Forceful Rhetoric: Trump's approach to persuasion was characterized by direct, forceful rhetoric, particularly on Twitter. His ability to speak to and mobilize his base was a key strength, enabling him to mobilize support.