摘要
This study argues that the 2008 presidential campaign provided a setting in which Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin began using the rhetoric of victimage——presenting herself as the victim of unfair media coverage. This study analyzes Palin＇s rhetoric using a three-step approach to Burke＇s concept of victimage： （1） identification of self as victim, （2） identification of a scapegoat who can be blamed for the victim＇s problems, and （3） catharsis or tragic dignification. The results of the analysis indicated that Palin＇s rhetorical strategy emerged during the 2008 election and was fully functional by the time she resigned as Alaska Governor in July 2009. Eventually, victimage rhetoric became her most constant rhetorical theme. Her approach was only partially successful, increasing her positive image among Republicans but contributing to a negative image among Democrats and independents.
