Civic republicanism in the modern age: Adlai Stevenson in the 1952 presidential campaign

This essay examines the 1952 presidential campaign as an instance of contemporary civic republicanism. The essay claims that Stevenson adapted the tenets of republicanism as a pragmatic response to the obstacles that confronted him in his race for the White House. Analysis of his campaign rhetoric reveals the strengths and limitations of republicanism as a political argument. The essay explores the complex relationship between rhetorical style, political judgment, and presidential campaign discourse.