The evolution of the bully pulpit and digital political discourse

The concept of the ‘bully pulpit’ describes the persuasive power of government discourse. Historically popularized by Theodore Roosevelt, this ability to influence society through verbal suggestion evolved from direct speech to radio under Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

In the modern era, the internet has reshaped the public sphere by weakening traditional media intermediaries that once acted as a democratic counterweight. This technological shift allows governments to communicate directly with citizens, sometimes targeting specific individuals publicly. This phenomenon is linked to modern political styles, such as ‘Trumpism,’ which utilizes digital platforms to bypass traditional controls and establish a digital presence that scrutinizes critics.