DISCURSIVE STRATEGIES IN MEDIA REPRESENTATIONS OF POLITICAL SCANDALS
Keywords:
political scandal, discursive practices, rhetorical tactics, media coverage, public discourseAbstract
The article examines the discursive strategies and tactics employed by participants in political scandals within the contemporary media environment. It outlines the definition of “scandal” and considers its functioning through the lens of a strategic interaction model. Particular attention is paid to such strategic techniques as delegitimization, minimisation, counterattack, and identity-based framing. The study investigates how political actors interpret allegations and construct alternative narratives, as well as how the media participate in shaping scandal-related discourse.
The material of the research includes official statements, interviews, and social media posts related to four high-profile political scandals in the United States (2020–2024). The methodological basis consists of purposive sampling of media materials and discourse analysis, which made it possible to identify typical communicative “moves” used by the actors involved. Special focus is placed on how rhetorical constructions shape public perceptions of wrongdoing and how media interpretations influence the dynamics of scandal development.
The findings indicate that political scandals do not unfold as linear events but rather as a sequence of interrelated strategic actions, where each utterance functions as a response to previous informational stimuli. Delegitimization is most clearly manifested in Donald Trump’s reactions, whereas the case of George Santos demonstrates a gradual shift from outright denial to minimisation. Counterattacking strategies appear in Matt Gaetz’s rhetoric. Overall, the study demonstrates that scandal discourse emerges as a dynamic process in which actors not only respond to allegations but also actively construct their own interpretations of events. This approach allows us to interpret political scandals as processes unfolding at the intersection of individuals' statements and media practices and requires further investigation in the context of digital communication.
