Introduction

Abstract

This book analyzes the role of the American Dream in contemporary American political culture.¹ Between the years 1900 and 1964, the word “dream” appeared twice in presidential inaugurals, six times in State of the Union messages, and four times in (Democratic and Republican) party platforms—a total of 12 occurrences. In sharp contrast, between 1964 and 2010, the same word appeared 27 times in presidential inaugurals, 91 times in State of the Union messages, and 112 times in (Democratic and Republican) party platforms—a total of 230 occurrences.² Obviously, something unusual is going on in the mid-1960s. Since then, references to the American Dream have increased somewhat dramatically, as leaders across the ideological spectrum have invoked the Dream’s promises.³ These observations are not simply true of the genres of speeches cited here: namely, presidential inaugurals, State of the Union messages, and party platforms. Indeed, Dream rhetoric permeates entire political campaigns, such as the Barack Obama presidential campaign of 2008.