Last night I found myself glued to the television watching the New Hampshire Primary returns while doing some of my work on the computer. What a fascinating time in United States politics! Listening to the pundits and commentators, I found myself thinking about Dr. Martin Seligman’s work on “explanatory styles” as they relate to candidates getting elected. In his book, Learned Optimism, Seligman speaks about how we can literally analyze speeches, dialogues, etc., by using the CAVE (for content analysis of verbatim explanations) technique. Here is an example of analysis from the book:

Adlai Stevenson, accepting his first nomination before the Democratic convention in 1952:

“When the tumult and the shouting die, when the bands are gone and the lights are dimmed, there is the stark reality of responsibility in an hour of history hanted with hose gaunt, grim specters of strife, dissention and materialism at home, and ruthless, inscrutable and hostile power abroad.

Seligman’s analysis summarized: “Stevenson was dwelling upon bad events and analyzing them, without proposing actions to alter them.. His “explanatory style” was depressive.”

Dwight D. Eisenhower:

“Today is the first day of our battle. The road that leads to November fourth is a fighting road. In that fight I will keep nothing in reserve.

I have stood before on the eve of battle. Before every attack it has always been my practice to seek out our men in their camps and along the road and talk with them face to face about their concerns and discuss with them the great mission to which we are all committed.”

Seligman’s analysis: “Eisenhower’s “explanatory style” was optimistic and low in rumination.”

As we become enthralled with all of the speeches and dialogue of this year (I know I will!!), it might just be helpful to think about the candiates in terms of their “explanatory styles.” Is adversity displayed in their speeches as permanent, pervasive, and personal or are they looking at any adversity as temporary, isolated, and effort is possible? What message are they sharing with us? Does it really matter what “explanatory style” they share with us? Do you think it really matters in the election?