ANALYZING PRESUPPOSITION TRIGGERS IN US PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES 2024

Abstract

This study focuses on identifying the presupposition triggers in the US Presidential debates 2024 between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, by adopting George Yule’s(1996) theoretical framework of six types of presupposition triggers. This research will look into how these presupposition triggers play a crucial part in developing a strong argument and counterarguments to influence the audiences. The study also investigates the different usage of presupposition triggers by both political figures to know about their unique personality traits in building argumentative speeches. Additionally, the paper employs the mixed-method approach to help readers gain deep, rich, and then comprehensive details and information about the use of these presupposition triggers in rhetoric. The analysis centers on three prominent triggers in debates, the existential, Factive, and structural presupposition triggers.