College - Author 1
College of Liberal Arts
Department - Author 1
Interdisciplinary Studies in Liberal Arts Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
Date
6-2026
Primary Advisor
Brandiff Caron, College of Liberal Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies Department
Abstract/Summary
Presidential rhetoric and executive action have played an important role in shaping how scientific issues are presented to the American public. This project examined how United States presidents from Jimmy Carter through Barack Obama (1977–2017) employed science-related rhetoric and policy regarding climate science and reproductive health. Findings suggest that reproductive health remained a partisan issue throughout the study period, while climate science shifted from a largely bipartisan concern to a more partisan one over time. The results also indicate that presidential rhetoric and executive action were not always aligned, with several administrations using science-related rhetoric more extensively than corresponding policy.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/islasp/1