Politeness Principle in 2008 Presidential Debates between Mc Cain and Obama

Abstract

This paper discusses “diplomatic language” with reference to linguistic theories, especially theories of pragmatics involving the
Politeness Principle. In this paper the researcher tries to investigate the 3 presidential debates in 2008 between Senator Mc Cain and
Obama. After checking the accuracy of transcripts against the videotape, the researcher through sentence by sentence analysis of the
text, examines to what extent each candidate contributes more to Leech politeness maxims. The results of the paper show that in all
three debates incident of maxim contribution is preceded by Obama. The researcher closes the paper with discussing the positive impact
of these 6 maxims in face saving and group connectedness. She points to politeness maxims consideration as one of having crucial
importance which helps diplomatic language to be more effective and successful.