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Making a Case for Restorative Rhetoric: Mayor Rudolph Giuliani & Mayor Ray Nagin's Response to Disaster

This analysis of the rhetorical styles of New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin—in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina—and the former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani—following the destruction of the World Trade Center on September 11—outlines the characteristics of what we term “restorative rhetoric.” We demonstrate how restorative rhetoric functions in situations of natural disasters and acts of terrorism, and we distinguish it from other crisis response frameworks. Through this examination, we establish the features of restorative rhetoric that reflect a clear process for managing these unique crisis situations—whereby image restoration is not the primary goal. Further, we argue that these unique types of crises prompt a unique type of rhetorical response; one that combines strategic communication—to alleviate risk and restore public safety—with a deeper, more humanistic communication—to focus on more substantive issues of crisis leadership. It is this unique response that exemplifies restorative rhetoric. Features of this form of rhetoric include: (1) initial reaction; (2) assessment of the crisis; (3) issues of blame; (4) healing and forgiveness; and (5) corrective action and rebuilding through a rhetorical vision. Finally, we conclude that both Giuliani and Nagin employ restorative rhetoric in an attempt to restore hope after tragedy.