Enacting Transformation: George W. Bush and the Pauline Conversion Narrative in "A Charge to Keep"

This essay considers how George W. Bush rhetorically enacted personal and political transformation before the electorate in his 2000 presidential campaign. Bush accomplished these tasks by bringing his conversion experience into conformity with the Pauline conversion narrative. This rhetorical modification enabled Bush to (1) create a sense of "consubstantiality" with evangelical Christians, (2) declare his previous transgressions off limits for public scrutiny, and (3) claim no less than Rev. Billy Graham as his spiritual mentor.