This accessible introductory textbook looks at the relationship between politicians, the press and the public through the language they employ. Providing insights into the beliefs, character and hidden strategies of the would-be persuader, the authors examine instances from speeches, newspapers and blogs, interviews, press conferences, election slogans and satires, and make use of a wide variety of practical examples from the UK, Europe, US, India, Hong Kong and the Middle East. This is the ideal textbook for all introductory courses on language and politics and related areas.