Paul Elliott Johnson

Paul Elliott Johnson is an Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, specializing in rhetoric, political communication, and conservative populism. He holds a PhD from the University of Iowa and returned to Pittsburgh in 2011 after completing his studies. His work critically examines the structural dynamics of U.S. politics, focusing on rhetorical populism, democratic theory, and gendered victimhood in conservative discourse.

Education:

• PhD, University of Iowa
• Bachelor’s in Political Science, University of Pittsburgh (2005)

Research Interests: Johnson’s interdisciplinary work bridges rhetorical theory and critical/cultural studies, with a focus on conservative rhetoric, masculinity, and media analysis. Notable projects include examining the visual rhetoric of Jon McNaughton, finance capitalism as a multiracial threat, and materialist philosophies in Cold War-era memoranda. His book I The People: The Rhetoric of Conservative Populism in the United States (2022) won the 2023 Winans-Wichelns Award.

Awards:

• 2023 Winans-Wichelns Award (NCA)
• Outstanding Article Awards (2017, NCA)
• AFA Outstanding Dissertation Award (2015)

Teaching & Engagement: Courses include Public Speaking, Power/Knowledge/Desire, and the Politics of Popular Culture. He actively presents at academic colloquia and engages with media debates on populism and free speech.

Labs/Teams: While no formal lab is noted, his research collaborations include co-authorship with scholars like Von Burg and leadership in interdisciplinary projects.