The cabinet member as a representative of the president: The case of James Watt

A comparison of the environmental rhetoric of former Interior Secretary Watt and President Reagan explains the political value the Cabinet member had for the President which outweighed his political liability. Cabinet members extend a President's influence by reaching issue‐specific audiences while maintaining philososphical consistency with the President and serve as surrogates on controversial issues who can keep the President free from contamination. Although subdued in official presentations, the Cabinet member's personal style will still be evident in symbolic choices, especially in addresses to partisan audiences.