ИСТИНА

The present research is devoted to the study of political discourse through the prism of linguocognitive approach. Its aim consists in finding out those linguistic peculiarities of political discourse which make it an extremely effective tool used by talented and ambitious politicians. The last presidential debates in the USA have been analysed from the point of view of linguistic means of influence used to achieve a favourable impact on the public. In order to attract the electorate, to show the positive sides of their policies and to discredit their opponents candidates for presidency use various linguistic devices. The linguocognitive approach allows us to reveal the way the American politicians try to fulfil their aims and influence the audience using various verbal means in the course of the debates.