Political Rhetoric Essay

onlyt F. Kennedy and Barack Obama both make in(predicate) attempts at addressing the thoughts, concerns, and fears of the Ameri tail bulk in their savoir-fairees made on the Democratic plat work on. tin F. Kennedy addresses the commonwealth in his 1960 Inaugural Address, while Obama addresses Bostonians at Democratic Convention in a idiom entitled The shamelessness of Hope. some(prenominal) speakers demonstrate the skilful use of the rhetorical devices ethos, logos, and commiseration for the affair of assembleing support for policies and reports thought to be important in shaping the future of the country. The raises made by these speakers demonstrate an ability to grab the sake of the audience and engage their attention through continued appeals to their conscience as humans and Americans (C tout ensembleaway). twain Obama and Kennedy abide by in employing these ethical, tenacious, and pathetic modes of discourse in a t atomic number 53 that seeks to motivate and in spire their audiences to support them in their endeavors.As a young Catholic, can buoy F. Kennedys road to the white house was filled with difficulties. He lost the ballot for the Democratic candidacy in 1956, and was forced to wait four more old age before he could gain the chance to run for the American Presidency. His victory over Richard Nixon in noember of 1960 was genuinely hard won, with legion(predicate) persons apprehensive of his campaign strategy involving making the united States a new frontier. As the country had entered an economic slump and faced the threat of communism, his job was difficult on both national and foreign frontiers. Yet, his policies were dynamic, and he audibly heralded the dawn of a new generation (The colour House). outhouse F. Kennedy gave his first speech on January 20, 1961 as the 35th president of the United States and the youngest one to date (Carter 36). This inaugural speech is an exemplary one in the discipline of rhetoric for it sk illfully engages its audience with tone at the beginning of the speech, as he downplays the Democratic victory and calls attention to the tradition of liberty that has been the heritage of the American people (Meyer 239).He speaks not of victory of a party but a celebration of immunitysymbolizing an end as well as a beginningsignifying a renewal as well as change (Kennedy). Using well chosen diction, he decl ars unselfishly an eagerness to cheer the hard-won freedom and a determination to act morally on the national and international scene. He makes the necessitate that civility is not a sign of weakness, thereby underscoring the importance of ethical conduct and principled expression (Kennedy).Kennedys assertion of the unity of his country is one that, according to his discourse, aims to extend to the entirety of the Americas. He clarifies the place setting of this civility by highlighting the courage that should attend all diplomatic endeavors. This was the period of the Bay of Pigs in which Russias app nuclear number 18nt aim was to establish a presence in Cuba. Kennedy declares, Let every an separate(prenominal) power know that this hemisphere intends to remain the master of its own house (Kennedy). This represents an ethical claim which finds it just and right for the stronger nations in the region to stand guard on behalf of the weaker ones. Kennedy makes this statement in order to found that the United States does and should consider it its duty to safeguard the pursuances of the countries of Earths Western Hemisphere. John F. Kennedy in addition appeals to the logical find of the entire nation in a number of ways through bring out his speech (Meyer 239). For example, he refers to the diplomacy he intends to undertake with other nations and announces that logic and discussion go forth attend such diplomatic meetings for the discussion of arms and hostile military activity. He displays the logic of his belief in his statement that nations in conflict do well to formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms (Kennedy). The self-opinionated method in which these proposed ideas are to be dealt with underscores the logical construction of the manner in which such negotiations are to proceed. The speech by Kennedy also reflects a significant appeal to the sentiments of the nation (Meyer 139). The pathetic sympathies of his audience are aroused in his appeal to the traditions of liberty upon which the nation has been built. This patriotism elicits the pride and nationalism of the audience in the take to of identifying and exploiting the connection between the militarist actions of the past and his proposal for diplomatic action in the future.He appeals for their support in his illustrious lines, Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. Ask not what America willing do for you but what together we can do for the freedom of man (Kennedy). He makes this a ppeal, and in doing so requests the assistance of Americans sense of duty, which should be unwilling to control or permit any form of encroachment upon the freedom hard won by those forefathers who died on the battlefields (Kennedy). Here he indicates that the Soviet efforts to establish threatening communist connections with Cuba would not be tolerated by the United States. Kennedy also appeals to the trepidation felt by many Americans because of the stand-off developing between the United States and the Soviet Union. He refers to the state of atomic warfare in the world and speaks to the widespread fear that seemed to permeate the nation since the atomic bomb became a threat. He demonstrates his understanding of peoples concern with what he terms the staunch spread of the deadly atom (Kennedy). He makes this appeal to the fear they feel in order to earn their support for the military budget he subsequently proposes. Kennedy evokes the deep sense of endurance of the people in a call to bear the burden of a long, twilight struggle, year in and year out (Kennedy).This reflects the depth of the seriousness which he attributes to the threat of atomic aggression by hostile Communist states. Furthermore, the concomitant that this idea is given immediately following the allusion to the graves of young Americans who answered the call to service around the world pull downs to the gravity of the situation that faces the United States. Kennedy, therefore, stirs the feelings of his audience in order to garner their acceptance of the idea that the pricey upkeep of the military most likely leading to a extensiveer tax burden is of great necessity to the preservation of American life, liberty, and dignity. It will be seen that the effectiveness of Barack Obamas speech utilizes techniques that are sympathetic to those used by Kennedy.Barack Obamas keynote speech to the National Democratic Convention was given on July 29, 2004 before he became a Senator (African-Am erican 16). His goal in giving this speech is to heighten the idea of vivacious the American dream under the democratic candidate John Kerry. It is an example of a speech pen to appeal to readers on several trains of the rhetorical scale. At this point in Obamas life, he is a member of the Illinois state legislature and has recently announced his candidacy for the United States Senate.As a legislator, he has had exposure to the responsibility of making ethical decisions that result in the better regulation of the liberties promised in the temperament (Mack 99). He has also done work in very poor neighborhoods, and knows firsthand the problems faced by the people in those areas. The moral credibility of this speech is embodied in this central purpose to promote and support life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness (Obama).He cites these qualities as being attributable to a opinion in simple dreams, an insistence on small miracles that we can tuck in our children at darkness and know that they are fed and clothed and safe from harm that we can say what we think, write what we think, without earshot a sudden knock on the door (Obama). The knowledge Obama has gained from his diverse experience qualifies him to speak on the behalf of a candidate whose aims are drafted along the lines of enacting legislation that will improve peoples hearty condition.Obama also uses ethical reasoning in his charge to the American leaders to engage the governments of other nations in talks that will unite countries under the banner of their common problems rather than divide them based on conflict. He charges such leaders to encourage them to look the areas of science that give wonder and hope, rather than those areas that intimidate and promise harm. In this way, Obama appeals to the deep sense of moral character and integrity possessed by his hearers, and which he knows they hope for the person he introduces John Kerry to bring to his agenda as a democratic candidate for the presidency.Obama also utilizes the rhetorical device of poignancy in his Democratic Convention speech. From the very beginning of his speech, his run-in appeal to the sentiments of his audience as he reminisces on the ancestral lines that brought him to where he now stands. He highlights how unbelievable it is for him to prepare achieved the privilege of being in his current position, because of the lowliness of his fathers birth (Mack 101). His humility is obvious in his use of the phrase Thank you eight times in the first two lines. He mentions the goat-herding vocation of his father, and yet contrasts this with the strength of the dreams his grandfather had for his goat-herding son.Obama appeals further to the audiences sentiment by underlining the level of hard work to which his maternal grandfather committed himself, emphasizing his eagerness to enlist in the American military on the day that Pearl Harbor was bombed. He also does this in his reference to the manik in of people who seek a land in which they call home.He says, Its the hope of slaves sitting around a fire singing freedom songs the hope of immigrants setting out for distant shores the hope of a young naval lieutenant bravely patrolling the Mekong Delta the hope of a mill-workers son who dares to delay the odds the hope of a skinny kid with a funny name who believes that America has a place for him, too (Obama). In this way, he appeals to the patriotic nature of the audience and to highlight the right he and the diverse population have to claim this nation as their own.Barack Obama also makes a joint appeal both to the logos and pathos of the audience in his allusion to the job and health care situations in America. He says, It is that fundamental belief I am my brothers keeper. I am my sisters keeper that makes this country work, and this represents his rousing of the conscience of the people toward a more communal type of affectionate policy he advocates (Obama). He also demo nstrates reasoning and in his manipulation of specific problems, evoking a sense that justice fails where people who have worked diligently all their lives are now required to compete with teenagers for low-paying jobs.This form of appeal also comes to the fore where he mentions the hardworking father who is at a loss to ensure out how he can pay a $4500 weekly bill for his sick son when he cannot afford insurance (Obama). The dismal circumstances evoke the sympathy of his hearers. He also combines logos and pathos in his mention of the health care situation. From a logical point of view, humanitarian considerations support the idea of universal health care and hard work should logically be rewarded with proper medical treatment when necessary.The tone of Obamas address is one of patriotism and urgency. He speaks of the drive and heart of the American people underscores his point that the leader he endorses believes strongly in the ideas he has put forth. He says, no(prenominal) even up as we speak, there are those who are preparing to divide us the spin masters, the negative ad peddlers who acquire the politics of anything goes. Well, I say to them tonight, there is not a liberal America and a buttoned-down America there is the United States of America (Obama).His tone is also inspirational and motivational, and he highlights the ways in which the passion and ambition of the American people has the ability not just to make them succeed in the things to which they put their hands and minds, but also to unite them as one nation. Yet he also highlights the areas that need change, and encourages all the audience that together such goals can be achieved if the American initiative and address is employed. He exhorts his audience with his words and provocative tone to move forward by selecting the right candidate. The speeches of John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama use rhetoric as a means of constructing logical and ethical arguments that appeal also to the sen timents of their audience. Both speakers show themselves to be exceptional orators and to possess skill in rousing the spirits of the nation in support of their political campaigns. They also show themselves to be united in their efforts to earn the backing of the American people for future domestic and foreign policies.Obama appeals to the deepest and most immediate concerns of the people, and by insisting on his interest in social welfare programs, shows himself worthy of their trust and sympathies. Kennedys inaugural speech highlights the endeavor of a newly elected Democratic president to air the qualities of an unproven leader as being gracious for the direction the country seeks to take. Kennedy makes himself one with the people by referring to the areas in which they share ethical beliefs and logical connections. Both speakers allude to recent and older historical periods in which wars were fought and Americans died. In so doing, the speakers are able to garner support for t he policies that will preserve freedom and prosperity for many gave their lives.Works CitedAn African-American Law initiate Professor Aims to Become the Fifth Black U.S. Senator. The Journal of Blacks in Higher genteelness. Vol. 43 (Spring, 2004) pp 16 17. JSTOR. http//links.jstor.org/sici?sici=10773711%28200421%290%3A43%3C16 %3AAALSPA%3E2.0.CO%3B2-R.Callaway, Michael. Logos, Ethos, and Pathos. azimuth State University. 26 January 2008 http//www.public.asu.edu/macalla/logosethospathos.html.Carter, Burnham Jr. President Kennedys Inaugural Address. College Composition and Communication. Vol. 14 none 1 (February, 1963) pp 36 40. JSTOR. 1 February 2008 http//links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0010096X%28196302%2914%3A1%3C36%3APKIA%3 E2.0.CO%3B2-QKennedy, John Fitzgerald. Inaugural Address. 20 January 1061. American magniloquence Online Speech Bank. 26 January 2008 http//www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/jfkinaugural.htm.Mack, Kenneth W. Barack Obama before He Was a Rising Political Star The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education. No. 45, pp 99 104 (Autumn, 2004). JSTOR. 1 February 2008 http//links.jstor.org/sici?sici=1077-3711%28200423%290%3A45%3C98%3ABOBHWA%3E2.0.CO%3B2-N.Meyer, Sam. The John F. Kennedy Inauguration Speech lead and Importance of Its Address System. grandiosity Society Quarterly Vol. 12 No. 4 (Autumn, 1982), pp. 239- 250. JSTOR. 1 February 2008 http//links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0277-3945%28198223%2912%3A4%3C239%3ATJFKIS%3E2.0.CO%3B2-M .Obama, Barack. The Audacity of Hope. 27 July 2004. American palaver Online Speech Bank. 26 January 2008 http//www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/convention2004/barackobama2004dnc.htm.White House, The. John Kennedy. Past Presidents. Washington. Retrieved on February 18, 2008 from http//www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/jk35.htmlAnnotated BibliographyAn African-American Law coach Professor Aims to Become the Fifth Black U.S. Senator. The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education. Vol. 43 (Spring, 2004) p p 16 17. JSTOR. .This member from The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education appeared in the Spring 2004 edition. It is an un-authored article that talks about Barack Obamas rise through the political ranks all the way up to running for Senator. This article will table service provide background information related to Obamas early years in the State legislative assembly and later on in the Senate.Blakesley, David, and Jeffrey Hoogeveen. The Brief Thompson Handbook. Ohio Thomson Wadsworth, 2008.This book is a handbook used for reference in all forms of writing. It has unique sections such as MLA documentation and how to research writing critically. It served a dual purpose in my paper as it was able to help me define several key terms as well as cite all appropriate blood lines properly.Callaway, Michael. Logos, Ethos, and Pathos. Arizona State University. 26 January 2008 .This site presents a helpful chart on the ethos, pathos, and logos, which clearly differentiates each of the three styles of presenting an argument. It also presents clear definition as well as some examples from known articles indite by recognized celebrities. It also gave keenness into how to fixate a well-developed essay on rhetoric.Carter, Burnham Jr. President Kennedys Inaugural Address. College Composition and Communication. Vol. 14 No. 1 (February, 1963) pp 36 40. JSTOR. 1 February 2008 http//links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0010096X%28196302%2914%3A1%3 C36%3APKIA%3E2.0.CO%3B2-QThis five page article by Burnham Carter Jr. was written two years after President John F. Kennedy gave his Inaugural Address. It praises Kennedys words and goes on to explore why it was such a great speech. This article is very well organized and uses outsides sources to get its point across. The ideas in this article will provide a basis upon which to build further arguments concerning the effectiveness of John F. Kennedys speech.Clarke, Thurston. The Inauguration of John F. Kennedy and the Speech Tha t Changed America. The San Francisco Chronicle. 24 October, 2004. 26 January 2008 .This article from the San Francisco Chronicle by Thurston Clarke recounts one of the most famous speeches ever given The Inauguration of JFK. There was a myth that the speech could have been written by JFKs assistant, Ted Sorensen. However, in the article Thurston disproves the rumor and demonstrates how JFK was the true author of his own rummy words. The work helps give insight into the strategic mind of John F. Kennedy, and will apply to the logical aspects of the uninflected paper..Kennedy, John Fitzgerald. Inaugural Address. 20 January 1061. American Rhetoric Online Speech Bank. 26 January 2008 .John F Kennedys Inaugural Address can be found in the Online Speech Bank of the American Rhetoric website. On this specific page it has the audio, video, and text of the speech that I will be analyzing. The speech will be examined on the following areas of rhetoric pathos, logos and ethos, and wil l provide the primary material to be assessed.Mack, Kenneth W. Barack Obama before He Was a Rising Political Star The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education. No. 45, pp 99 104 (Autumn, 2004). JSTOR. 1 February 2008 .Kenneth W. Mack wrote this four page article for The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education in the Fall of 2004. In the article, Mack addresses his relationship with Barack Obama on both a political and person-to-person scale. He recounts anecdotes of himself and Obama along with other important political figures to shed light on hwo deserving Obama is of his acclaim. He also analyzes the primaevalnote Address that Obama gave at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. This article will provide deeper insight into the Obamas character, and will inform the main ideas presented in the analysis of his speech.Meyer, Sam. The John F. Kennedy Inauguration Speech Function and Importance of Its Address System. Rhetoric Society Quarterly Vol. 12 No. 4 (Autumn, 1982), pp. 2 39-250. JSTOR. 1 February 2008 .This twelve page article is an in-depth analysis on John F Kennedys Inaugural Speech. It explores all aspects of the speech with topics ranging from the audience to logos, pathos, and ethos. It breaks down different quotations and analyzes the content and not only the textual meaning but possible broader meanings. It will aid in the relation of the ideas presented in JFKs speech to the context in which it was made.Obama, Barack. The Audacity of Hope. 27 July 2004. American Rhetoric Online Speech Bank. 26 January 2008 .The American Rhetoric is a website that houses famous pieces of literature, both American and Foreign. This particular piece is a speech from the 2004 Democratic National Convention and is the Key Note Address. The speech is given by Barack Obama when he was still a member of the Illinois State Legislator. I will be examining the speech for the main elements of Rhetoric logos, pathos and ethos. It will be used as the main source from w hich quotations and examples will be drawn in an analysis of the speechs effectiveness.Ramage, John, John Bean, and June Johnson. Writing Arguments A Rhetoric with Readings. 7th ed. White Plains, NY Longman, 2006.This is a book that revolves around the topic of arguments. It defines argument, presents legion(predicate) argument readings over the pages, and then tractor trailers on assisting readers into writing arguments. One of the arguments in the text is a speech by Former Attorney General John Ashcroft titled, Testimony to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Using pathos Ashcroft states that America must not be complacent and should be one-on-one in defending the nation against terrorist attacks. Another argument in the book is made by Patricia Williams in an article titled To wait on or Not to See. This article tackles the invalidity of the antiterrorism policies, especially when it comes to liberty and human rights of the minorities. The methods in which these state off icials tackle these tough problems will give insight into the difficulties facing Kennedy at the time. Comparisons of his attitude with that of these contemporary leaders will help to indicate the extent to which his proposed policies were necessary.United Sates. Senate. Barack Obama U.S. Senator for Illinois. 1 February 2008.This website is the homepage for Senator Barack Obama. It is a very detailed site with many subsidiary pages that include things from biographical information to his previous speeches on podcast. The homepage has an RSS feed that gives up to the minute in style(p) news relating to the Senator. It also indicates the issues for which Obama argues and different committees with which he is associated. This source gives an idea of the Obamas political interests and facilitates the comparison of his speechs main points. It also gives insight into the areas in which Obama may have done (or found) research for his speech.White House, The. John Kennedy. Past Presidents . Washington. Retrieved on February 18, 2008 from http//www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/jk35.htmlThis article is a biography of John F. Kennedy, detailing his birth, electrical circuit in Japan, road to the White House and subsequent assassination while in office. It also tells of other accomplishments, the Bay of Pigs campaign, and the overall mission that he had in store for the country. It is useful as a source of general background information concerning Kennedy.