Thomas Jefferson's Wall Of Separation

Kennedy relies heavily upon historical allusions when challenging the concerns regarding his affiliation with the Catholic Church. Perhaps the most significant allusion relates to Thomas Jefferson’s stance on the relationship between church and state whereby a “wall of separation” would exist between the two. The relationship between the government and religion, at the time Kennedy delivered his speech, seemed unstable; the Supreme Court, through its long history, had opted, both, for a Jeffersonian approach whereby the “wall of separation” existed, but also for a Madisonian approach that carved out religious exemptions to various portions of civil law. Religious exemptions could be perceived as one facet of favoritism leading to a slippery slope of mistrust and resentment from the American citizenry with regards to governmental treatment of religious denominations. Therefore, Kennedy was faced with the dilemma of allowing the pressure to mount from his religious association resulting in possible exemptions, or taking a hard stance on the way in which religious toleration, as understood by Jefferson, was to be handled. The direct mention of the “wall of separation” produces a monumental statement which further establishes Kennedy’s legitimacy as a candidate for the presidency. Though he practices Catholicism, Kennedy recognizes the separate spheres that exist between government and religion which denotes his comprehension of the manner in which responsibilities of the presidency are to be carried out should he be elected. Clinton’s use of historical allusions lends aid to the establishment individual presidential caliber. Clinton says of Abraham Lincoln: “He used to joke about his lack of military experience, saying the only blood he lost in defense of his country was to mosquitos…And yet he had the judgment and wisdom and strength of conviction to lead America through its bloodiest and most painful conflict” (Clinton). Abraham Lincoln becomes a critical component of Clinton’s speech. The rhetorical barrier separating Clinton and his audience remains the uncertainty surrounding Clinton’s actions during the Vietnam War coupled with the heightened sense of patriotism exhibited by the American people. The public sought a President with military prowess and the capability of preserving the United States’ status as an international power. Clinton’s military experience hung in the balance producing feelings of doubt from the citizenry. As Clinton notes, President Lincoln – widely considered one of the greatest leaders of American history – had minimal experience militarily; yet, his administration overcame perhaps the most grueling conflict to ever occur on United States soil. According to the passage, “judgment and wisdom and strength of conviction” are the essential qualities of a leader. Therefore, a lack of military expertise can be regarded as nothing more than a blemish on the qualifications of the presidential candidate. Clinton later quotes Lincoln directly: “Mr. Lincoln told his neighbors in Springfield, Illinois, that defending the nation in a civil war was a task ‘more difficult than that which devolved upon General Washington…’” (Clinton). General Washington had the …show more content…
In addressing their audiences, the two rhetors utilize arguments of association as well as historical allusions to convey a general encouragement of judgment based upon America’s issues. Though Kennedy and Clinton ultimately argue for a unified nation going forward through various arguments of association, the historical allusions offer insights into the nation’s long history of divisiveness to strengthen the appeals for