Nixon writes his speech during the first year of his presidency about the war in Vietnam, an unpopular war with the general public. A strong anti-war movement was stirring in america. Left-sided people were joining peaceful revolts to end the war, and there was a large state of unrest among the american people. The beliefs of Nixon do not coincide with these trends in the country. In this speech, Nixon does his best to defend his stance on the war and his foreign policy. He believes that the majority of Americans also stand with him, and in his speech “The Great Silent Majority”, he calls upon these people to show their support in fighting the war to bring peace through his means. To persuade the crowd, Nixon utilizes rhetoric appeals, counterarguments,
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Also, he juxtaposes the stubborn nature of the Vietnamese to the flexibility of the United States. This act makes the audience view the North Vietnamese as an enemy and not some undeserving object of American aggression. America’s attempts at negotiating thus far are unsuccessful, but Nixon stops the audience on blaming these minor defeats on America. According to Nixon, America made many peaceful negotiations such as “the complete withdrawal of all forces” and “a cease fire under international supervision,” (3). Making the American negotiations seem generous and helpful to the war effort, Nixon causes the audience to view the North Vietnamese as irrational. He continues to expand the flexibility of the United States by indicating that they are willing to brainstorm different options and compromise. To deliver this message, Nixon states that “anything is negotiable except for the rights of the people of South Vietnam,” (3). Drastically making the United States out as open-minded on policy, Nixon improves public view on his administration and dealings with the foreign powers. He juxtaposes this rationality to the leaders of the Vietnamese, making them seem completely irrational and unable to cooperate. From his reports, the Vietnamese have “refused to even discuss our proposals. They demand our unconditional acceptance” Completely villainizing the Vietnamese creates a strong argument for Nixon. The audience feels that the United State’s efforts have been well handled and their ceaselessness makes the audience feel secure in their country’s efforts in
Also, he juxtaposes the stubborn nature of the Vietnamese to the flexibility of the United States. This act makes the audience view the North Vietnamese as an enemy and not some undeserving object of American aggression. America’s attempts at negotiating thus far are unsuccessful, but Nixon stops the audience on blaming these minor defeats on America. According to Nixon, America made many peaceful negotiations such as “the complete withdrawal of all forces” and “a cease fire under international supervision,” (3). Making the American negotiations seem generous and helpful to the war effort, Nixon causes the audience to view the North Vietnamese as irrational. He continues to expand the flexibility of the United States by indicating that they are willing to brainstorm different options and compromise. To deliver this message, Nixon states that “anything is negotiable except for the rights of the people of South Vietnam,” (3). Drastically making the United States out as open-minded on policy, Nixon improves public view on his administration and dealings with the foreign powers. He juxtaposes this rationality to the leaders of the Vietnamese, making them seem completely irrational and unable to cooperate. From his reports, the Vietnamese have “refused to even discuss our proposals. They demand our unconditional acceptance” Completely villainizing the Vietnamese creates a strong argument for Nixon. The audience feels that the United State’s efforts have been well handled and their ceaselessness makes the audience feel secure in their country’s efforts in