44th President, Barack Obama, in his 2009 Inauguration speech, mitigates the concerns of the American people through his reassurance of impending change. Throughout his speech, Obama acknowledges the existing turmoil in the United States; however, he combats these concerns with optimism and hope. He employs a patriotic tone in order to urge the American citizens to join him in his endeavors towards mending the country. He does this by strategically implementing the following appeals: fear and flag-waving
Obama commences his speech by invoking fear in his audience. He openly address America’s challenge when he says: “Our nation is at war against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred” (Obama 1). He appeals to the emotions of his audience …show more content…
He states that “the time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea passed on from generation to generation.” Obama conveys to his audience the importance of continuing the American legacy in order to resurrect the spirit of the American people. This burst of patriotic reassurance assists the development of his main idea, ultimately strengthening his credibility in the eyes of his audience.
It’s also apparent that Obama utilized a variety of references to the past to get his message across. His goal was insinuate that we are all united under one binding history. Obama testifies to his audiences that “in the year of America’s birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river, the capital was abandoned, the enemy was advancing and the snow was stained with blood” (Obama 33). Obama integrates the beginning of the birth America in order play on the patriotic values people possess. In all, this rhetorical appeal highlights his diligence and dedication to the United States.
Consequently, President Barack Obama successfully implement the rhetorical appeals fear, flag-waving, and references to the past in order to convince the country that his presidency would bring about
Obama commences his speech by invoking fear in his audience. He openly address America’s challenge when he says: “Our nation is at war against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred” (Obama 1). He appeals to the emotions of his audience …show more content…
He states that “the time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea passed on from generation to generation.” Obama conveys to his audience the importance of continuing the American legacy in order to resurrect the spirit of the American people. This burst of patriotic reassurance assists the development of his main idea, ultimately strengthening his credibility in the eyes of his audience.
It’s also apparent that Obama utilized a variety of references to the past to get his message across. His goal was insinuate that we are all united under one binding history. Obama testifies to his audiences that “in the year of America’s birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river, the capital was abandoned, the enemy was advancing and the snow was stained with blood” (Obama 33). Obama integrates the beginning of the birth America in order play on the patriotic values people possess. In all, this rhetorical appeal highlights his diligence and dedication to the United States.
Consequently, President Barack Obama successfully implement the rhetorical appeals fear, flag-waving, and references to the past in order to convince the country that his presidency would bring about