Speech To Congress Rhetorical Analysis

The discussion over health care has been hotly contested for many years. In his speech to Congress, President Clinton claims that America’s health care must be reformed. By utilizing a combination of figure of language, uplifting and determined tone, and emotional appeal, he persuades the Americans that health care should and is possible to be reconstructed in a more affordable way. To start, Clinton emphasizes on the importance of facing changes using figure of language. “Our purpose in this dynamic age must be to make change our friend, not our enemy.” Clinton concludes. He compares “change” to “friend”, intended to bring an intimate and approachable feel to something that are being avoided because of the conflicts and uncertainties they could bring. Clinton reinforces that Americans should see changes as their friends and deal with them with a positive attitude, as changes have to be made with their health care system, one of the main issues that affects them on a daily and …show more content…
It is to promote unity of the nation that, together, it is possible to solve the issue of expensive yet wasteful health care system. “But if we can agree on some basic values and principles, we will reach this destination together.” according to Clinton. Multiple uses of pronouns directed to the audience in various parts promote unity of the country as well. “...tonight we come together to write a new chapter in the American story… we must fix this system… let us keep this spirit [and] commitment until this job is done… let us guarantee every American comprehensive health benefits...” Clinton motivates the audience by directly referring to them, adding a sense of civil participation in the movement. His tone strengthens his argument that health care reform is possible and should be pursued if everyone could share the same values and work together towards the same