As you all know, President Obama delivered the annual State of the Union Address on Tuesday night. This is a prime example of the use of rhetoric and its importance in our lives. In this particular situation, the President's rhetoric had the goal of conveying one, strong message in particular: working together to progress as a nation.
From the beginning of the address, Obama made a point of using language and examples that support and call for unity in all aspects of our nation. In particular, he tried to get the message across that both Republicans and Democrats have to work together in order to get things done, particularly as we look into the future. He called for this when he said, "What comes of this moment will be determined not by whether we can sit together tonight, but whether we can work together tomorrow." This statement set the tone for the rest of his speech, in which he would call for compromise, and also give proof that working together has already begun, and will continue in the future.
Another message that Obama tried to get across was that America must begin to progress in order to compete with the rest of the world, particularly China. There are countless instances in which he referred to China's advancements as a nation, and compared them to America's failings. By doing this, he was trying to get his audience to feel the need for competition and progression as a nation. Obama's multiple references to China in comparison to the US helped his point that we must progress technologically and academically in order to compete with the changing global society.
A third rhetorical strategy of Obama was to appeal to the beliefs and traditions of both political parties, therefore keeping everybody happy. The ideas that he spoke of were mostly big picture goals, which both parties could agree on and compromise. By doing this, he kept all of his audience happy and attentive. Furthermore, he contributed to his overall theme of unity.
I think that this year's State of the Union address was masterfully done. The President made sure that he didn't stray too far to the left, which would anger half of his audience, and he laid down some big picture goals that both parties can compromise on, which will be necessary in the next two years. Obama's rhetorical strategies on Tuesday night were extremely effective.
Just finished reading your post, my RCL blog was actually on the same topic, however you probably did a much better job at it.And yes, I agree with a lot of your assertions, most of all that you mentioned Obama's careful effort of staying party-neutral. It was like a walk across a tight-rope, trying to distribute blame and commendations (without placing either more on one side that the other), and being assertive and still appearing open to ideas and constructive criticism. I think he's greatest success in that speech was getting across the idea that he was everyone's president, both democrats and republicans, and that he would work with, guide, listen to and protect and command each side as the President of the US. As you can probably tell; I'm a huge Obama fan. :)
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