A Rhetorical Analysis Of Richard Nixon's Resignation

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Richard Milhous Nixon, the 37th president, gave his “Resignation Address to the Nation (1974)” speech explaining that he wasn’t going to be the president any more. Through his speech, Nixon demonstrates logos, pathos, ethos, repetition and anaphora to the citizens of the United States. Nixon’s goal is to suggest that the Watergate issue was not his fault, and also to resign from his presidency profoundly in order to avoid impeachment by the people. The tone of his voice was apologetic as he addressed the nation on his resignation.
Who is Richard M. Nixon and how did he get to be president? Richard Nixon was the 37th president of the United States. He is important to know because he was the first and the only president to resign from office. …show more content…

Many people may not know about the reason for his resignation, but it all started at a hotel called Watergate. One night a security guard had found tape over the lock on the Democratic National Committee headquarters. This was held in the Watergate hotel. The break-in was made to receive extra money to fund Nixon’s re-election. As soon as this story of the break-in had hit the news, Nixon had recalled the surveillance tapes which had proved his part-taking in the scandal. The FBI, CIA, and the White House had all attempted to cover up for Richard Nixon. Sometime later, the Supreme Court had ordered the tapes to be revealed. Nixon had distinguished that this would have a result of impeachment, so he had resigned on the day of August 9, 1974. …show more content…

He was a smart man who used extravagant words along with logical reasoning to help cover up and avoid the main conflict. Nixon claims “As president, I must put the interest of America first”. He attempts to convince the audience that he is doing what is best for the nation. However, he knows that this is the best thing that he can do for himself to avoid impeachment and criminal charges. His logic is false compared to his actual intentions. He implied that he didn’t want to go to court for these charges brought against him because it would “take too long” away from the presidential duties, even though he knew that he wouldn’t have a choice but to be removed from office.

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