Rhetorical Analysis Of President Obama's Inauguration Speeches

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Throughout more than two hundred years Americans have witnessed more then fifty-six inaugural addresses. In those speeches presidents have been utilizing rhetoric to make their points and outline their positions on important issues before the nation. Both of President Obama’s Inauguration Speeches successfully craft rhetoric through A connection with the audience is imperative for politicians and presidents. Obama’s powerful arguments and speeches during his long journey eventually leads him to the White House. Many people anticipate President Obama's first Inauguration speech; in fact, from a historical context, many Americans never expect to hear such a speech. Being the first black president, Obama establishes popularity with the American people and attracts all types of audiences in his first inauguration speech by addressing the nation as “ a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and non believers ” (Inaugural 2). Mentioning race is a strong way of forming a connection with the audience because instead of classifying the …show more content…

Obama speaks of America with courage and confidence in his first inaugural address by mentioning how previous Americans “faced down fascism and communism…with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions” (2009). By describing the troubles as well as the successes, Obama creates a sense of pride and patriotism. The president also uses haunting imagery to form fear in the audience such as “the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages” (2009). Both quotes perfectly intertwine with each other through the speech so the audience feels a variety of emotions while understanding the values of America and importance of freedom. Obama conquers the method of pathos by putting himself into other peoples shoes while having them step into

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