Divided Views: The Paralysis of American Politics

Susan Page is an American journalist and the current Washington Bureau Chief for USA Today. In her online document “Divided we now Stand,” Page makes a convincing argument that the national government today fails at functioning because of its greatly divided views in its political parties. Because of these strong opposing views, no “common ground,” can be found for anyone to agree upon allowing for nothing to get done (Page). Page successfully explains her argument using plenty of statistics, clear cut diction, and finally Page’s point, that the current government is greatly divided, is easily identified with the use of continuous repetition of the statistics and diction she presents. Using these tricks Page is able to relate to most of her audience, allowing her to sell her position very well.

On almost every statement Page explains, she has some sort of statistic to back up what is being said. This allows for readers to gain a better view on the point trying to be made

It has this effect on readers because the diction is not artificially high to a point where no one can understand, but is to a point where it is easily comprehendible by most and is also high level enough for to be viewed as smart and therefore gives credibility to her as a writer. To demonstrate, “the ideological divide between the two major parties, stoked by the gerrymandering of congressional districts and the financial clout of interest groups, has made it difficult to find common ground” (Page). Restating her position once again, the way this quote is said it puts Page into a position where she seems very wise but is still able to be understood by most people of higher education. With most of the audience able to understand her as she speaks at a high level of diction, this greatly improves her position as she is able to both convey her message and relate to the readers; allowing them to believe what she has to say much