The Rhetorical Analysis Of John F. Kennedy

F Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was widely known for his famous inaugural address. John F Kennedy was an intelligent, insightful, determined President of the United States. The vote count was very close, John F. Kennedy had won with 303 electoral votes and 34,226,731 popular votes compared to Richard M. Nixon 219 electoral votes and 34,108,157 popular votes ("1960 Presidential"). For that reason, Kennedy had to prove that he is going to be a great president through his inaugural speech. As a result of winning the election, Kennedy had to make sure his speech was truly inspiring, motivating, and had enough evidence to prove he was perfect for the position and was capable of leading the people (Wilentz). Throughout American
Kennedy will do what needs to be done to ensure the welfare of the nation. Kenney says “In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility—I welcome it” (Kennedy). Kennedy employs ethos through the use of his strong and passionate diction. For example, he says “All this will not be finished in the first one hundred days. Nor will it be finished in the first one thousand days; nor in the life of this Administration; nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin”(Kennedy). JFK is expressing that although the change will not be quick and easy, the important thing is to start or nothing will be done or fixed. He wants people to know that change will come. John F. Kennedy's also uses pathos in his speech to appeal the audience's emotions. John F. Kennedy's use of pathos in his speech helped the citizens to feel power and importance to their country which affected the outcome of the election. Kennedy says, “We will never fear to negotiate, but we will never negotiate out of fear”—and self-sacrifice at home"(Kennedy). Here, Kennedy is addressing the measures they are going to take as a country to maintain their freedom. He uses pathos to allow the citizens to feel a sense of protection and