The inaugural address began with, “my fellow citizens” this seems like a typical thing to say, but in viewing it from the aspect that he is making an argument to convince that he is relate-able and also attempting to speak to his audience he is setting up the parameters of things to come that may not be easy for people who disagree to swallow. The President went on to described himself as humbled, grateful, and mindful. The emotion argument his emotion as he stood before the mass of people
“Forty-four Americans have given this sacred oath,” this is an example of his argument to inform. This is either notifying people of the fact or is solidifying a a heartfelt connection to a pure number. The way it is presented and the fact that it has the described affect is genius. Another argument to inform was spoken of when Obama mentioned the crisis that the nation is in. To this he included war, economic crisis and a crumbling of confidence in the government to bring about positive change. This specific argument to inform showed his audience that he was willing to address the hard issues to be faced and not just let them slide.
Some of the arguments made by the President of past present and future were really compelling, but also begs to be dissected. The thing he said that was an example of past was that Americans were "remaining faithful to the forbearers’ ideals and true to the founding documents." That struck me since I have often wondered what many of the founders would think if they could see how far this nation has come through what decisions. Another argument geared more toward the present and future is when described a looming fear in people, “that America’s decline is inevitable.” To this he spoke of a nation rebuilding itself and, to crudely paraphrase, that there needed to be a present change in attitude in implementing “hope over fear."
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Lauren,
ReplyDeleteAs you talked about at the beginning of your post, Obama's opening statement of "My fellow citizens" also helped me to relate to a man with such power, even though he is now the President. It made me think of how he is really a President for all Americans because of his unique background. I also enjoyed the fact that you brought up Obama's quote about how 44 Americans have taken the oath. This really made me think about how important of a position the President holds. Only 44 other people have ever taken this position, it's very exclusive. Nice posting, I enjoyed reading it.
Lauren,
ReplyDeleteI definitely love that he started off with, "My fellow citizens..." It was definitely an emotional/logical appeal because it made people remember that he too is an American citizen like the rest of us, the rest of America who is having to deal with this economical, school, political break down. He is having to deal with the exact same things we are, because the Captain goes down with the ship, or so the saying goes. Anyways, awesome blogging!
It seems as though we had a common thought when we heard the first words come out of our new president's mouth. I'm sure many Americans felt a certain connection with him as he identified himself as a fellow citizen of ours. You can really see that he is putting himself on a level playing field with all classes in our society. I liked how you mentioned that Obama addressed the hard issues because I feel like no matter if someone is a Democrat or a Republican they can relate to that because I would think that most people would want our leader to be able to tackle not only the the simple tasks as Commander in Chief but also be able to make those really tough decisions that come forward. I also liked how you ended with the quote "hope over fear" because that is one of the long standing ideals that America has put forth and will continue to be throughout this new presidency.
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