Blog #2

This blog I would like to share a few instances in which Obama uses rhetorical strategies in his speech. The three rhetorical devices used are that of emotion, character, and facts/reason.

Emotions

Wise- “They want a sense of purpose, a narrative arc to their lives. They're looking to relieve a chronic loneliness, a feeling supported by a recent study that shows Americans have fewer close friends and confidants than ever before. And so they need an assurance that somebody out there cares about them, is listening to them - that they are not just destined to travel down that long highway towards nothingness.” This is a wise use of motion as a rhetorical strategy because it shows human’s wants and needs, and shows why people like to believe in a religion.

Unwise- “Jesus Christ would not vote for Barack Obama.” Obama did not actually say this himself; it was said as a religious slam by Mr. Keyes when he was running against Obama. It is unwise because yes it moved Obama, but it was something that moves people to emotions such as anger, or disappointment. Also it was used to get people to vote against Obama.

Character

Wise- “I was able to see faith as more than just a comfort to the weary or a hedge against death, but rather as an active, palpable agent in the world. As a source of hope.” Obama used this as a wise strategy in order to show having faith is good character because it gave him hope. Since he is such an important person, this shows good character.

Unwise- “I was not raised in a particularly religious household, as undoubtedly many in the audience were. My father, who returned to Kenya when I was just two, was born Muslim but as an adult became an atheist. My mother, whose parents were non-practicing Baptists and Methodists, was probably one of the most spiritual and kindest people I've ever known, but grew up with a healthy skepticism of organized religion herself. As a consequence, so did I.” This is unwise rhetorical strategy because it may be unappealing to religious voter’s character.

Facts/Reasons

Wise- “And if we're going to do that then we first need to understand that Americans are a religious people. 90 percent of us believe in God, 70 percent affiliate themselves with an organized religion, 38 percent call themselves committed Christians, and substantially more people in America believe in angels than they do in evolution.” This is a wise use of facts as a strategic device because it shows actual studies and statistics that some people might not have believed unless it was proven.

Unwise- “That's a path that has been shared by millions upon millions of Americans - evangelicals, Catholics, Protestants, Jews and Muslims alike; some since birth, others at certain turning points in their lives. It is not something they set apart from the rest of their beliefs and values. In fact, it is often what drives their beliefs and their values.” This is unwise because I believe certain religions would be offended by their path being compared to Christian’s path of values.

Blog #1

Obama’s speech is about the connection of faith and government. He wants to add religious values to the government in order to help bring religious America and secular America together. He wants to do this in order to end the “mutual suspicion” between these two groups. Obama wants to bring every religion together, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, etc., and non-believers together. He states, “Frederick Douglas, Abraham Lincoln, Williams Jennings Bryant, Dorothy Day, Martin Luther King - indeed, the majority of great reformers in American history - were not only motivated by faith, but repeatedly used religious language to argue for their cause. So to say that men and women should not inject their "personal morality" into public policy debates is a practical absurdity.” With this he shows great successful leaders that used religion to help persuade crowds, but do it by not saying My religion believes this or their religion believes that, but by showing certain morality found in each religion that bring every one together to act a greater good. Also, he does not believe religion should be used as a reason or example, he states, “I may be opposed to abortion for religious reasons, but if I seek to pass a law banning the practice, I cannot simply point to the teachings of my church or evoke God's will. I have to explain why abortion violates some principle that is accessible to people of all faiths, including those with no faith at all.” Lastly, he says this in order to show you can’t bring religion in to be intertwined with government, but be side to side with it, only taking out certain moralities and beliefs that everyone agrees with.

1st blog