The Audacity of Hope: A Rhetorical Analysis

Hope, by definition means to look forward to something with reasonable desire and confidence. Hope also means a person or thing in which expectations are centered. When discussing the word hope, one must consider the core values by which the word works around. You could hope for financial success, world peace, or simply hope for some good out of your day. In 2006, Barack Obama wrote the political biography The Audacity of Hope to outline his core political and spiritual beliefs, as well as his opinions on different aspects of American culture. The Illinois senator divided the book into nine chapters, each concentrating on both his own and the United States’ successes and failures in local and state politics. While revealing great leadership attributes, life experiences, personal qualities and hard facts, largely in anecdotal method, Barack Obama offers realistic, wide and thoughtful responses to today’s current domestic controversies using artistic appeals, such as ethos, pathos and logos. Senator Obama also gives the audience an in-depth analysis of the key policies that need to be changed for both Democrats and Republicans, and delivers an inherent message to offer hope to anyone, regardless of background or experiences. In the prologue, he discusses in great detail virtually every major political issue facing the American electorate today, offering his opinions and possible strategies for reform. “My motivation in entering politics was to cut through decades of polarizing partisanship and develop a moderate, effective approach to our government.” (Barackopedia.org). Obama notes that this same impulse, an impulse of a secure, functional and sustainable administration, prompted him to write The Audacity of Hope.

During the co...

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...or the people of his same country, the United States of America. In my opinion, he is a rare politician who has bold, innovative policies, and a man such as this running for office would ensure such great things for our country. The Audacity of Hope is nothing but common sense, his aesthetic appeals and persuasive ways are incredible, and I would definitely read the book a second time. After completing the book, I respect Barack Obama as our current president, and I most definitely believe that Barack, the Democratic/Republic government and all independent citizens across the country should take into consideration some traditionally liberal ideas that are available in order to make this country a better place for everyone.

References

Obama, Barack. The Audacity of Hope: Thought on Reclaiming the American Dream. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2006. Print.