Rhetorical Analysis Obama Speech

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In the 2004 Democratic National Convention Keynote speech, Barack Obama effectively sets the tone for the Democratic platform and outlines the principles of the party. Obama aims to discuss the issues of the country in a bipartisan way that would unite a country that has been divided for so long.Obama’s vision,enabled him to reach across all boundaries that have commonly divided the red states and blue states; and pursue an agenda of unity through supporting John Kerry’s candidacy. The optimistic view of America described by Obama even in light of the War in Iraq and 9/11 appealed to the seemingly foreign sensation for Americans at the time; hope. Obama crafted a deeply emotional oration that spoke to the hearts of not only Democrats or Republicans,but …show more content…

He begins by indirectly reciting the American dream through explaining the background of his parents and how his father “grew up herding goats,” but was able to to come to America though his hardwork and perseverance. America for his parents was the ultimate “beacon of freedom” and gave himself the opportunity to speak to his fellow Americans on such a platform. His mom like many other “studied on the G.I Bill, bought a house through FHA” and was able to move westward in search of own destiny. Obama essentially outlines the American dream and although his name is different from theirs they are one in the same through the sacrifices his parents made and because his story and theirs are apart of the larger American story. Obama further appeals to Americans through his immense patriotism for a country that made his story and many others possible. He reaffirms the declaration of independence as the most important aspect that makes America great contrary to the common observations of military might or even the economy. The beliefs of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” that Americans hold dear are exalted above all others. Through his dialogue, he was able to reach people of all ages, gender, and political

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