Rhetorical Analysis Of Richard Nixon's Speech

“My Fellow Americans, I come before you tonight as a candidate for the Vice Presidency and as a man whose honesty and integrity has been questioned.” New York Post had printed an article condemning Richard Nixon of stealing money from his campaign for his own personal use of spendings. Luckily Dwight Eisenhower, Nixon’s fellow Presidential candidate, allowed and advised Nixon to explain himself to the American people who wanted to throw him off. Providing a speech on television, Nixon did something no one else had done before and he summarized the history of all the money he had spent and received since starting his career in politics. What Nixon had thought as an unsuccessful speech, triumphed and moved the American citizens knowing he spoke

Near the beginning of the speech, before Nixon explains his point, he reassuringly tells the public he believes the office of Vice Presidency consists in greatness and he explains his beliefs of integrity making sure people agreed with his views. After presenting all the history of his funds, Nixon admits he does not have many riches, but he uses the word, honestly to say everything they have belongs to them. Later on, he admits it as difficult to present all his finances to the entire public nationwide, and challenges other candidates to do the same. Nearing the end of the speech, Nixon speaks with more emotion and repetition using the words fight, Communists and prosperity. Nixon started off with little emotional persuasion to leave it for the end, making sure people would believe him first before he finally expresses his love for the country and why he created this

Adding on, he obtained a legal audit from multiple lawyers concluding he did not violate any laws and he used naysayers from the public to answer any additional questions which could arise. He also starts words such as “My fellow Americans” and “I believe we’ve had enough” connecting himself with the people. Acting with authority and responsibility, Nixon says how he would do nothing to harm Eisenhower of becoming president and how he himself will abide by the decision of the people if he should stay or not. But he will continue to fight against communism and he uses the word “we” when addressing about peace instead of