Richard Nixon’s Letter of Resignation Rhetorical Analysis Entering the 1970s, the United States, led by President Richard Nixon, was in the midst of the Cold War—a proxy war between capitalist powers (primarily the U.S.) and communist powers (primarily the Soviet Union). Along with foreign turmoil, domestic turmoil also plagued the nation: civil rights dissension was polarizing. In addition to this, Republican–Democrat animosity was at an all-time high—eventually reaching its peak with the Watergate scandal, led by Nixon. Pressured by Congress and the media, Nixon knew that impeachment was inevitable. Not wanting to risk his reputation, Nixon decided to remove himself from office. On August 8th, 1974, Richard Nixon publicly announced his resignation. In his remorseful yet …show more content…
Nixon asserts that he always believed that “the interests of the nation must always come before any personal considerations” and that “America needs a full-time President.” (Nixon). This assertion aims to grow the audience’s understanding of Nixon’s intentions by attempting to draw in their sense of national pride. By reaching for a sense of national pride, the audience is more likely to empathize with Nixon, thus protecting his reputation as a man of good intention. Shortly after, Nixon notes that continuing to try and save his reputation in the coming months would unnecessarily “absorb the time and attention of both the President and the Congress.” This concession furthers Nixon’s position that he is acting out of the Nation’s best interest—not his own. Hearing this as an American citizen during this time of distrust would attempt to mend the wound of presidential betrayal that Nixon initiated. When he points out how rebuilding his reputation would hinder governmental progress, he evokes a sense of patriotism in the audience because it stresses growth as a whole