Study of Michael Dukakis' Acceptance Speech

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Recommended: Democratic leadership

The presidential election of 1988 marks an end to eight years of Reagan administration. As the nominee opposing republican candidate George Bush, Michael Dukakis' role is great: he embodies the new Democrat, who could turn the US away from the social darwinism that successions of republican governments, as well as leftover Red Scare, led to. The main theme in his speech was unsurprisingly the social issue. But, more daring, Candidate Dukakis also introduced the voters to a new view on international politics, modern adaptation of a feeling that was mainly witnessed during the post-Vietnam period.

As to show voters they won't be led to the unknown, Dukakis refered many times to former presidents. Through examples of Republicans-led decisions, he makes it clear he strongly disagree with the basis and dogma of the party. He sets the tone on L2 with the end of the ''Reagan era'' that divided America and made the American Dream inaccessible to the unpriviledged ones. ''Respect for the Truth'' on line 32 reminds the americans of Nixon's lies and untruthful behavior during the Watergate scandal. Then all through the speech, the democrat nominee alludes to role-model Kennedy, admiratively reminding the voters of the success of the frontier era, the relation of trust between the president, the medias, and the people,before the credibility gap period.

As we would expect from a democrat candidate, Michael Dukakis wants to put a stress on the importance of the social issue. He feels the american dreams slightly slipping from the reach of the average citizen. In the land of the Free, and country of all opportunity, every resident should be granted a right to a decent salary, an affordable college education. He is in favor of bringing the best out of every american, and this would call for some changes. He praises equality no matter the race, sex, or religion. He calls for an end of the yuppie era.

His positions on international politics are relatively innovating, sice he plans on instauring a new internationalism, as opposed to a new isolationism. Efficiency of the foreign politics, and end of the inconscious american domination.

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