Presidential Rhetoric

Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
The White House
Saturday September 10, 2011

This weekend, we’re coming together, as one nation, to mark the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.  We’re remembering the lives we lost—nearly 3,000 innocent men, women and children.  We’re reaffirming our commitment to always keep faith with their families.  

We’re honoring the heroism of first responders who risked their lives—and gave their lives—to save others.  And we’re giving thanks to all who serve on our behalf, especially our troops and military families—our extraordinary 9/11 Generation.

At the same time, even as we reflect on a difficult decade, we must look forward, to the future we will build together.  That includes staying strong and confident in the face of any threat.  And thanks to the tireless efforts of our military personnel and our intelligence, law enforcement and homeland security professionals—there should be no doubt.  Today, America is stronger and al Qaeda is on the path to defeat.

We’ve taken the fight to al Qaeda like never before.  Over the past two and a half years, more senior al Qaeda leaders have been eliminated than at any time since 9/11.  And thanks to the remarkable courage and precision of our forces, we finally delivered justice to Osama bin Laden.

We’ve strengthened the partnerships and tools we need to prevail in this war against al Qaeda—working closer with allies and partners; reforming intelligence to better detect and disrupt plots; investing in our Special Forces so terrorists have no safe haven.

We’re constantly working to improve the security of our homeland as well—at our airports, ports and borders; enhancing aviation security and screening; increasing support for our first responders; and working closer than ever with states, cities and communities.

A decade after 9/11, it’s clear for all the world to see—the terrorists who attacked us that September morning are no match for the character of our people, the resilience of our nation, or the endurance of our values.    

They wanted to terrorize us, but, as Americans, we refuse to live in fear.  Yes we face a determined foe, and make no mistake—they will keep trying to hit us again.  But as we are showing again this weekend, we remain vigilant.  We’re doing everything in our power to protect our people.  And no matter what comes our way, as a resilient nation, we will carry on.

They wanted to draw us in to endless wars, sapping our strength and confidence as a nation.  But even as we put relentless pressure on al Qaeda, we’re ending the war in Iraq and beginning to bring our troops home from Afghanistan.  Because after a hard decade of war, it is time for nation building here at home.

They wanted to deprive us of the unity that defines us as a people.  But we will not succumb to division or suspicion. We are Americans, and we are stronger and safer when we stay true to the values, freedoms and diversity that make us unique among nations.

And they wanted to undermine our place in the world.  But a decade later, we’ve shown that America doesn’t hunker down and hide behind walls of mistrust.  We’ve forged new partnerships with nations around the world to meet the global challenges that no nation can face alone.  And across the Middle East and North Africa a new generation of citizens is showing that the future belongs to those that want to build, not destroy.    

Ten years ago, ordinary Americans showed us the true meaning of courage when they rushed up those stairwells, into those flames, into that cockpit.  In the decade since, a new generation has stepped forward to serve and keep us safe.  In their memory, in their name, we will never waver.  We will protect the country we love and pass it safer, stronger and more prosperous to the next generation.

Response: 

In an effort to analyze and evaluate this presidential speech, I will be going through the five canons of rhetoric. These include invention, arrangement, style, delivery, and memory. The first I would like to begin with is delivery, because it seems to be the most prominnent factor of this speech. Delivery refers to the presentation of a speech, including the verbal and nonverbal aspects. President Barrack Obama is widely known for his incredibly public speaking skills and these skills play a significant role in the way that this speech is delivered. The verbal delivery of the speech was both clear and easy for the average citizen to understand. In order to connect with his wide audience he must use language that is effective and clear to everyone and this is exactly what he did. Throughout the speech he kept constant eye contact and used hand gestures which almost made the delivery seem more welcoming and more real. If he were simply reading the entirety of this speech from a teleprompter  many probably wouldn't and didn't notice. In order to get the full effect of this speech it is probably better to listen and watch than to just read. Hearing and seeing this speech be delivered has a completely different effect than reading to oneself. 

The arrangement or the structure of the speech was very organized and easy to follow. Keeping an audience on track is important when both reading and writing. It keeps audience members from becoming confused and also makes the speech giver seem more professional and organized himself. If President Obama were to give a speech in which he jumped from topic to topic and constantly kept digressing from the speech topic, then he would lose credibility. It would make him seem like he was not fully knowledgeable on the topic and when someone loses credibility, they lose followers as well. He first introduces the speech by stating what and why he is giving the speech. He starts with the broad topic and then begins to become more specific. 

As stated above, if President Obama read from a teleprompter few were probably able to notice. Memory is one of five canons of rhetoric and this refers to the way a person remembers what to say in a speech. Throughout the speech, the President did not seem to fumble or lose track of what he was saying. So whether he read the speech or memorized, it was delivered in a way that made him look like he knew what he was saying throughout the entire speech.  

Style of a speech is also important and refers to the use of language and the effect it has on an audience. This speech was more about remembering rather than informing or persuading like many other speeches. It was much more sentimental and comforting than other common speeches many have heard President Obama give. He begins the speech by stating, "This weekend, we’re coming together, as one nation, to mark the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks." Words and phrases such as "we," "coming together," and "one nation" all embody a group of people together. Using words and phrases such as these help people to feel as if they can connect with him more and on a better level. The last of the five canons of rhetoric includes invention, which refers to the determination of the topics and supporting material. Obama states in the beginning of the speech that he is speaking on the 9/11 anniversary. This and the anniversary determine the topic and throughout the speech he gives more and more supporting material.