Reagan Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Words: 1037
Pages: 5

Reagan uses the strategy of appeal to basic needs when he aims at the audience’s need for security, using abstract language to elicit a strong response within them. In paragraph 26, Reagan declares, “When action is required to preserve our national security, we will act. We will maintain sufficient strength to prevail if need be…,” this address the audience’s need for security by giving them hope that the nation’s services will protect the people. Reagan reminds the audience that the need for security will be met and promises a better future under his presidency.
Reagan also generates an emotional response with appeals to the basic values of freedom and progress when he motivates the audience that the economic problems will go away; through
…show more content…
He states in paragraph 7, “You and I, as individuals, can, by borrowing, love beyond our means, but for only a limited period of time. Why, then, should we think that collectively, as a nation, we’re not bound by that same limitation,” this statement points to the gap between progress and invokes guilt in the audience for carelessly helping themselves before the nation. Reagan uses an enthymeme to get the audience to join in taking action to stop the debt they are creating and attempt to solve the economic problems over the long term plan.
The strategy of appeal to history is present when Reagan reminds the audience who created the base of the nation. He states in paragraph 29, “Standing here, one faces a magnificent vista, opening up on this city’s special beauty and history. At the end of this open mall are those shrines to the giants on whose shoulders we stand;” following this, Reagan provides graphic description of the founding fathers, reminding the audience of their shared history. The appeal to history is relevant to Reagan’s value of progress, and tapping into the stories of the nation successfully produces an emotional