Richard Nixon Vietnam War Rhetorical Analysis Essay

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The United States had been active in the Vietnam War for fourteen years; tens of thousands of Americans killed in action and hundreds of thousands of men stripped from their homes to fight in the war. During this time, Richard Nixon was voted into office as President. In his campaign, he claimed to have a secret plan to put an end the elongated war, but early into his term he decided against a sudden withdrawal in the fear of starting a new war. With Nixon’s letting the war continue, hundreds of thousands of people began to protest across the United States and on November 3, 1969, Nixon broadcasted, The Great Silent Majority. Him justify his plan to help end the war, without a sudden withdrawal (American Rhetoric). Nixon knew he dealt with a sensitive subject when referring to the Vietnam War. He made a smooth approach by addressing this question that have been widely asked since the war started, “What are the prospects for peace?” This question does not just refer to the idea of wanting the war to end, but for tranquility for every nation, even Vietnam (Center for History). His voice projects and is strong yet comforting. However, he fumbles over a few words throughout the speech making the belief he was nervous but he never let it show through with his facial expressions. Over the fourteen years of the war, America was finally …show more content…
The Pathos showing that Nixon is experiencing the same feelings about the war, as well as the people. He wanted support from the American people and he got that when he stated, “ for the more we are divided at home, the less likely the enemy is to negotiate.” Nixon pulled at the heartstrings of everyone listening and watching his broadcast. He wanted to show that he cares about their home life as well as this