Rheotrical Analysis

Robert Imbalzano

Professor G

English 015

9 July 2015

Rhetorical Analysis

On the morning of Tuesday September 11th in 2001 President George W. Bush was interrupted while reading a book to elementary school students, to hear that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. Bush, not wanting to create a panic, continued to read until a second interruption confirmed, the United States of America was under attack. The attacks on that day claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people and totaled upwards of 900 million dollars spent by FEMA (nymag). America as a whole had been wounded, it was one of the rare (and in this case terrible) moments where you knew exactly where you were when you heard of our nation’s great loss. As the country woke to the news and the panic began, the President and his Cabinet scrambled to gain information, form a plan, and first and foremost aid the attack sites. Nine days later, the President delivered a speech in front of the joint session of congress heard by the entire world. This speech united, and motivated the nation to action whilst reaffirming the values of the country through the use of emotional appeals, strengthening bonds with allies and attacking those who have wronged the nation.

        The audience of this speech is every American, or pro American supporter that denounces terror in lieu of freedom. Bush speaks to his country to attempt to provide hope. As the president it is his responsibility to provide stability and leadership in times of need. His speech engages the civilized world on the path to rid the world of such oppression and hate.

        From the beginning of the speech Bush begins to build a common place with his audience, his use of “fellow Americans” in his introduction creates a community type feel in which all Americans share and live as peers (Bush). Throughout the text he reiterates the phrase to only strengthen that bond. Bush also connects with his non-American audience as he points out the playing of the US national anthem at places such as, Buckingham Palace, Paris, and the Brandenburg Gate (Bush). Acknowledging these European countries serves to increase the audience and boost the power of the speech. The same goes for his praise of South Korean children praying outside of the American embassy shortly after the attacks (Bush). By calling on all, and not only Americans, Bush begins to unite all of the soldiers against terror.

However, a counterargument can be made against the motives and authenticity or Bush’s address. Opponents of the United States could be quick to point out that this might just be a case of war mongering on the part of America. Perhaps Bush has only used this attack to propel his hidden agenda forward which would allegedly be war with the Middle East. A parallel could be made to the Vietnam War which turned out disastrous for the United States.  

        Perhaps the most important excerpt would be Bush’s call to all Muslims. He stated, “I also want to speak directly to Muslims throughout the world. We respect your faith” (Bush). This is a huge statement as it eliminates a major constraint… how to condemn a religious group without insulting millions? Bush is quick to rule out the extremists who committed the crime from the religion which some of our neighbors practice. This compassion towards Muslims prevents Bush from alienating a major part of his audience.

As the writer of this speech, President Bush, would have had all the resources in the world at his fingertips. The president would have access to up to date information on the attacks and who was responsible for them. Also he would have access to the best and most powerful emotional appeals as the stories of all the American heroes either lost or the ones who stepped up in the time of need would be shared with him. Undoubtedly he would have meet with heads of fire departments and police officers and the emotional tales he could spin would without question sway the audience towards his cause. Bush’s vast resources serve to enhance his credibility and also strengthen his argument.

        Through the use of emotional appeals the president rallies his audience. He speaks of the courage of the Fight That Fought back, in particular Todd Beamer (Bush). As Beamers wife is introduced you can feel the support and brotherhood in the applause that follows. Every pro-American viewer feels a jolt of patriotism and anger as one of our fallen brothers is honored. Bush goes on to praise Americans who have opened up their hearts and homes for their fellow countrymen. Along with the men and women who sang “God Bless America” on the steps of the capitol (Bush). This fills the audience with pride for their country. By bringing this up Bush unites Republicans and Democrats by the unswaying love for their country. Perhaps his most gripping appeal comes near the end of the address, as he reveals the police shield of a fallen New York officer, it is difficult to keep your emotions in check. Even I, reading this speech nearly fourteen years since the attack, cannot wish for vengeance after being introduced to the late George Howard. I can only imagine the roar of anger and need for retaliation that followed from the audience, which was Bush’s ultimate goal.