Effectiveness of "The American Promise"

During the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado, Senator Barack Obama delivered a fiery speech entitled “The American Promise.” In this speech, he addressed domestic issues that have affected the U.S. since George W. Bush’s assumed presidency. Due to the important nature of this speech, Obama spoke with a forceful and convincing tone. The tone of the speech is effective in conveying hope to many people across the United States. His choice of words are simple and direct. Because of this, “The American Promise” is rhetorically effective in a way where Obama is able to connect with the average American and deliver guidance and support.
Obama establishes the connection with the average American by providing examples of common people with common struggles. He speaks of common workers losing jobs and military members leaving for Iraq for the fourth time. The use of rhetoric language is effective in these statements as Obama uses a simple choice of words to connect with uneducated, hard-working people in order to assure them the support they need in the future. Obama also emphasizes the hardship that the working class endures. He shows compassion and captivates the audience by speaking of failures and needs. For example, Obama says “Tonight, more Americans are out of work and more are working harder for less. More of you have lost your homes and even more are watching your home values plummet. More of you have cars you can't afford to drive, credit card bills you can't afford to pay, and tuition that's beyond your reach,” showing that he understands many common areas of economic needs. One of the most effective ways he establishes his connection with the working class is by the use of the phrase “Yes, we can.” The phrase “Si, se puede” used by Mexicans and migrant farm workers in the California provided hope and optimism during the social labor movement. During this presidential election, Obama’s use of this particular phrase provides the same hope and optimism to Americans across the nation in order to overcome struggles and reach the “American Promise.”
In response to statements made by Senator John McCain, Obama takes advantage of the situation and exaggerates his argument to the fullest extent. McCain’s statement about the country being a “nation of whiners” was a huge insult to the American people. Here, Obama makes reference to this quote in order to remind Americans of this insult and enable them to further oppose his political opponent. In support of the working class, Obama responds “These are not whiners. They work hard and give back and keep going without complaint. These are the Americans that I know,” in a manner that inspires common people to stand up to McCain’s statement. This tactic is rhetorically effective due to the way in which Obama exaggerates one small phrase in order to inspire a feeling of dislike toward McCain to the audience. Also, Obama analyzes McCain’s Republican philosophy in terms in which common people can understand- that everyone is on their own and the government should not provide aid to those who need it. Obama summarizes “Out of work? Tough luck. No health care? The market will fix it. Born into poverty? Pull yourself up by your own bootstraps - even if you don't have boots. You're on your own,” explaining McCain’s political and economical goals. He keeps this analysis short and simple in order for people to realize and understand the damaging long-term effects of McCain’s philosophy. Not everyone understands politics, therefore Obama shortens McCain’s goals into terms that everyone can understand.
Obama’s opposition to current events under George W. Bush’s presidency are clear, blaming failures on Bush by saying “These challenges are not all of government's making. But the failure to respond is a direct result of a broken politics in Washington and the failed policies of George W. Bush.” In hopes of inspiration for change, Obama exclaims directly to Americans, “Tonight, I say to the American people, to Democrats and Republicans and Independents across this great land - enough! This moment - this election - is our chance to keep, in the 21st century, the American promise alive…And we are here because we love this country too much to let the next four years look like the last eight. On November 4th, we must stand up and say: ‘Eight is enough.’” This statement shows U.S. citizens assurance and guarantees of a different presidency and political change. Obama’s confidence and clear arguments are rhetorically effective in providing direction and leadership to Americans as well as gaining the voter’s trust. Obama expresses that, “…through hard work and sacrifice, each of us can pursue our individual dreams but still come together as one American family, to ensure that the next generation can pursue their dreams as well,” ensuring everyone of the “American Promise.”