A Rhetorical Analysis Of Debbie Dingell's Powerful Speech

Following the wake of the Pulse Shooting in Orlando, the Democrats in the House of Representatives staged a sit-in protest as an attempt to force their Republican counterparts into voting for stricter gun legislation. The legislation in question would ban suspected terrorists from purchasing guns, in addition to requiring universal background checks prior to the purchase of arms. Despite the attempt, the Republicans of the House failed to vote on the new legislation, and thus, barred it from passing. But what was most notable from this protest were the impactful speeches and arguments made on both sides of the aisle throughout its duration. Among the relevant speakers, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (Democrat; Michigan) gave an especially potent speech responding to the disturbing increase in gun violence across the United States. Through emotional and personal appeals, Dingell characterizes and responds to the rhetorical situation by classifying the exigence – or the
He’s the most important thing in my life. And yet for 35 years, there’s been a source of tension between the two of us. He is a responsible gun owner. He believes in the Constitution. I respect that.”
In addition to enhancing her own credibility, this further allows her to show Republicans that her intentions are truly for the greater good of the nation. Furthermore, it creates the idea that the responsible gun owner – such as her husband, with whom she shares a very close link – would be open to discussing stricter legislation as a safety precaution, as opposed to the outright banning of firearms in the country. She states that while she completely respects the right to bear arms, she also urges Republican representatives and gun owners acknowledge the gravity of the situation, if they are to truly consider themselves “responsible”, law-abiding, and