Bill Clinton's Rhetoric In Inaugural Address

Analysis on Clinton’s Rhetoric in Inaugural Address
On January 21st, 1993, Bill Clinton spoke to America on what they could expect of his term as president. In his inaugural address, he motivated a nation using multiple forms of rhetoric. Although later scandal shattered his ethos, during his inaugural address his ethos is strong demonstrated by references to previous presidents and a confident tone. He also exploits a significant amount of logos, referring to the struggles of the people at the time with various things such as communism, the depression, and fascism. His kairos on discussing these issues is excellent, while the matters were still relevant yet not too much of a threat to frighten people. He also employs logic or logos by demonstrating
In his opening he alludes and appeals to the listeners sense of capitalism by referencing the founding fathers view of a bold declaration of independence with the backing of God (par. 42). By orientating the greatness and boldness of America with the will of God, he brings positive emotions to the surface. Clinton also states the nation’s need for each individual to rely on each other, because no one man can change a country alone (par. 38). He unifies the country with these words, by exemplifying the countries interdependence on each individual. Also, he discusses change in an anthropomorphic way, stating that we must make change or friend (par. 13). By comparing how we adapt to change in technology to how one develops friends or enemies, he draws on listeners past experiences and emotions in dealing with people. This appeal is designed to suggest that each individual has the choice on whether or not change will be his or her friend, making the listener feel the need to embrace change as Clinton has stated. He draws on a sense of nationalism in his speech by giving the democratic government of the United States an enormous compliment by stating “Our democracy must be not only the envy of the world but the engine of our own renewal (par. 19).” This statement not only makes the assumption that a government is the envied by the rest of the world, but also further states that it will shape the United States as it changes to flourish in the new era. This resounding statement evokes a strong sense of confidence and national pride by making each individual who was apart of the democratic process feel as though they have played a role in the best political system possible. Clinton uses pathos throughout his speech as the binding factor between all other forms of rhetoric. Without pathos, this speech would lose much of its