Ford Inaugural Address Rhetorical Analysis

Presidents hold a duty to guide their nations with integrity. In the 1970s, Nixon breached this oath of honesty, causing uproar in the United States. He lost credibility as an authoritative figure and resigned from office, leaving thousands of citizens distrustful and suspicious of the U.S. government. In that time, Vice President Gerald R. Ford steps forward as the new President, reassuring the nation in his “Address upon Taking the Oath of the U.S. Presidency.” However, as most people do not know him, they withheld from believing his character. Knowing this, Ford structures a persuasive argument that successfully gains the trust and support of his audience, the U.S. citizens. From the start, Ford establishes a connection with his audience by addressing them as “my dear friends, my fellow Americans.” With this level of intimacy, he appeals to his audience by initiating a bond of friendship rather than a formal relationship between a leader and subjects. For instance, Ford creates a connection by saying, “I feel it is my first duty to make an unprecedented compact with my countrymen. Not an inaugural address, not a fireside chat, not a campaign speech -- just a little straight talk among friends.” He wishes the audience will accept his speech as words from a man
President Ford did not enter office by his own will or election, and so he expects people to question his eligibility for Presidency. He acknowledges he had “not sought this enormous responsibility,” but what he states next confirms his ability to handle the burden. Despite not choosing this place of power he declares, “I will not shirk it,” giving people confidence in his leadership. Following this statement, he reasons that Americans put him in position of Vice President. Ford assures his audience on their voting him Vice President, noting they should trust him as President