Rhetoric Of Presidents: Abraham Lincoln Vs. Barack Obama

Introduction
Rhetoric is a big part of who I am as a person. I try to influence people and I will need to be strong in this area because I plan on being an entrepreneur and will need to influence people. The theory of Rhetoric looks at the persuasion and influence of people, and I am going to examine the rhetoric of two presidents: Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama. These two have addressed some very tough issues and I want to compare the rhetoric used in each of their first inaugural addresses. Aside from myself, I believe that Rhetoric is relevant in many ways. From simple conversations with family to a more prevalent subject of business.
Review of Literature on Rhetoric
The art of Rhetoric is explained as speech persuasion. A First Look
It is hard to just understand that each president used forensic speaking without understanding what situations they emphasized in their campaigns to presidency. In regards to Barack Obama, he simply puts that presidents of the past took the oath in hard times, just like he did. He put forth that he is here (taking office) change America. He said that we are at war with terrorism and fighting to recover economically. The use of forensics in Obama’s address bridges how things were done before he will take office, and what he is now going to do in office. He explains that the direction America was heading in before he will take office was in a state of despair. He explains that homes were being lost, jobs were being taken, school systems were failing and that the healthcare system was too costly. Forensically, Obama is bridging the past hardships with the bright future of change that he will steam heading. Obama also used the first 13 colonies in an example of how we are all immigrants in this country. He used an ethical proof through the forensics of connecting all citizens as immigrants. Abraham Lincoln’s presidency was one of the most historical presidencies because of the issues he had to deal with. After being elected and before he was sworn into office, seven states seceded from the union and formed the Confederate States of America. This is probably one of the greatest issues a president has had to encounter and the first thing that Lincoln emphasized was that southern states think that their personal security and peace are to be endangered. He reiterates that he has no intention to defy the rights of the states as well as interfere with the domestic institutions within each state. Lincoln uses the most relevant issue, and clarifies that his administration is working to unify, not resist the southern