Examples Of Ethos In Obama's Second Inaugural Address

Unity, Responsibility and Participation: Analyzing the Significance of Ethos and Logos in Barack Obama’s Second Inaugural Address

In today’s divided world, finding similarities and promoting a sense of unity can seem like a formidable task. In former President Barack Obama’s Second Inaugural Address, he utilizes ethos and logos to promote the idea that a successful union is only possible through unity, shared responsibility, and participation toward a common goal. The speech uses ethos to establish Barack Obama’s credibility, and logos to present undeniable claims.

Through referencing the timeless words of the Declaration of Independence—a document rooted in liberty, justice, and unity—Obama evokes ethos as a leader dedicated to upholding

Citing one of the most fundamental documents in American history appeals to the shared patriotic sentiment of its citizens as it has been established in their country for hundreds of years. This is a strong example of ethos as it establishes the former President’s credibility and reinforces the idea of patriotism as a unifying force for the nation. This emphasizes the significance of Americans working together to achieve this goal of unity and equality, as a shared sense of pride is a powerful force for directing people toward a common purpose. This sense of ethos establishes Obama’s credibility as a leader who genuinely cares for his people, particularly through the acknowledgment of American struggles and the emphasis on equal responsibility. When motivating the audience to strive towards greatness, he addresses the topic of

As he passionately addresses the need for unity, he explains how “the American people can no more meet the demands of today’s world by acting alone than American soldiers could have met the forces of fascism or communism with muskets and militias” (Obama). The logical parallels he draws between the demands of the modern world and those of war emphasize that only through collaboration and a shared sense of responsibility can the goals of the nation be achieved. This is demonstrated further when Obama uses logos to emphasize the necessity of a united America and the importance of collective action to progress as a society. Through praising the achievements of Americans, he explains that “together, we determined that a modern economy requires railroads and highways to speed travel and commerce, schools and colleges to train our workers” and that “together, we resolved that a great nation must care for the vulnerable, and protect its people from life’s worst hazards and misfortune” (Obama). By highlighting past achievements and societal goals, Obama creates logical arguments for the practical and tangible benefits of working together. Additionally, by addressing the importance of caring for the vulnerable and protecting American citizens, he argues for a more unified