Rhetorical Analysis Of A More Perfect Union

Barak Obama’s “A More Perfect Union” speech was aimed to unite all Americans, and to soothe white voters of any worries and or fears from the communicant of a black Reverend Jeremiah Wright. Obama opens up his speech by reminding his targeted audience of what America was founded upon and how the perfect union has yet to be accomplished due to the previous sin of slavery. The President goes on to address how the comments of his pastor created a bigger discourse between whites and blacks, which deters their attention from bigger issues and widens the gap between races. Lastly, Obama ends his speech by informing his audience of how they can achieve a more perfect union. President Obama effectively appealed to ethos in his speech by displaying experience, good sense, and good character.

For instance, Obama references the past and present challenges that have affected America highlighting his knowledge of American history. He supports his claim by stating, “I've gone to some of the best schools in America…” which illustrate his authority and experience to speak on the matter. (www.americanrhetoric.com). President Obama continues to solidify his credibility by revealing his history when stating, “I am the son of a black man from Kenya and a white woman from Kansas… I am married to a black American who carries within her the blood of slaves and slave owners…I have brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, uncles and cousins, of every race and every hue, scattered across three continents.” (www.americanrhetoric.com). By speaking of he and his family’s history, he exposes his authority to speak on the issues of race.