In 1986, there was a tragedy that hit Americans at the heart of their national identity. That was the explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger. Seven people lost their lives, but even more significant, the nation risked losing its faith in the space program, and even the government. On the evening of this disaster, President Reagan addresses the nation in what should have been an uplifting State of the Union address. Instead he spoke to the nation about how we could collectively move forward after the tragedy. President Reagan did an effective job of persuading his audience through his somber tone and strong rhetorical appeals that the space program deserves American support. Yet Ronald Regan put out lots of emotional appeals to the audience