Rhetorical Analysis Of Spiro Agnew's Speech

These days, people usually get news from online sources; however, in the twentieth century, the majority of Americans got their news from the television. In a speech delivered by vice president Spiro Agnew, he emphasizes the idea that media released to American citizens should have more fairness. He first mentions the influence of the television news to the American people, then discusses President Nixon’s method of communication through the use of television. He also discusses the criticisms Nixon’s commentators had made, regarding Nixon and Johnson’s speech. Towards the end of Agnew’s speech he specifically accentuates the importance of accuracy in the usage of media. In his speech, Agnew provides a wide range of evidence in order to successfully

For instance, in line one, he states that he wants to discuss the “importance of television news medium” while speaking to his people. The diction “importance” suggests that the television news medium has a remarkable significance in America, therefore, it further indicates that television news may bring notable impacts to the American society. Furthermore from line two to four, Agnew utilizes repetition in order to strengthen his idea. He states: “no nation depends more on the intelligent judgment of its citizens. No medium has a more profound influence over public opinion.” The repetition of the word “no” in these two sentences illustrates that there are no other medias that overpower the influence of television news. Additionally, Nixon points out that “nowhere should there be more conscientious responsibility exercised than by the news media.” The diction of “nowhere” highlights Nixon’s opinion that the news media is where people should put most of their attention on. Thus, this bolsters Agnew’s argument that television news is used as a powerful tool in America. These literary devices used in the beginning of the speech build up Agnew’s

Agnew suggests that President Nixon’s “words and policies were subjected to instant analysis and querulous criticism.” The diction “instant” reveals the idea that after delivering his message by the use of television news, he immediately received criticism from the commentators. This further indicates that the use of television news can lead people to receive negative feedback. Furthermore, the supporting ideas in the fifth paragraph of Agnew’s speech contribute in suggesting that the usage of television news can direct people to make contradictory comments. Moreover, the following allusion to Mr. Harriman’s contradicting advice emphasizes the idea that there may be negative sides to informing citizens through the use of television news. These supporting ideas and literary devices play a big role in bolstering Agnew’s