Historical significance is given to the moment as it partially reverses centuries of racial division and political bigotry. Beyond the historically based illustriousness, existed a sense of fear and uncertainty in a subsection of the electorate that required reduction. Uncertainty reduction through identification and substance served as the rhetorical methods, by way of narration. Mr. Obama recounted the story of Anne Nixon Cooper who was a voter from Atlanta, GA and was 106 years old at the time of the election. Her life story spanned the previous 108 years of American history; to which her witness attests to the anaphora of “Yes We Can”. …show more content…
Quelling the fears that were created by electoral rhetoric established the basis for cognitive reconciliation.
America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves -- if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?
The use of “America” as the address and “we”, Mr Obama cast himself peer and America as the dramatistic agent in this pentomic section of his speech. President Obama’s acceptance speech was a moment that will be forever engrained in my memory. Not because of my political affiliation but for the style, significance, tone and substance associated with Mr. Obama’s eloquent delivery. Analyzing this speech illuminated the sociological nature of political rhetoric. Thorough audience analysis is required so that the speech tone and substance acknowledges the various political ideologies and social stratum. By understanding audience concerns and the momentous nature of the moment, President Obama struck the appropriate cord in delivery, tone, and