After reading John McCains actual concession speech I found that there are things that I found effective and some thing that I found to be ineffective. The beginning of his speech revolves around congradulating president elect, Barack Obama, on his momentous victory. I found McCains words very effective and inspiring. Rather than just congradulating Obama, McCain goes further to describe what a historic event had just taken place and that he is proud of Obama's ability to inspire the hopes of millions of Americans. I think this part of the speech is especially effective because at no point does McCain sound bitter about his defeat. I would like to use this in our speech because I believe it shows the maturity and respect that John McCain truly has for America and all Americans. I also like his historical reference to Booker T. Washington being invited to dine at the whitehouse, and how far we have come since then. Rather than focusing on his defeat and surface level compliments to Obama, he chooses to point out to his supporters that this outcome should not be viewed in sadness but as an amazing step forward for our nation. I think using quotes and stories like this would be a very effective way to reach our audience.
I also found it interesting and unique how he told the audience that he blames himself for not winning the election, not the voters. I think it is effective because it makes him likeable. He is placing the blame on himself rather than letting his supporters believe they failed him. In the next section on the speech he mentions Sarah Palin and her effort in the campaign. While his words were very sincere, I think that in our speech we should spend more time talking about her contribution. I think that she was a very vital part of the compaign, both good and bad, and I think adding in more about her would be effective.
I love the ending of his speech because he really portrays how grateful he was just to be a part of this election. I think it is admirable that he can see past defeat and comprehend the priviledge he has had to run for this high office. Overall, I think this speech is more effective than most others I have heard.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Franklin D. Roosevelt's War Message, Asking Congress to Declare War on Japan
Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.
Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
As Commander in Chief of the army and navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.
Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.
No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces—with the unbounding determination of our people—we will gain the inevitable triumph—so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.
When I googled famous presidential speeches this first one to catch my eye was President Roosevelt's address concerning the attack on Pearl Harbor. Given that I could say the first line of this speech in my head without even reading it reminds me of how important this moment in history was. There was no humor incorporated into this speech, mainly because it was given due to such a tragic event. Roosevelt uses pathos and logos to convince Congress that a horrible thing had taken place and that the U.S. must take action.
Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.
Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
As Commander in Chief of the army and navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.
Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.
No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces—with the unbounding determination of our people—we will gain the inevitable triumph—so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.
When I googled famous presidential speeches this first one to catch my eye was President Roosevelt's address concerning the attack on Pearl Harbor. Given that I could say the first line of this speech in my head without even reading it reminds me of how important this moment in history was. There was no humor incorporated into this speech, mainly because it was given due to such a tragic event. Roosevelt uses pathos and logos to convince Congress that a horrible thing had taken place and that the U.S. must take action.
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