Presidential War Rhetoric Alannah DiBona Jeff Ruziecki Shannon Flynn

Burkean Symbolism SYMBOL Man is a symbol-making, symbol-using, and symbol- misusing animal. Definition of rhetoric: rhetoric is not based in any part of the human condition of society. Rooted in an essential function of language itself (fully realistic, continually born anew) – use of language as a symbolic means of inducing cooperation in beings that by nature respond to symbols. Definition of symbol: the verbal parallel to a pattern of experience. (based on a recurring situation/strategy)

clustering: repeated words throughout: attack(ed), defend/defensive/defense, defy/defiance, destroy, mass destruction, might, peace, right(eous), security themed clusters: lessening of the character of the enemy (the lowest of the low theme): -cling, dastardly, cruelty, deceit, pillage, plunder, treachery, unprovoked, vindication, onslaught, hatred, unchecked increasing the American morale (the bravado theme): -fortitude, step up, safety, prevail, protect, freedom, confidence, justice, drive, morale, character, righteous, retaliatory, mass destruction words for heightened drama (the “they deserve it!” theme): -raped, grave, lawlessness, horror, comrades, flagrant, infamy, hazards the enemy makes a cowardly turn (the “we have you now” theme): -panic, weaken, fear, justice, onslaught

Characteristics of a Wartime Speech Welcome: - My fellow Americans - Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker… - Good morning, afternoon, evening Sets the tone of the speech Statement of Facts: - “There is…” “Today…” “We will be…” What event occurred, why it’s important, who and/or what was affected, how this event changes the current situation

Why are we doing it? Our goal is not the victory of might, but the vindication of right; –John F. Kennedy, October 22, 1962 It is not the easy way. It is the right way. – Richard Nixon, November 3, 1969 We have faced other crises in our history, and we have become stronger by rejecting the easy way out and taking the right way in meeting our challenges. Our greatness as a nation has been our capacity to do what has to be done when we knew our course was right. –Richard Nixon, November 3, 1969 Our objectives are clear: Saddam Hussein's forces will leave Kuwait. The legitimate government of Kuwait will be restored to its rightful place… –George Bush, January 16, 1991 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. –F.D. Roosevelt, December 8, 1941

Who are we fighting for? I had to think of the effect of my decision on the next generation, and on the future of peace and freedom in America, and in the world. - Richard Nixon, November 3, 1963 America was the hope of millions in the world. - Richard Nixon, November 3, 1963 The wheel of destiny has turned so that any hope the world has for the survival of peace and freedom will be determined by whether the American people have the moral stamina and the courage to meet the challenge of free-world leadership. - Richard Nixon, November 3, 1963 While the world waited Saddam Hussein…(3 times)… The world could wait no longer. - George Bush, January 16, 1991 …this latest Soviet threat to world peace - John F. Kennedy, October 22, 1962

Protection not aggression In Korea, and again in Vietnam, the United States furnished most of the money, most of the armament, and most of the men to help the people of those countries defend their freedom against Communist aggression. - Richard Nixon, November 3, 1963 A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. - George W. Bush, September 11, 2001 To take every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the world from further attacks - George W. Bush, September 11, 2001