Critique of a Speech or Presentation (or editorial - Essay Example

conomy, education, health, and foreign affairs, and in maximizing pathos to appeal to the emotions of understanding and hopefulness, although his ethos is tarnished with the disconnection between his promises of jobs and the reality of unemployment and dissatisfaction with his policies and reforms. Obama effectively uses logos to help voters understand the difference between his vision and the Republican vision. He reminds voters that they have a responsibility in choosing the right vision, which can be attained through thinking reasonably about what Republicans had done in the past.

As former leaders, their policies contributed to the 2008 recession. Obama asserts his vision early in his speech: “Ours is a fight to restore the values that built the largest middle class and the strongest economy the world has ever known” (1). He is saying that the Republican vision does not offer a tangible road to the protection of the middle class and economic development. He argues that Republican policies are unclear: “They want your vote, but they don’t want you to know their plan” (2).

This is effective if the voters will appreciate that it is better to take a more tangible new road from Obama than an unknown, possibly repetitive road from Republicans. Moreover, Obama appeals to reason when he emphasizes that people should not go back to Republicans, who have been doing the same things: “And that’s because all they had to offer is the same prescription they’ve had for the last thirty years” (2). Obama effectively reminds people that his road to economic recovery is new and ongoing.

Furthermore, Obama underlines the importance of moving on and not comparing his work with past Republican administrations. He jokes about the tax resolutions of Republican administrations: “Have a surplus? Try a tax cut. Deficit too high? Try another” (2). Obama influences voters to understand that he is moving away from these tested-and-failed actions. He will continue his