The terrorist attack that took place on 11 September 2001 was the first since Pearl Harbor, 1941. Both tragedies played a significant role in shaping the United States as a nation. George W. Bush was the President at the moment and he addressed the nation about the attack. I will analyze this speech. This speech shows that President Bush has succeeded in making all his appeals. Many people tend to think of Bush, a Texan, as someone who struggles with words. However, this speech is effective on many levels and is an excellent example of rhetorical analysis.
In his 9/11 address, did President Bush succeed in his appeals? This question is answered by rhetorical analysis. The context of the speech was the terrorist attacks that took place on 11 September 2001 on The Pentagon and The World Trade Centers. As the speech came from a leader of a nation that had been attacked, there was definite bias. Address was directed mainly at Americans, but also other countries who were sympathetic and allies to America. In his address, Bush presented himself as an aggressive leader, who is also humble. He was ready to defend America, the country he led. Although I am an American, in his address, President Bush made me feel very good about myself. His subtle aggressiveness did not make him likable with some Allies or enemies. “I am so grateful to the members of Congress that have strongly condemned these attacks with me” (Bush 2 ). The statement above made it seem like the Congress supported President Bush as soon as the attacks occurred.
Bush showed no regard for opposing viewpoints in his speech. The President stated that “America has defeated enemies in the past, and will do so again.” No one will forget that day. We continue to stand up for justice, freedom, and everything good in the world. The statement will show that Bush’s claims that the perpetrators of the attack were evil, and did it out of malice in their hearts are not valid. Bush’s attitude was that his actions were right. It was clear to him that America, not the world, was the victim of evil. The tone of his speech was anger, both passive and active. It was sorrowful for the victims who had been killed by terrorists.
The emotional appeal is excellent. I think that all of the emotions President Bush wanted to convey were received well. His speech was also well-written to evoke the emotion he desired. The emotions that he wanted to stir up in Americans were anger, sadness and a sense of needing to protect their country. On the other hand, he also tried to make terrorists afraid of America and seemed disappointed with the terrorists that attacked.
The President of the United States invoked anger from Americans when he said:
Thousands were killed by terrorists who committed despicable and evil acts. Pictures of burning buildings, planes flying through them, and large structures collapsing left us feeling disbelief. These mass murders were meant to terrorize our nation and send it into chaos. They failed. Our country has strength.These same words were also meant as a way to create fear and horror in those who attacked this nation. President Bush said that today is a time when Americans from all walks are united in their desire for peace and justice. America has defeated its enemies in the previous years, and it will again. No one will ever forget that day. And yet, we are determined to continue to defend the freedoms and justices of our world.
After every major tragedy in the United States that affected Americans, a President’s statement was made. Making the Statement:
I immediately implemented the emergency response plans of our government following the first incident. Our military has a strong presence and is well prepared. Our emergency teams work in New York City to support local rescue efforts. President Bush ensured that all the issues that were urgently needed at that time were addressed in his speech. He thanked the world leaders for their pledges of aid and made sure terrorists were aware that he would be going after them.
This essay will conclude by showing how effective President George W. Bush was in his address to America on September 11, 2001. His logical appeal, which explained how America had been hurt but would not be shaken, was excellent. This is still considered to be one of history’s best speeches, both before and after a conflict.
