The Union

            In Barack Obama’s speech “A More Perfect Union” he addresses the rumors that have dispersed about him during the 2008 presidential election. Obama was accused of various things throughout the election, unfortunately having to address them to reestablish himself as a candidate. In this speech, Obama responds to American concerns with strategies that allow him to relate to his audience and restore his trustworthiness as a political candidate.

            Despite being accused of having a foreign country as origin, looking different, and being Muslim, Obama cordially addresses the American public, referring to himself and Americans as “we”. Grouping himself along with his accusers allowed Obama to convey the idea that he was no different than ordinary Americans. He proposes a solution for questioning Americans, stating that “we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless we solve them together…toward a better future for our children and our grandchildren” (121). By saying this, Obama does two things. The first: incorporating himself with the ordinary man. He states they need to work together to solve the issues facing America. He groups himself with the middle class to show that he is on there side, he understands what they are going through, and he is going to work with them to solve the issues. The second: appealing to his readers emotions. He proposes the solution of working together and states it will result in a better future for children and grandchildren. This use of pathos emotionally connects to the audience and leaves the idea that without Obama and without working together, the future of our children is unknown. Obama logically uses diction such as “we” and emotionally connects to his audience through the example of children to establish credibility for himself and gain trust from skeptical Americans.

            Throughout his speech Obama seems to touch upon all of Aristotle’s ideas of ethos. He seems knowledgeable about politics, America, and the government (as he should be, considering he was running for the highest position in government). Obama references past historical documents to further gain trustworthiness from his audience, exemplifying his knowledge on American history and government. He shares his audience’s values, providing them with background story on his life, how he came about in America, and how he overcame challenges just like other middle-class adults. He also shares their ideals by including himself in American issues, stating together “we” need to make a change. Obama seems sincerely concerned for his readers, not just because they are believing things about him that have no proper evidence to back them up, but because they are jumping to conclusions without considering facts. Not only was he concerned about their questions about race, but he pointed out ignoring these issues we have with each other will not solve anything. Obama argued that “if we simply retreat into our respective corners, we will never be able to come together and solve challenges like health care or education or the need to find good jobs for every American” (125). With this statement he shows not only how America needs to work together, but what some of his goals were if he were to be elected. He provides an overlying picture of how this can harm America’s future rather than help it, broadening the minds of many Americans who refused to look past the color of his skin. By continuously including all Americans in his speech, Obama makes his argument fair. He does not point the finger at those who were accusing him, he does not say he was underprivileged because of his race, or his background, or his parents; instead he establishes an even playing field. He includes all of America, remaining unbiased and promoting equality. With each of these things – seeming knowledgeable, sharing audience values, concern for readers, remaining fair and objective – Obama’s speech practically screams “I will be a good president if you give me a chance”. He includes everything Aristotle says will build ethos, effectively earning Americas trust, and becoming president. Obama crafted this speech to not only clear his name, but to tell his story and gain Americas trust during this troubled time in American history.