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Rhetorical Analysis Of George Bush 9/11 Speech

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On September 11, 2001, George W. Bush gave a speech to the American citizens following the horrible and tragic terrorist attacks that had taken place. Bush’s purpose is to create unity among the nation and to build his presidential credibility. United States President, George W. Bush, in his speech, 9/11 Address to the Nation, emphasizes how everyone should move forward and remain strong after the tragic events. Bush appeals to the audience using pathos, logos, and ethos while adopting a grieving, yet hopeful tone in order to tranquilize the people of America. President George W. Bush uses pathos in his speech to help unify the people. His wording has people feeling shocked, surprised, and angry. He reasons the cause for the attack was because “we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world” (Bush 7). Bush successfully vilifies the enemy, as it is still strong today, to unify the citizens under a common enemy. He continues pathos with a justice-seeking tone on how he will bring justice to those responsible. With compassion and hope, Bush asks people to pray on behalf of those affected by the …show more content…

“Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government’s emergency response plans” (Bush 7). As the newly elected president, Bush must make an impression that he can be a strong president and uses ethos to build that credibility. “I have directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice” (Bush 7). He shows the persona of a reliable leader who can get the situation under control. “And I pray they will be confronted by a Power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for you are with me” (Bush 7). With the biblical allusion, Bush is trying to showcase that God supports

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