Rhetorical Analysis Of George W. Bush's 9/11 Speech

Imagine what it’s like to be a member of a nation who’s just been victimized in attacks that took the lives of around 3000 innocent people. The Attacks of September 11, 2001 were a series of four acts of terrorism directed towards the United States. The whole nation was present in a state of utter shock and emotional disarray. Besides, many of their loved ones were taken from them, and many others were threatened. If the Taliban terrorists were willing to commit attacks such as the ones of September 11th, 2001, then what made everyone else immune? In the “Address to Joint Session of Congress Following 9/11 Attacks,” George W. Bush substantially utilizes strong pathos, in addition to use of moderate amounts of ethos, logos, and a very urgent and resentful tone to persuade the American people that he will take the measures necessary to ensure that the terrorists are brought to justice. In fact, he was well aware that the people were fearful regarding their future, and he took full advantage of the emotional nature of the situation to win over the support of the people at the time. After 9/11 and his speeches, his approval rating shot up to an all time high; he had managed to intoxicate the people in the fashion which he handled the circumstances, and convinced the American people that they were in good hands.

One of the most catastrophic events America has faced were the September eleventh terrorist attacks. Our nation faced one of the most damaging attacks in our history and it was up to our president, George W. Bush, to address the entire nation and assure everyone that America still remains a strong and functioning country. Our President George Bush was called upon to address the nation, a nation that was currently suffering from loss, fear, and despair. His goal was to persuade Americans to take comfort in the effort being put forth in resolving the aftermath of the attacks and the fear they caused. Recognizing his audience as being innocent victims of an unknown evil, President Bush ultimately had to present a speech that mastered various techniques

On September 11, 2001, George W. Bush delivered his 9/11 Address to the Nation at 8:30 PM to all Americans. This speech, broadcasted throughout the nation from within the Oval Office just hours after the terrorist hijacking and the crash on the Twin Towers, reassured American citizens during a time of devastation and need of proper leadership. (Eidenmuller). Through rhetoric intended to convey strength and the actions America had already taken to combat this tragedy, Bush instilled hope in the American people and provided them with a sense of unification.

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

The first thing Obama does in his speech is mention the events of 9/11. He recalls it as a “the worst attack on the American people in our history.” He continues giving his audience a idea of a horrible event full of death. He is using a form of rhetoric known as pathos. He does this to pull on people’s emotions getting their attention and reminding them of the past. By doing this Obama unites peoples thoughts making them think the same thing and re-ignite the American people’s urge for revenge on Al Qaeda.

The president appeals primarily to pathos by listing ordinary people who fell victim to “deadly terrorist attacks.” He draws upon the audience’s feelings of anger and sorrow by including “moms and dads, friends and neighbors” among the murdered. President Bush details the efforts of different parts of the government to guarantee safety and stability. He guarantees his audience that everything possible is being done to find the terrorists who were responsible for the attacks. Also, the president shows pathos by saying this “Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened.”

President Bush, shares his view on the matter throughout this speech. Bush’s purpose is to try and help Americans not panic during such a terrifying situation that has changed American history. Since Bush understands what Americans or people in general the world must be feeling, he is able to address the matter in a calm and collected way. In “Bush’s 9/11 speech,” the author, President George Bush, uses various rhetorical devices to reinforce his position on the 9/11 attack.

September 11, 2001 was a tragic part of  history for the United States of America. On September 11,  four planes crashed down by hijackers at the Pentagon, the Twin Towers, and a Pennsylvania field. The Pentagon and World Trade Center were the primary buildings where the Al Qaeda wanted to attack. The White House was another target, however they never made it. Later that night, President George W. Bush gave a speech about 9/11 in the Oval Office. George W. Bush inspired America of their safety and security of his confident tone, religious beliefs,word choice.

One of the most detrimental and traumatic events of United States history involves the terrorist attacks on the day of September 11th, in 2001. September 11th is a day countless Americans will never forget. Because our nation encountered such a horrific attack, it was up to our president during the time, President George W. Bush, to address the country. Many Americans suffered loss and fear; therefore, former President George Bush’s goal was to heal and comfort the nation by persuading them to see the light within the darkness. Bush’s speech was a success because he showed America’s togetherness and solidarity by creating an emotional connection to the audience; moreover, by responding appropriately to the attacks, he presented himself with a leadership and role no one else could take.

When the twin towers were destroyed in New York City by the terrorist group led by Osama Bin Laden, a Country filled with panic, sadness, and anger was left behind. Thousands of innocent civilians were killed, and the families of the fallen suffered greatly. People demanded answers, and wanted justice. People also felt unsafe, and were unaware if it was reasonable to expect another attack. President George Walker Bush prepares a speech for congress to discuss the events that took place, and the plans that will take place because of these events. The objectives of the speech Bush was trying to accomplish were informing the nation what had happed on September 11th, he then noted that it was not Muslins to be blamed for the attack, the challenges that lie ahead, and our plan for the “War on Terror.” The President uses the canons of rhetoric to execute a speech that met his audience’s needs.

The events that occurred during the morning of September 11th 2001, forever changed the course of history. Commercial airplanes were hijacked and flown into the two World Trade Center buildings in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington DC. In total, nearly 3,000 people were killed that day and millions of lives were turned into turmoil. During this fateful day, Americans looked to the leader of their country for guidance and reassurance. The president of the United States, George W. Bush, spoke out to people around the world in his “Address to the Nation” on the evening of September 11th 2001. This brief but powerful speech highlighted on many emotions, context, logic, credibility, and timeliness, that were all very prevalent during this

President Obama spoke on the attack and death of 5 police officers in Dallas, while on his business trip in Warsaw. In his speech he looked distraught and firm on his stance he made it clear that he believed the attack is in no way justifiable under any circumstances. Obama also lightly touched on the clear rage civilians have for the police since the increased number of police brutality incidents and the most recent ones that started the protest in Dallas. In his speech he urged the people of America to recognize that no one’s life is more valuable than any others and that no one should be categorized and condemned in a group because of their skin tone or profession. Since he’s been away he has had to take time to address the incidents in the United States. Many wondered if he would cancel his future events and return to the white house but looking back at similar past situations the best guess is that he will stick to his strict schedule.

On September 11, 2001, nineteen militants from the terrorist organization Al-Qaeda hijacked four passenger airplanes and attempted to decimate essential American landmarks and military targets using the planes. They were meant to strike the Pentagon (the headquarters of the US Department of Defense), New York’s World Trade Center, and the US White House. Two of the planes flew into the twin towers of the World Trade Center, and another crashed in a field in Pennsylvania when onboard passengers onboard fought back after hearing news about the other hijacked planes. Even though the WTC attack was the only success for the terrorists, the attack killed nearly 3,000 people, among them citizens from many different countries and religious backgrounds. In the ensuing warfare in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere,

On September 11th 2001 America was attacked. Two planes taken over by terrorists crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center and one plane crashed into the Pentagon. For many it was disbelief, something out of a movie, but as the fateful day progressed reality struck hard. Thousands of people were lost in the rubble and hundreds more died trying to save them. For America it was a day of mourning, an event no one will ever forget. America's immunity to attack was broken and paranoia ran high. Millions of Americans focused on one man to set it right, the President of the United States. On September 20th President George W. Bush addressed the nation. It was a speech written by many people, composed of

On September 11th, 2001, Islamic terrorists attacked the World Trade Center in New York City, and the Pentagon building in Washington D.C. The terrorists, affiliated with Al Qaeda, were led by Osama bin Laden. On September 20, 2001, nine days after the attack on the country, President George Bush addressed the Nation in a Joint Session of Congress. In this speech, Bush uses a great deal of pathos and an urgently imperative tone, to create an effect that reaches out to the American people as a whole in a call for not only recognition, but action. Throughout the country, emotions ran high in America and many were in constant fear for their lives and their country. “Is another terrorist attack coming?” “Who will be the next target?” “Could this be the end of the world?” many wondered. The people wanted answers and that is what Bush gave them. When President addressed the nation not only did he have to answer those questions, but he also had to diminish fears and reinstill a sense of pride and stability in the American people. The President utilized several techniques, pathos and ethos, that had effectively calmed public fears and persuaded the people toward united action.