A Rhetorical Analysis Of Lyndon Johnson's Speech

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The address of President Lyndon Johnson to the University of Michigan in 1964 has been give priority in this document. The test of the success of the nation lies in the ability of the American people to exercise liberty and pursue happiness for the general population. These are the main pillars of the country’s life in relation to President Johnson. Happiness and liberty are the main components of a peaceful living. By highlighting these attributes in his opening sentence; the president’s appeal to the people is that of sobriety and peaceful coexistence. The president reminds the people that for a century they fought to claim what is now called the American continent. He further states that for half a century the American people embarked on inventions and innovations that have put the country above the rest. The president outlines the main challenge in this century as that of managing the wealth…show more content…
He opens his speech by acknowledging the role of religious groups in the building of the American society. This is an issue that had no coverage in Johnson’s address. While Reagan concentrates on religious beliefs as the instigators of social growth and development, Johnson preferred that use of education and riches as the means to achieve the same goal. This contrast is evident in the way these two presidents gave their opening speeches. The other big contrast between these two speeches is Reagan’s reiteration the freedom and liberty are things that can only be enjoyed with the full blessings of God (Rodgers, 2011, p164). This is a religious perspective that Johnson ignored and based his theory of growth in self preservation. The other major point of departure between these two speeches is the audience. While Reagan chose to address the religious and more conservative part of the population, Johnson went for the secular and more liberal
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