The 2000 U.S. Presidential Election

Paper Summary:

This paper uses the Kenneth Burke Pentad approach to analyze the speeches of Vice President Al Gore when he conceded the 2000 presidential election and President George W. Bush when he declared victory. The paper begins with a brief discussion of the contentious nature of the 2000 elections, culminating in the courtroom drama over the recount in Florida. Next, the paper provides a detailed explanation and overview of Burke's pentad approach to communication, which the paper then applies to the two speeches. The paper concludes that while reflected differently, the speeches had essentially the same message: the process is bigger than the person.

I. Introduction
II. Introduction to Kenneth Burke's
Pentad Theory of Persuasive Communication
III. How Ratio Leads to Motive
IV. Perfection
V. The Pentad of the Speeches
1. Gore's Concession
2. Bush's Victory Speech
A. The Act
B. The Scene
C. The Agents
D. The Agency
E. Purpose
VI. Ratio
A. Gore's Ratio
B. Bush's Ratio
VII. Gore's Motive
VIII. Bush's Motive
IX. Perfection
X. Conclusion

From the Paper:

"December 13, 2000 concluded a Presidential Election unlike any that proceeded it. The date marked the concession of Vice President Al Gore, to future president George W. Bush. It was the closest United States Presidential Election of all time, and it concluded in the Supreme Court of the United States. The decision of that court would ultimately place the most powerful political position in the world, the Presidency of the United States, to George W. Bush, the governor of Texas. The election was filled with controversy, including an apparent flawed system of voting, a state, Florida, responsible for deciding the election, that was run by the to be President's younger brother, and a mere count of 300 votes that would change the future forever."

More papers on The 2000 U.S. Presidential Election:

• Analytical Essay # 119360 : "The 2000 Presidential Campaign"
• Essay # 70206 : "The 2000 Elections"
• Comparison Essay # 22744 : "2000 Election"

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