The Governor's Rhetoric

Communication > Interpersonal
Communication > Language and Speech
Political Science

This paper examines Aristotle's theory of rhetoric as a vehicle of analysis for the rhetoric of Governor Tim Kaine's speech at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech).

1,781 words () | 5 sources | MLA | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the three rhetorical genres outline by Aristotle in his "Art of Rhetoric." The paper then examines Goveror Tim Kaine's speech at Virginia Tech after the Virginia Tech Massacre. The paper analyzes the flaws and shortcomings of his speech as addressed in Aristotle's work. This paper also analyzes the rhetoric of other politicians throughout history.

From the Paper:

"The problem with Kaine's rhetoric is that he is not really addressing the audience, but the event. The fact that the title of his speech deals with ""An Amazing Community" does an injustice to the individuals in the audience. A syllogism he could (and maybe should) have used goes something like this: "Sometimes humans suffer. I am human. Therefore, I suffer (along with you)." That would have made him a far more ideal transmitter of feelings to the audience, instead of focusing on the community. The community will go on. But, it is individuals who need support and a chance to heal and the opportunity to feel safe once again. Nowhere in Kaine's rhetoric did he bother to hit those important "buttons." Aristotelian rhetoric assumes that you trust the speaker, and distrust those who are different. Kaine, frankly, uses such pedestrian thoughts and words, that he comes across as just another politician preening in front of the President and the media."

Sample of Sources Used:

Babin, Edith: Contemporary Composition Studies books.google.com/books?isbn=0313300879...
Campbell, Karlyn Kohrs: "Modern Rhetorical Criticism" The Jensen Lectures: Contemporary Communication Studies, edited by John I. Sisco, University of South Florida, 1982, pp. 117-30
Kaine, Gov. Tim: "An Amazing Community" delivered at Blacksburg VA, April 17, 2007
Kaine, Tim: "Virginia Tech Shooting: Statement of Gov. Kaine" Roanoke, VA April 16, 2007 www.roanoke.com/news/wb/113303
Waslever, Kristin: Review of Audience and Rhetoric by James A Porter J A C website vol. 13, issue 2 (2006) www.jacweb.org/Archived_volumes/Text_articles/V13_I2_Rev_Woolever.htm