You have read "Shirley Chisholm Presidential Candidacy Announcement" and "The American Promise," two speeches by presidential candidates. Write an essay in which you argue whether Chisholm or Obama makes a stronger argument for her or his candidacy. Be sure to include details from both speeches to address the points made by each speaker and use evidence to support your argument.
Write a well-organized, text-dependent response. Be sure to save time to edit and review your work for complete sentences, spelling, punctuation, and appropriate language.
Shirley Chisholm and Barack Obama are two trailblazing figures in American political history. Chisholm was the first black woman to be elected to the United States Congress, and later, the first woman to run for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination in 1972. Obama became the first African American to be elected to the presidency of the United States in 2008. Both Chisholm's "Presidential Candidacy Announcement" and Obama's "The American Promise" are powerful speeches advocating for their respective candidacies. However, Obama's speech has a stronger argument for his candidacy due to his ability to inspire hope, present a unifying message, and connect with the audience on a personal level.
One of the key strengths of Obama's speech lies in his ability to inspire hope for a better future. Obama discusses his background and the challenges he has faced in life, attributing his success to the American Dream. He affirms that America is a land of opportunity, saying, "In no other country on Earth is my story even possible." This sentiment not only highlights his ability to connect with the audience but also promotes a sense of national pride and inspires hope for positive change. He also emphasizes the need to reject cynicism and embrace optimism, urging people to unite for a common purpose.
On the other hand, Chisholm's speech takes a more confrontational stance, challenging the status quo and demanding equal rights and opportunities for all Americans. While her message is powerful and is aimed at breaking down barriers that have prevented marginalized groups from realizing their full potential, her speech may have been too radical for her time. Her argument includes taking on the powerful institutions and vested interests that perpetuate inequality, such as large corporations and a corrupt government. While these aims are undoubtedly admirable, the confrontational tone of her speech may have alienated potential supporters who were not yet ready for such a radical change.
Another reason why Obama's speech is stronger is because of his focus on unity and bringing people together. He emphasizes the importance of overcoming divisions and working together as Americans to create a brighter future. Obama states: "We are more than a collection of red states and blue states. We are the United States of America." This message resonates with a broad range of people, regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation, and offers hope for renewed unity in the nation.
In contrast, Chisholm's speech highlights the divisions and inequalities that persist within American society, especially in terms of race and gender. While her candidness about these issues certainly underscores the need for change, it does not foster the same sense of unity that characterizes Obama's speech. By focusing on the disparities and injustices that have impacted her and others, Chisholm's speech may have unintentionally contributed to an "us vs. them" mentality.
Lastly, Obama's speech succeeds in connecting with the audience on a more personal level. By sharing his life story, Obama highlights the struggles that many Americans face and shows that he understands their concerns. He attributes his achievements to the support of his family, community, and country, demonstrating that he is in touch with the struggles faced by everyday Americans, and thus, can effectively advocate on their behalf.
Chisholm's speech does not have the same personal resonance with the audience. While it is true that she shares her experiences as a black woman facing discrimination, her primary focus remains on critiquing existing power structures and demanding sweeping changes. This detracts from her ability to forge a strong, personal connection with a diverse audience.
In conclusion, while Chisholm's "Presidential Candidacy Announcement" is a groundbreaking and powerful speech, Obama's "The American Promise" makes a stronger argument for his candidacy. His ability to inspire hope, promote unity, and connect with the audience creates an impactful message that garners widespread support. By doing so, Obama lays a strong foundation for his candidacy and ultimately his successful presidency.