what rhetorical strategies are used in the 2017 McCain speech
Senator John McCain delivered a notable speech on the Senate floor on July 25, 2017, after returning to Washington following his diagnosis with brain cancer. This speech is often remembered for its plea for bipartisanship and a return to regular order in the Senate. In the speech, McCain used several rhetorical strategies to convey his message:
1. Ethos (Appeals to Credibility): McCain drew on his long service as a senator and his recent diagnosis to lend credibility to his message, establishing himself as a committed public servant facing a grave personal challenge. His health condition and his dedication to returning to work during such a time underscored the sincerity and urgency of his message.
2. Pathos (Appeals to Emotion): The senator spoke of his love for the Senate and his emotional ties to the institution. His illness added a layer of poignancy to his plea, as listeners were moved by his dedication in the face of personal difficulty. McCain also spoke of shared values and the need for cooperation, seeking to resonate emotionally with his audience.
3. Logos (Appeals to Logic): McCain appealed to the reason of his colleagues by discussing the procedural challenges and gridlock in the Senate. He reminded them of the Senate's role and the need for deliberation, debate, and amendments, emphasizing practical solutions to governance rather than partisan deadlock.
4. Anaphora (Repetition): McCain used repetition for emphasis. For instance, he repeated phrases like "We're getting nothing done" to stress the current problems in Senate processes and to underscore the need for change.
5. Exhortation: He urged his fellow senators to trust each other, negotiate in good faith, and return to a more collaborative legislative process. This motivational tactic sought to inspire action and change among his peers.
6. Appeals to Tradition and History: McCain referenced the Senate's historical role and past accomplishments when it acted with integrity and purpose. This use of tradition supported his argument that the chamber should strive to live up to its legacy.
7. Metaphor and Imagery: He used metaphors such as referring to the Senate as a "beacon of democracy" to evoke powerful images and ideals in the minds of his audience.
8. Personal Anecdotes: He shared his own experiences and reflections from his career, personalizing his speech and making it more relatable to other senators.
9. Concession: McCain acknowledged that both parties, including his own, had contributed to the prevailing dysfunction. Such concessions aimed to establish a common ground from which he could appeal for unity and cooperation.
These strategies worked together to create a persuasive speech that was both a reflection on the state of the Senate and a call to action for his colleagues to rise above partisan divisions and work together for the good of the country.