We hear much of special interest groups. Well, our concern must be for a special interest group that has been too long neglected. It knows no sectional boundaries or ethnic and racial divisions, and it crosses political party lines. It is made up of men and women who raise our food, patrol our streets, man our mines and factories, teach our children, keep our homes, and heal us when we're sick—professionals, industrialists, shopkeepers, clerks, cabbies, and truck drivers. They are, in short, ‘We the people,’ this breed called Americans.

Question

We hear much of special interest groups. Well, our concern must be for a special interest group that has been too long neglected. It knows no sectional boundaries or ethnic and racial divisions, and it crosses political party lines. It is made up of men and women who raise our food, patrol our streets, man our mines and factories, teach our children, keep our homes, and heal us when we're sick—professionals, industrialists, shopkeepers, clerks, cabbies, and truck drivers. They are, in short, ‘We the people,’ this breed called Americans.

In 3–5 sentences, evaluate the message of this speech to determine who is the “special interest group” he refers to. Consider the audience of an inaugural speech. Do you think President Reagan has spoken to these people? State a clear opinion on Reagan’s reliability in this speech.

Answer 1

The special interest group being referred to in this speech is the American people as a whole, regardless of their background or occupation. President Reagan is emphasizing the importance of recognizing the everyday citizens who make up the fabric of American society. In an inaugural speech, the audience is typically a diverse group of individuals from all walks of life, making it important to address the concerns and interests of the general population. Overall, Reagan's message seems inclusive and focused on unifying the country, making him appear reliable in his commitment to representing the interests of all Americans.