Jennifer Helms
Professor Colgrove
ENG 121
15 April, 2014
A Better America

Making America a better place to live is the main point in President Barack Obama’s State of the Union Address. Obama makes his intent very clear throughout the address. His audience being the citizens of America, “Tonight, the chamber speaks with one voice to the people we represent: it is you, our citizens, who make the state of our union strong.” Reaching out to his audience in a sincere manner is favorable to him. He comes off to be fully aware of the state of the union and how he intends on fixing the hardships of America. Ranging from education to unemployment insurance, he hits every applicable scenario and faces it head on. Through the use of pathos, President Barack Obama shows his audience how to make America a better place in his State of the Union Address. Starting his speech off mentioning real world situations from everyday citizens exposes the initial use of pathos. “Today in America a teacher spent extra time with a student who needed it, and did her part to left America’s graduation rate to its highest level in more than three decades.” (Obama) “A rural doctor gave a young child the first prescription to treat asthma that his mother could afford.” (Obama) Touching the hearts of many by mentioning a sore subject, “And in tight-knit communities across America, fathers and mothers will tuck in their kids, put an arm around their spouse, remember fallen comrades, and give thanks for being home from a war that, after twelve long years, is finally coming to an end.” (Obama) Starting off this way really grabs the attention of his audience and sucks them in emotionally and mentally. Opening himself up emotionally, making himself seem to be one with the audience is another great tactic. “In the coming months, let’s see where else we can make progress together.” (Obama) He uses plenty of “I’s” and “our’s” in his address to attach himself equally, “That’s why I believe this can be a breakthrough year for America. After five years of grit and determined effort, the United States is better-positioned for the 21st century than any other nation on Earth.” (Obama) “When our differences shut down government or threaten the full faith and credit of the United States- then we are not doing right by the American People.” (Obama) He continually recognizes his level of authority and power to justify his actions and intentions. “As President, I’m committed to making Washington work better, and rebuilding the trust of the people who sent us here.” (Obama) By doing so, it makes his audience believe and trust what he’s saying. Making it easier for persuasion in his favor. One of the main points on how to make America a better place was the state of the economy. “because in today’s global economy, first-class jobs gravitate to first-class infrastructure.” (Obama) Tying in several different aspects into one, from jobs to an energy efficient America. He focuses on job security and all the positive that comes from holding a job. ”We know where to start: the best measure of opportunity is access to a good job.” (Obama) Also taking a look at just having a job, sometimes it’s not enough in this economy. “The cold, hard fact is that even in the midst of recovery, too many Americans are working more than ever just to get by.” (Obama) “Our success should depend not on accident of birth, but the strength of our work ethic and the scope of our dreams.” (Obama) President Obama knows that the American people just want a chance to survive and have a good life. You can’t have those opportunities without a job, a good paying job. He talks about raising the minimum wage rate to accommodate more hard working citizens. “But Americans overwhelmingly agree that no one who works full time should ever have to raise a family in poverty.” (Obama) This would greatly touch so many people in a positive way, most families today barely make enough to get by. “by lifting