President Bush's 7 October 2002 speech advocating an attack on Iraq not only was aimed at the Iraqi regime, but at the hearts of the American people as well. His speech is an excellent example of persuasion at its best. After listening to the President's speech, it would be hard for anyone to argue why we shouldn't go to war with Iraq. The President pierced our hearts with painful memories of the past and reminded us of the current threats of today. He broke down the credibility of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and informed us of his current military capabilities. His sentences were short and concise, listing every reason why we should go to war. This paper will focus on the style and arrangement of the President's speech, and how his powerful language tied it all together perfectly.
             The way this speech is organized is crucial for its desired goals of persuasion. President Bush knows that he is presenting his views before a country of mixed opinions concerning Iraq. He knows that without the support of our country, we will not accept an unwarranted war with Iraq. By the end of his speech, the president hopes to justify the seriousness of the Iraqi threat and gain the support of the American people.
             In his speech, the President grabs the audience's attention right from the start by saying, "Tonight I want to take a few minutes to discuss a grave threat to peace, and America's determination to lead the world in confronting that threat." Immediately listeners feel that they are involved in what the President has to say, and feel like they are a part of something. As soon as he says this, the President identifies the main topic of his speech, Iraq. He discusses how major of a threat the Iraqi regime imposes on the world by breaking down its credibility. In the same paragraph, the President lists the dangerous weapons Iraq possesses, and its history of willingness to use them. He is...