Jfk Inauguration Speech Essay Example

trust to clarify America's stance during his presidency. Additionally, Kennedy's audience worries about communism's expanding power, particularly its reach into South America.

During the Cold War, America's need for a strong foreign policy focused on defending democracy was embodied by Kennedy, who boldly proclaimed that he was willing to "pay any price...in order to assure the survival and success of liberty" (4). His specific focus on combating nations that posed a threat to the US helped establish his presidential ethos (11). Kennedy was confident in America's ability to aid its allies, new states, people in huts and villages, and sister republics south of its border (6, 7, 8, 9), particularly shown in his explicit denouncement of communism. Through his metaphor of dictatorships "riding the back of the tiger and ending up inside," Kennedy clearly stated that all such regimes are destined to fail (7).

In paragraph form, John F. Kennedy's references to communist nations and "hostile powers" that engage in aggression and subversion (9) are characterized by outright disdain that satisfies the American public's need for reassurance that the president will protect them. The aggressive tone cultivated by repeatedly using words like "anger" and "hostile" when speaking about communist countries is imposing. Instead of simply threatening other powers by stating "other powers should know," Kennedy uses a less commanding tone and says "let every other power know." Additionally, the use of certain language helps to reinforce Kennedy's purpose, as shown through his repeated use of the word "pledge," often in promising contexts.

The term "pledge" has a favorable meaning as it carries more weight than a mere promise and conveys sincerity. Its significance becomes even more prominent

when Kennedy refrains from using it while addressing communist nations. While assuring America and its allies of his commitment to ensure their welfare, he pledges to them, while to Russia and its allies, he requests favors. Additionally, Kennedy develops a closer bond with his audience by using personal pronouns such as "we," "us," and "my fellow citizens," instilling a sense of care and concern.

This speech by President Kennedy has a tone that suggests a shared responsibility in his presidency, emphasizing a human limitation. He highlights America's role in protecting human rights, instead of solely his own. The speech's celebratory and inspirational tone reassures the audience that Kennedy is allied with America. Overall, Kennedy's inaugural speech effectively met viewer expectations and approached the bipolar world with a similarly bipolar rhetoric.

His address to different groups was marked by a clear contrast in his use of tone and language, revealing his presidential ambitions. Through his eloquent words, he has positioned himself as a capable defender of both America and the principles of democracy worldwide.