President Bill Clinton 9/11/1998

On September 11, 1998 President Bill Clinton spoke at the annual White House prayer breakfast for clergy following his testimony and address to the nation on the Monica Lewinsky affair, Washington, D.C. In the Presidents’ speech he definitely uses rhetoric. It is ironic that he is speaking to a religious group considering he had just committed many sins including lying and adultery. However, the president uses many aspects of rhetoric to connect with his audience at such a difficult time. Early in the speech Clinton connects with his listeners through ethos by establishing himself as an honest, average man. He states that he spent the night writing his speech down and will need his glasses to read his own writing. This is simple but shows that he is a regular who does regular things and ultimately makes mistakes. He also appeals to the group of clergy by stating that he spent the night praying. In the speech he also takes the time to issue apologies not only to his family and friends, but to those of Monica Lewinsky and to the American people. President Clinton’s deliberative approach is perhaps his most effective because he particularly lists what actions he will take in his legal process as the President. He states, “my lawyers will mount a vigorous defense,” “I will continue on the path of repentance” and “intensify efforts to lead our country and the world toward peace and freedom.” Clinton also states that he is grateful to the many citizens who continue to support him and send him wise counsel. Throughout his address he continuously makes Biblical references which appeal to the clergy who are religious leaders. He ends his address by asking that leaders share his prayers and support him as he gains a clean heart and to be pleasing in the sight of God.