Clinton Speaks from the Pulpit of MLK

When President Clinton gave a speech from the pulpit that Dr. Martin Luther King last spoke, his ethos was already established. As the president of the United States at the time he had already kept peace among nations and improved the economy and quality of life for Americans. In President Clinton’s speech he uses logos and pathos in the many stories he tells. He tells the story of a young girl who plans her funeral at age 12 because she does not expect to live long. He also tells of a 13 year old who shot an 18 year old because of a dare. Through these stories Clinton is able to give both statistical information and appeal to the emotions of his listeners. He also appeals to emotion when he talks of jobless Americans and the drug fortunes that destroy communities and families. He concludes the speech by saying: Scripture says, "You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world," that "if your light shines before men, they will give glory to the Father in Heaven. "That is what we must do. That is what we must do. And I will work with you.” Because President Clinton is speaking in a religious setting the quotation of scripture is effective. Throughout the speech he constantly uses the word “we” showing that he is not only for the people but with the people.