John F Kennedy Inaugural Address Ethos Pathos Logos

America wasn’t in its finest condition by 1961, as the Cold War continued to worsen, as USSR began building the Berlin Wall to separate the East and West of Berlin. Americans and Russians were in no position to be friends, and Americans lived in a confused and fear based mindset that led many Americans built backyard fallout shelters in case of nuclear war. They were in need of a strong inspiring leader. John F. Kennedy resembled the image of the kind of leader America needed, he was the leader they had hoped for. He was sworn in as the 35th president of the United States after the reassurance he gave the nation with his inaugural statement. His speech had all the rhetorical strategies of ethos, logos, and pathos to appeal to the audience and

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty” This was a form of exclusivity to each and every person listening, that he understood what they were going through and the devotion he had for the as a nation. Personalizing with the audience in such a difficult time as citizens was the right way to gain approval and support of a nation. He also appeals to them through patriotism “ born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and biter peace, proud of our ancient heritage” especially when it is needed during the Cold

He appeals to each and every person as stated “Vice President Johnson, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, President Truman, reverend clergy, fellow citizens, we observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom – symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning – signifying renewal, as well as change.” This brought to attention that he leaves nobody behind, and is concerned for the wellbeing of each person. The appeal of logos began to open up as he shows trust in his fellow Americans to do what is right “In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than in mine”, and that they could do more for their nation than he can do alone. And later states “I do not shrink from this responsibility – I welcome it” giving the audience reassurance that he is a strong leader willing to take on whatever will come his