President is a figurehead and source of unity for the public
Rallies Americans to have hope
Different motives, platforms, and views but similar appeals and messages
American society has remained fundamentally the same, we want the same things Americans wanted 150 years ago but for different reasons and in different ways
Return to American idealism
Lincoln references formation of nation
Trump links himself to Reagan
Why they both work
Historical context (Kairos)
Lincoln àCivil War, need for unity
Trump àHe and audience believes America has to be made great again
Pathos
Lincoln àDon’t let these lives lost be in vain, crossroads
Trump àHope
Both give people a duty
Ambiguity opens audience
What does answering the call mean to you
Need for action
How American society is different
What they say about us
Simple slogan having as much meaning as iconic speech
Both synonymous with rhetor
What we value and want in our nation
How American society is similar
Similar ideals
Rallying cry
Puts America on pedestal…patriotism/nationalism
Still look to politicians for reassurance
Conclusion
Consistency in messages of campaigns and heart-wrenching speeches
American ideals extend through eras and across party lines
(Examples)
Despite time between Trump and Lincoln and differences between their views, calling for us to do the same thingsàBe civic