“Virtue.” What does that really mean? Many individuals believe that they exhibit moral excellence genuinely rather than out of necessity, but is that usually true? While some employ a sense of righteousness due to essential tasks or duties for their career or to merely complement their self-image, others truly feel it; they sincerely live it. And to former President Barack Obama, Senator John McCain was one of the few to justly live with a noticeable sense of morality as not only a politician, son, spouse, father, or friend, but as a human being and that quality proved to have a profound impact on his social interactions, personal beliefs, and his contribution to American life.
While delivering John McCain’s eulogy, Obama inevitably ensured appropriate conveyance of McCain’s legacy in his honor as a politician, however his supreme praise for McCain’s noble character and profound service and duty prompted his ultimate declaration for citizens and politicians to resemble McCain’s actions and ideologies. In the midst of his praise, Obama implores American citizens and politicians to be bigger than the petty controversies in politics just as McCain did; he urges to rise above what he calls the “manufactured outrage” in today’s society for the greater achievement of fulfilling the role of positively changing America by solely pursuing the role of an exceptional American citizen.
Spoken by the former President of the United States, the eulogy utilizes ethos as its words come from a credible source in that Obama was not only undoubtedly aware of fair politics, but also as McCain’s good friend, he understood and experienced his unceasing, virtuous spirit.
Whether he does it unintentionally or purposefully, Obama weaves an assembly of McCain’s successes and respectability including his ability to improve the Senate, his unprecedented unpredictability, his devotion to friends and family, and most importantly, his prominent belief of equality to also appeal to the emotions of his audience. In remembrance of an extraordinary man and Senator, Obama utilizes pathos in hoping that the actions of his audience members will mirror McCain’s in effect to his loss. Losing an individual evidently ensues sadness, or immense heartache for some, but Obama emphasizes that the loss of an extraordinary man with significant and honorable qualities is not only sad, but an unfortunate occurrence that can influence the decisions other people can choose to make, while simultaneously educating them on the necessary qualities that an individual may have in order to benefit themselves and society.
While Obama aimed to exploit the sadness of his audience through exemplification of McCain’s commendable role in society and in politics in hopes of enlightening them on important values to live by, he understood that it may not be enough to persuade everyone. In effect to this realization, Obama further expressed his animosity toward the current political system by verbally recognizing its disfigurement. In doing so, Obama impresses on the guilt and disappointment of Americans by highlighting the deterioration of today’s politics. Assuming that the “small and mean and petty” politics of today are fear induced, Obama mocks these individuals who advocate them, therefore targeting their weakness and calling on them to limit the frivolous controversies and to rather focus on pursuing universal virtues and favorable ideals that McCain exhibited.
Outlining McCain’s innumerable virtues that were displayed for the world to appreciate, Obama strives to not only honor his noble character, but to showcase it to world in hoping that people will aim to mimic his ideals. By intermixing his condolences for his loss and shaming political controversies, Obama attempts to broaden the minds of his audience in hoping that they follow McCain’s lead as they continue to live as American citizens.
The introduction is great! Very good hook. However, the last sentence could be split in two. I know that theses are generally better the more concise they are, but there are too many topics in yours to fit in one sentence (in my opinion).
Similarly, the two body paragraphs are difficult to read. The ideas are sound, but I think it would just sound clearer with a few less adjectives and adverbs. Speeches with really long sentences and really long words are generally hard for me to follow since I can’t reread sentences when someone’s speaking.
The conclusion is great. Very concise.
This is definitely something that many Americans need to be reminded of. In a country that seems to be getting more and more divided we need to learn to take a step back and realize that we are all human, and everybody has reasons why they believe what they believe. It was a shame how our current president is still unwilling to apologize to John McCain about his comment on him not being a war hero because he was captured. It is so petty and childish when you can’t admit that what you said was wrong. Anyway, great topic with a great message!