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Sarah Pia
Professor Olivas
English 101
19 September 2016
Effective Usages of Rhetoric
Michelle Obamas argument effectively supports Hillary Clintons presidential candidacy.
During Obamas 2016 Democratic National Convention Speech, her argument focuses on Hillary
Clintons previous accomplishments with children. Furthermore, when the First Lady expresses
the security Hillary Clinton will give to future generations Obamas purpose becomes apparent.
She wants to create Hillary Clintons image as a hard- working woman who is dedicated to
improving childrens welfare. Moreover, leading to Obamas audience, mothers, as well as her
persona as a mother herself can relate to other caregivers. While her speech was emotionally
captivating the speech was vindicated when Michelle Obamas actions during her speech sealed
her sincerity within her words. Obama proves Hillary Clinton deserves to be the next president
with her successful justification.
Using emotional appeal enables the argument to bare Clinton as an exemplary for the
nation. First, Michelle Obama places herself as an ordinary mother who worries about the future
of her children. Additionally, she tries conveying that she wonders about her childrens future
and who to trust their future with. For instance, Obama enlightens the audience that she has
confidence in Hillary Clinton to shape our children for the next four or eight years of their
lives (Obama) in a positive aspect. In essence, she manages to pull in pathos directed towards

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mothers to build a relationship for Clinton with mothers that want to see their children have
greater prospects. Secondly, Obama gives Clinton credibility by using pathos to prove the
democratic candidate can act on her words. Particularly, the First Lady mentions Clintons years
of promoting child healthcare and how she is a true public servant (Obama). As a result,
Hillary Clinton is seen as dedicated worker who not only wants to be president but desires to
give back to the community. Obama develops an image of security for the country as well as the
future for children for the audience to embrace full heartedly.
The audience falls into Obamas grasp of intricate imagery filled with personal insight of
wanting betterment to give Clinton credibility. Although Hillary Clinton is the subject of the
speech, Obama proves her own credibility by her passion and sincerity that the audience will
follow her in what she decides is right, even if the audience may not believe entirely in Hillary
Clinton becoming president. Being First Lady, Obama knows issues that need to be done towards
ensuring bright prospects for generations to come giving Clinton a better character in front of
audience by having inside access. Even though, mothers are the main focus of Obamas speech
many millenials can relate to wanting enhanced childcare for their future children besides
remembering looking up to leaders as role models like the little black boy who looked up at
[ President Obama] with hope (Obama) in his eyes. Thus, the speech focuses on emphasizing
the importance of children becoming the future front-runners as well as using multiple hyphens
to express the greater importance of not just saying the words but feeling the emotion behind her
words. Obama delivers her speech with ethos but enough pathos to draw the hearts of her
audience to marvel on the future and wanting this prosperous future for the next generation that
Hillary Clinton will construct. Obamas sentiments within her speech are powerful but while

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verbalizing her speech during the convention are strengthened by her mannerisms in supporting
her rhetoric.
The rhetoric of within the speech is enhanced by her dynamic passion for Hillary
Clintons respectable nomination for presidency. During the speech, the First Lady constantly has
her hand over her heart as a reminder that her words are coming from her heart. In addition, she
smiles and holds eye contact with the audience in attendance at the Democratic National
Convention as well as the viewers at home that entails she is aware of an audience that she can
reach outside of her range. Therefore, when Obama states the insignificance of [being a]
Democrat or Republican (Obama) she breaks limitations on who her message is for.
Furthermore, when she shakes her hand up and down it symbolizes a judges gavel declaring
truth is being spoken with evidence of experience as being Frist Ladies and understanding
motherhood to know the needs that must be done. Hillary Clinton has never quit on anything in
her life (Obama), is a clear measure of Obamas confidence which makes her rhetoric solid
because there is little room to question her motives. Hence, soothes the audience that Clinton can
be trusted to finish the to- do- list as well as nurture the country to attainment. Obama hands out
a security blanket with Hillary Clintons name all over it to lay the nation at peace.
Throughout the speech her rhetoric is not shaken by doubt but reinforced by her
authenticity. Overall, Clinton is verified as the best choice to become president by Obama
supporting Clintons drive for change and aspiration to improve childrens futures. As a result of
using raw emotion during her speech, the audience emotionally forms a relationship of
understanding of qualms. Comforting mothers concerns by giving hope Clinton will provide
solutions for the nations children. Michelle Obama is successful in seizing her audience to
introduce Clinton as a devoted President.

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Work Cited
Obama, Michelle. Michelle Obamas Speech At 2016 Democratic National Convention.
Democratic National Convention, 26 July 2016, Speech.