President Nixon Eulogy Discussion
Uploaded by Brainy81 on May 24, 2022
Bob Dole's eulogy for Richard Nixon paints the former president in a way that makes him an inspiration for listeners, achieving Dole's purpose of honoring him. His opening portrayal of Nixon as a friend and a patriot makes listeners feel connected to him on an emotional level in a way that affects Americans in particular. Dole exemplifies Nixon's accomplishments as a president, sparking gratitude and appealing to the listener's sense of reason. The eulogy makes the point that in order to be a great politician, you must first be a good person.
Bob Dole made the decision to open his eulogy with a description of Nixon's personal life and experience as an American, catering to his audience's patriotism and empathy. He introduces Nixon as an "American hero," a man whose success as a president was caused not by his political capabilities but by his strength and emotional connection to his fellow Americans. This immediately sparks empathy in the audience, who feel a deeper connection to a regular person than to a politician from whom they feel alienated and disconnected. Dole goes on to describe Nixon's growth from a grocer's son to a United States president, often repeating the phrase "How American." He is implying that Nixon achieved the American Dream, and that he started out in the same place that many of Dole's listeners did. The audience is inspired by this success story and feels a sense of patriotism. This may cause them to look up to Nixon as the American Hero that Dole described him as earlier. Using an appeal to empathy, patriotism, and human connection, Dole has begun accomplishing his goal of memorializing Nixon. His image of Nixon that he has established in his audience's minds allows him to use his next strategy.
The purpose of Dole's eulogy was to not only honor Nixon as an American and a friend but to memorialize his career as president. He achieves this by giving examples of Nixon's political accomplishments and appealing to listeners' sense of logic. Dole lists several of Nixon's social programs and reforms, such as environmental and welfare reforms. He mentions Nixon's ending the draft, referencing his involvement in the Vietnam war. This was an event that many of the audience have strong memories of and is a very useful example of Nixon's political strength. By prompting the audience to remember his presidency, he instills in them gratitude and respect...