President- Richard Nixon
Speech- Fourth State of the Union address
Date- February 2, 1973
Total Number of Words- 27,142
Length of Speech- Written
“Looking back, there is a lesson in all this for all of us. The lesson is one that we sometimes had to learn the hard way over the past few years. But we did learn it. That lesson is that even potentially destructive forces can be converted into positive forces when we know how to channel them, and when we use common sense and common decency to create a climate of mutual respect and goodwill.”
Theme- Hope
Analysis- This State of the Union address is in a series of messages. In this address, President Nixon offers a new approach to government. He wants the Federal Government to aid and encourage citzens, communities, and institutions, not to dominate their lives. “If we were to continue to expand the Federal Government at the rate of the past several decades, it soon would consume us entirely,” Nixon said. This speech ensures Americans that the country is economically strong, military was secure, and there was peace after a long war. This provides hope to Americans after a mentally and physically draining time period.
President- John F. Kennedy
Speech- Second State of the Union address
Date- January 11, 1962
Total Number of Words- 6,569
Length of Speech- 1:07:22
“That task must begin at home. For if we cannot fulfill our own ideals here, we cannot expect others to accept them. And when the youngest child alive today has grown to the cares of manhood, our position in the world will be determined first of all by what provisions we make today--for his education, his health, and his opportunities for a good home and a good job and a good life.”
Theme- Strengthening Economy
Analysis- This State of the Union address has a large focus on recession and how to strengthen the economy. President Kennedy says in this address there are too many unemployed people looking for “blessing of prosperity.” In a way to expand growth, Kennedy urges three ways for Congress to help. They are the Manpower Training and Development Act, the Youth Employment Opportunities Act, and an eight percent tax credit investment in machinery and equipment that will develop modernization and growth. He also says fighting inflation, strengthening military, and reevaluating goals will help all Americans in a tough time.
President- Franklin D. Roosevelt
Speech- First State of the Union address
Date- January 3, 1934
Total Number of Words- 2,230
Length of Speech- 0:22:16
“Civilization cannot go back; civilization must not stand still. We have undertaken new methods. It is our task to perfect, to improve, to alter when necessary, but in all cases to go forward.”
Theme- Recovery
Analysis- This State of the Union address focuses on recovering. President Roosevelt led the United States during a time of economic crisis (the Great Depression and World War II). In this address, Roosevelt says there is a strong purpose of strengthening the financial structure of the nation. He also says it is his duty to help the relief of suffering caused by unemployment. During this time there is also the expansion of industrial plants and waste of natural resources that Roosevelt views as a negative thing. “There is an exploitation of child labor and all labor and we must make sure that as we reconstruct our life there be no soil in which such weeds can grow again.”
President- Obama
Speech- Inaugural Address
Date- January 20, 2009
Total Number of Words- 2,414
Length of Speech- 0:28:53
“Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.”
Theme- Believing Faith
Analysis- President Obama’s Inaugural address is a speech for Americans to believe in a new change and have faith in recovering. He became president at a time of crisis. In the address he says it is a tough time for everyone because the United States is at war, the economy is weak, and businesses are lost. However, it is making Americans stronger individuals and preparing the nation for a new age. He also reassures the nation that greatness of our country is never given, it can only be earned. It is up to all citizens to have faith and believe that there are good things to come from such a negative period of time.
President- Obama
Speech- Speech to Troops in Iraq
Date- April 7, 2009
Total Number of Words- 768
Length of Speech- 0:16:37
“The main point I want to make is we have not forgotten what you have already done, we are grateful for what you will do, and as long as I am in the White House, you are going to get the support that you need and the thanks that you deserve from a grateful nation.”
Theme- Thinking Positive
Analysis- In this speech, Obama talks to troops in Iraq and thanks them for their services. He calls the time a “transition period” and says Iraqis need to take responsibility for their country and for their sovereignty. He says in order for them to do that, “they have got to make political accommodations. They're going to have to decide that they want to resolve their differences through constitutional means and legal means.” Obama reassures the troops that he knows they (troops) are doing all they can for the United States. For Iraqis to follow through, the U.S. has to work with them and be committed to their success.
President- Obama
Speech- Election Night Victory Speech
Date- November 4, 2008
Total Number of Words- 1,949
Length of Speech- 0:20:12
“If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.”
Theme- New Change
Analysis- In President Obama’s victory speech, he ensures America he is ready to be the President of the United States. He thanks many people such as his partner Vice President-elect Joe Biden, for the journey and believing in him. He tells Americans that the road ahead to recovery is long, but promises they will get there. He says not everyone will agree with his decision-making, but he promises to be honest with everyone about the challenges ahead.
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