Date Given: October 27, 1964
Reason Given: Reagan gave this speech as an endorsement for the campaign of Barry Goldwater, who ran for president of the United States in 1964.
Effects: This speech sparked the beginning of Ronald Reagan's political popularity and success. During this speech Reagan mentions that he was a democrat, but has recently become a republican. He became the face of the Republican Party and the leading contender for the nominations at later dates.
Analysis
Ronald Reagan is a successfully communicates his point of view during this speech based on his use of personal anecdotes, development of personal attachment to controversial issues and appeal to the nature of people. During Reagan's address to this audience of conservatives, he frequently relies on anecdotes to personalize the speech. He makes reference at one point to a Cuban refugee who had commented that he was luckier than Americans because he had a place to escape to from a country that was oppressing him. Reagan's point with this story was to point out that there is no other country like America. He was depicting the idea that the freedoms Americans enjoy are unique through this anecdote. Reagan, whose primary reason for giving this speech was to endorse and promote the campaign of Barry Goldwater, also tells a story about Goldwater and his son. He creates the image of a man who wants to see his son succeed, something that most parents can relate to. Reagan explained that Goldwater told his son, "There is no foundation like the rock of honesty and fairness, and when you begin to build your life on that rock, with the cement of the faith in God that you have, thenyou have a real start." Whether listeners politically align with republicans or democrats, they can relate to the ideas of honesty and justice and would potentially support a man who embodies these characteristics. War, or the possibility of war, can often seem distant and not "real life" for many people who do not have family directly involved or are not directly involved themselves. Reagan says, " I wonder who among us would like to approach the wife or mother whose husband or son has died in South Vietnam and ask them if they think this is a peace that should be maintained indefinitely." This comment makes war more personal. This statement is intended to make the audience think about their opinion of the possibility of another war against communism. It is easy to say, "I do not believe in war, we shouldn't keep fighting communism, there is not point." There is validity to arguing that this stance dishonors those who have already lost their lives for such a cause. Reagan points out that war isn't distant or impersonal, but rather it is something that has lasting effects in which the memory of those who fought and died are honored. A
