EthosWhen you bring ethos to the rhetorical table, you're basically doing two things: letting everyone know that you know what you're talking about and showing the audience that you guys share a co...

Inaugural AddressBeing elected president is a pretty big deal. It's a life-changing duty, one with innumerable responsibilities and a guaranteed place in history. Or, at least a place in trivia (lo...

The title of this speech is a snoozefest. "FDR's First Inaugural Address"? Not exactly a catchy one. But what it lacks in pizzazz, it makes up for in sheer presidential power. Savvy readers of hist...

I am certain that my fellow Americans expect that on my induction into the Presidency I will address them with a candor and a decision which the present situation of our Nation impels. This is pree...

We do not distrust the future of essential democracy. The people of the United States have not failed. In their need they have registered a mandate that they want direct, vigorous action. They have...

(3) Base CampFDR's trademark style was his directness with the public. Dude did not mince words. He wasn't about flowery speeches and dropping "thees" and "thous." He shot from the hip.He was about...

In-Text ReferencesHistorical and Political ReferencesHerbert Hoover, though not referenced by name (12)Biblical ReferencesPlague of locusts from the Book of Exodus (14)Money changers in the temple...

Despite penning a majority of the inaugural address, speechwriter Raymond Moley isn't mentioned at all in the note FDR attached to the handwritten original, proving that people were stealing credit...