Shirley Chisholm's announcement speech for her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States in 1972 is a masterful example of rhetorical strategy. Through her choices in language, structure, and appeals, Chisholm effectively builds her argument that she is the right candidate to lead not only the Democratic Party but also the nation. Chisholm begins by positioning herself as a candidate who transcends traditional political identities and factions. She explicitly states, "I am not the candidate of Black America... I am not the candidate of the women's movement. I am not the candidate of any political body or fat cats or special interests." By doing so, she emphasizes her independence from the established power structures …show more content…
She speaks to the disillusionment of Americans with the Nixon administration, describing it as a "smooth exercise in political manipulation, deceit and deception, callousness and indifference." This language is designed to evoke feelings of betrayal and frustration among her listeners, tapping into widespread discontent. Moreover, her reference to Lincoln’s words, "A house divided... cannot stand," invokes a powerful historical figure and a sense of national unity, appealing to the audience’s patriotism and shared values. Chisholm logically critiques the Nixon administration, arguing that it has failed to provide the leadership and vision needed to inspire and uplift the American people. She systematically deconstructs the administration's failures, from divisive politics to environmental neglect, and contrasts this with her own vision of a government that is open, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all Americans. By presenting clear and specific examples of where the current leadership has gone wrong, Chisholm strengthens her argument that fresh leadership is necessary. A key rhetorical strategy Chisholm employs is her appeal to a broad and diverse coalition of