RA: Energy

Now, understand that I do not support Barack Obama, but I decided to analyze his stand on energy and renewable resources.
Taken from http://www.barackobama.com/2007/10/08/remarks_of_senator_barack_obam_28.php

WATCO of expanding and modernizing non-petroleum energy sources ON the future of America?

Enthymeme: As non-petroleum energy sources are expanded and modernized, and as petroleum use is greatly reduced, America will reduce the pollution and financial detriment caused by our current energy sources and consumption and become an example to all other nations.

Audience: Voters in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Implicit assumption: Whatever will help America to improve the state of the environment will improve the nation and the world.


Ethos/pathos/logos: Obama refers to his participation in and support of past bilateral energy reform bills. He places of emphasis on these pieces of legislation to make himself appear a viable, credible, experienced politician. He also places a lot of emphasis on the capability America has to better air quality and energy consumption and appeals to the listeners' national pride. The argument is of vital importance in the current political scene as candidates try to push their prescribed energy reforms on voters. There is pollution caused by dirty coal factories, and the country relies heavily on imported oil, so many feel that change is necessary to remedy the problems caused by such dependencies.

S- His argument does cover a lot of ground and seems sufficient enough, yet nobody knows how much success he will have trying to pass this legislation as President. It is not clear whether he is pandering to voters now in an effort to attain office, or if these are his sincere plans and motives.

T- His speech was typical of current presidential candidates and runs on par with one whom you would expect to preach "change."

A- I have not done enough research to know the veracity and credibility of his claims. He presents the information as hard-proven fact, though there are no direct citations to any scientific studies. It is true, though, that the point of the argument is not to recite a litany of environmental studies, rather attempt to show that he recognizes the need for improvement.

R- The argument is, in my opinion, relevant to today's issues. As I said before, I do not know how many of his claims are really proven and accepted in the scientific community (though Professor Al Gore would agree with him). I do not know exactly how much improvement is needed, but I do know that we rely too heavily on foreign oil and will continue to pay out the ear for it.