The Presence of Power, Ideology and Persuasion in Political Speeches

From various approaches to definitions of power and arguments, it may be beneficial to explain the difference between the so-called rhetorical and oppositional argument. Firstly, it must be stressed out that this distinction cannot be guaranteed by serious empirical investigation in each case, yet in most cases it is possible. A rhetorical argument may be defined as a type of discourse in which a speaker uses an intact monologue in order to support his disputable opinion. An oppositional argument, on the contrary, is a type of discourse where participants strive to support openly their position; nevertheless, despite of this distinction both types usually consist of some of the same principles of discourse organization and rely on some of the same crucial assumptions Van Dijk, 2001. However, Fairclough 2000 adds that a successful leader‘s communicative style is not simply what makes him or her attractive to voters in a general way. It actually how a leader conveys certain values which can powerfully enhance the political message.

B. Review on Political Background of the United States of America

Critical Discourse Analysis is an interdisciplinary method of analyzing language in use. Language is used in communication among members of society. It means that language is not detached from context of social where it is used as the media for making meaning and delivering ideas. The meaning that one wishes other to know is formed through language. Communicating ideas is materialized trough language to maintain unity among members of society. Here is where discourse is shared in its social context that includes knowledge of cultural and historical background and certain condition of political view and common interest owned by members of society. ―I shall explore these ―cultural‖ dimensions of context, although we need to begin to question the ve ry notion of ―culture.‖ I am concerned here not only with the global contexts of cultures, but also with the influence of culture on local contexts. Indeed, I have argued that local, situational contexts are the interface between global, cultural contexts and discourse, by means of the cultural knowledge of the participants.‖ Van Dijk, 2009: 154 Both local and global culture on the local context is factors needed to explore the cultural knowledge of the participant. Therefore in CDA, social political background is needed in the analysis. It is to know the context of where language is applied for making meaning and spread ideas that can influence or raise public interest to a certain issue they face together and to build a strong stand point that unifies the members of society.

1. American Political Culture

Shared beliefs, values, and norms that define the relationship between citizens and government, and citizens to one another are those that a country must have. Beliefs about economic life are part of the political culture because politics affects economics. Van Dijk 1995 states: ―Part of the system is the socio cultural knowledge shared by the members of a specific group, society or culture. Members of groups may also share evaluative beliefs, viz., opinions, organized into social attitudes. ‖ Van Dijk, 1995:18 Cultural beliefs, for Van Dijk, determine social attitude shared by a specific society is part of the system and is evaluative. Thus, a good understanding of a countrys political culture can help make sense of the way a countrys government is designed, as well as the political decisions its leaders make. The socio-historical background is one essential aspect for having a language study with CDA. Summary of American Political Culture taken from American Institutions and Their Influence by Alexis de Tocqueville is presented here to support the contextual analysis to where a discourse is delivered. Alexis de Tocqueville is a French Writer and an early observer of the American political culture during the 1830s. Tocqueville came to the United States primarily to answer the question, Why are the Americans doing so well with democracy, while France is having so much trouble with it? He identifies several factors that influenced Americas success abundant and fertile land, countless opportunities for people to acquire land and make a living, lack of a feudal aristocracy that blocked the ambitious, and the independent spirit encouraged by frontier living. The American political culture that Tocqueville described in the 1830s has changed over the years, but in many ways, it has remained remarkably the same, even after the continent was settled coast to coast. The American view has been characterized by several familiar elements. First is Liberty, this is where most people believe in the right to be free, as long as anothers rights arent abused. 2005: 125 Second is Equality. This generally translates as equality of opportunity, not absolute equality. 2005: 132 Third is Democracy where elected officials are accountable to the people. Citizens have the responsibility to choose their officials thoughtfully and wisely. 2005: 133 Fourth is individualism. The individuals rights are valued above those of the state government; individual initiative and responsibility are strongly encouraged. Fifth is the Rule of Law. Government is based on a body of law applied equally