Rhetorical Analysis Of John F. Kennedy's Speech

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There’s no doubt that the United States was in a tight place fresh out of recession. President John F. Kennedy had a lot on his plate, and the steel companies’ price increase wasn’t going to slide. In calling out the steel enterprises’ price increase in his 1962 speech, Kennedy develops an emerging strategy as the text develops, first by establishing the few at blame against the common-man audience, then backing his statements with thorough evidence, finishing with a concession to counter any potential rebuttal from the steel companies. Kennedy begins his claims by incorporating every hardworking, loyal American in the hardships caused by the small group of steel executives to justify and promote his contempt of the price raises. To begin,…show more content…
To prove the steel price increase wasn’t required (or ethical, for that matter), Kennedy reveals the increase was not something that had to be done for the stability of the enterprises. Kennedy explains, “The cost of major raw materials,” mainly steel, “…has also been declining,” all the while the steel enterprises’ profit was estimated to be, “among the highest [earnings] in history.” (Kennedy 62 – 74). In other words, the drive to increase steel prices was for one reason and one reason only—money. This provides a factual account of the greed and unethical motives behind the steel companies’ decision to raise their prices. The problem with this view of the companies lies in the emergence of a bias against the entire steel industry, which could undermine the entirety of Kennedy’s statements. To resolve this, Kennedy recalls, “the Steel Workers Union can be proud that it abided by its responsibilities,” (Kennedy 84 – 86). In doing so, it is evident Kennedy is well-researched in the matter at hand, simply speaking against the specific conflict for the good of the country. Subsequently, Kennedy prevents any other possible attempt toward weakening his position by cleverly ending his
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