political ads- wrought with rhetorical tools

I nearly forgot this blog assignment with all the hubbub of homecoming activities, cleaning prep, a packed Sunday and FHE. There's so much to juggle now!

Upon figuring out the correct website address, I decided to check out the '92 election year. I was two so I figure I could learn a bit from the past. Those attempting to become president included Democrat Clinton, Republican Bush and the Independent Perot. I hadn't even been aware an independent had had that great of an impact on the election at that point in my youth so I decided to check him out. (http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/commercials/1992)

The very first clip in his row seemed promising; after all, with a light blue thumbnail displaying words over a young girl's face seemed to just scream that it had some sort of rhetorical tool within it.

Perot was a business man before he decided to throw his hat into the ring. He backed himself with his billions and paid for his political ads out of pocket. He speaks directly to the American parents and pleads with them on the state of the economy. He makes the statement that by 2000, as a country we'll have developed an $8 trillion deficit- just a couple years off. He totally manipulates his audience with pathos. The sounds of children on a playground can be heard. Light motivational chords swell. The ever changing background of forlorn innocent kids. Gah! All these below the belt punches! Then pair that with a bit of ethos- the announcer guy voice that would never lead us astray. Loaded words such as unlimited opportunity, children and the American Dream.

While Perot did not win the Presidency, his ads were very effective. He won twenty percent of the public vote, something that had never been done, nor since. People really listened to him and the cause that he stood for. To quote his ending, "The candidate is Ross Perot. The issue is our children. The choice is yours."