Littwin's Humor Affirms and Questions Obama's State of the Union Address, by JoJo Cuchiaro

In this article Mike Littwin analyzes the president’s State of the Union speech, and Obama’s very deliberate words used to appeal to his actual audience- the American voters. Littwin uses the recent State of the Union speech given by Barrack Obama as the rhetorical situation for this writing. He also references other memorable public speeches given by Obama, and similar media tactics used by him and previous presidents.

Mr. Littwin begins the article with a bold statement that Obama wants to win the future. He admits that he does not know what the president means by “win the future,” but he claims that he knows why he said it. This proclamation both draws the reader in, and successful establishes his ethos as an intelligent rhetor.

As the article progresses, Littwin makes himself out to be a humorous, average all-American guy. He pokes fun at John Boehner wearing “a blindingly purple tie,” as a sufficient gesture of bi-party support, while it is a common place to Americans that Boehner is infamous for disagreeing with the opinions of the president. Also, he mentions how Obama talked about this being our Sputnik moment. Then very wisely he adds that if the reader is too young to know what that is, “that’s why America invented Google.” Mike Littwin adds personal touches such as these throughout the piece, which make his article enjoyable to read; readers can’t help but agree with him.

Furthermore, in his sarcastic writing style, Littwin very harshly speaks of how U.S. citizens are easily swayed by the overwhelming optimism that protrudes out of our presidents, both current and past, in public speeches. However, in doing so, Mr. Littwin never writes in superiority to the reader, instead he admits, and probably exaggerates his like flaw as an American. He references “we” throughout his piece, classifying himself as one of the many that is persuaded by the irresistibly upbeat speeches given by the president. For example, he writes, “When presidents — nearly all presidents — deliver their State of the Union speeches, the instant polls generally range from good to great. We root for the guy behind the lectern.” Here, among other places, he notable references himself as a fellow American.

Moreover, he does not criticize the president for playing the ever-so-common “optimism card” for he realizes that it is exactly how one is to win elections, and the American hearts and minds. Mr. Littwin goes even further in using past examples to support his claim. He notes, “Reagan had morning in America. Clinton had Fleetwood Mac.” These presidents, Obama included, all use similar tactics to win over the United States population, and thus their votes.

Littwin only encourages readers to reflect on the information, more or less hope, which is being given to them almost subliminally by the words of our country’s leader. Through humor, sarcasm, and specific examples, he successful attains the attention of his audience, and opens their eyes to a difference side of a topic that all American citizens can relate to.