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The Rhetoric of John Adams. Liberty Will Reign The Inaugural Address The Power of Celebrity Presidential Legacy. Liberty Will Reign. Adams as a powerful orator Use of abstract techniques when addressing an audience http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2FAAVPX-jg&feature=related. Works Cited.
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The Rhetoric of John Adams Liberty Will Reign The Inaugural Address The Power of Celebrity Presidential Legacy
Liberty Will Reign • Adams as a powerful orator • Use of abstract techniques when addressing an audience • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2FAAVPX-jg&feature=related
Works Cited • Farrell, J. M. (2002). Classical virtue and presidential fame: John Adams, leadership, and the Franco-American crisis. In L. G. Dorsey (Ed.), The presidency and rhetorical leadership (pp. 73-94). College Station, TX: Texas A&M University Press. • Parry-Giles, Trevor. “Fame, Celebrity, and the Legacy of John Adams.” Western Journal of Communication 72 (2008):83-101. • "Inaugural Address of John Adams." America's Homepage. Georgia Tech University. Web. 19 Sept. 2009. <http://ahp.gatech.edu/adams/inaug/1797.html>.
Inaugural Address • Adams addresses the issues of the current day • References the Revolutionary War • Spends the majority of the speech talking about the Constitution • Highlights the sense of community as it trumps the sense of self • Key words: • Government • Constitution • Election • Union
The Power of Celebrity • He is remembered for his affective rhetoric of pity, oversight, and love (Giles) • He is referenced along with his colleagues • Known as a “Founding Father” • Unpopular Policy Maker • Image among constituents
Leaving a Legacy • “…[Adams] followed a philosophy of republican virtue that demanded a sacrifice of private interest in the pursuit of the larger public good” (Farrell) • Wrote letters to prompt public recognition of his accomplishments • Afraid that his name would not hold historical significance and wrote statements as if to reverse that legacy
Discussion Questions • 1. Why is John Adams one of the least remembered presidents? Does it have to do with his predecessor and successor in office? • 2. What was his most lasting impression? Will he be remembered for the popular or unpopular policies of his administration?