Starter 9-13: FREEWRITE ON ANY OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS
How should the president of the United States have responded to the terrorist attacks of 9-11, both rhetorically or otherwise?
What would you have wanted to hear as an audience member in his first official address after the attacks?
How did watching the 9-11 film tribute on Friday impact you as an audience member? Reflect on the rhetorical situation you were a part of in that moment.
Rhetorical Analysis of President Bush's Response
President Bush's Speech: September 20, 2001
HISTORICAL NOTE: In the two days after this speech was given, George W. Bush had the highest approval rating in Gallup history: 90%. Click on this link to explore public opinion data collected in the aftermath of 9-11.
What might this suggest about the impact of his rhetoric?
IF TIME?
FOUR CORNERS: US Foreign Policy
The United States military is the best in the world.
It is unpatriotic to oppose a war.
When a foreign people is being governed by a tyrannical leader, the United States should intervene to overthrow that leader.
Citizens should have a say in whether or not their country goes to war.
The benefits of a just war are worth the costs.
America has a special role to play in the world to help spread democracy and keep the peace.