Download Outline link

Checkers Speech by Richard Nixon
Thesis: President Nixon uses the rhetorical devices of ethos, pathos and logos in his
address to dismiss rumors of a tainted fund and paint himself as an "everyman."
I.
II.
III.
Ethos
A. Authority as a speaker
1. Running mate to Dwight D. Eisenhower
2. Former congressman
B. Establishes trust with audience
1. “I fell that the people have got to have confidence in the integrity of the
men who run for that office and who might obtain it.”
a. Sets tone/foreshadows that his integrity is one of an admirable
person
b. i.e. the fact that he is addressing the rumors on TV is honorable
2. Examples of “charging the taxpayer”
a. Never put wife on payroll
b. Understands necessity of a job; other deserving stenographers
3. Openly talks about his financial history* (is this ethos?)
a. “Incidentally this is unprecedented in the history of American
politics”
b. “It isn’t easy to come before a nationwide audience and bare your
life”
Pathos
A. Dog Checkers as a commonplace
1. Symbolizes American values
2. Man’s best friend is something people can relate to
B. Commonplace of middle class ideals, i.e. material items
1. “We live rather modestly”
2. Wife does not own mink coat
3. Own 1950s car
4. No life insurance
C. Appeals to middle class; i.e. status of wealth
1. You don’t need to be wealthy to run for office
2. Ethos with Abe Lincoln quote?
a. “God must have loved the common people – he made so many of
them”
Logos
A. Background information qualifies his argument that he is modest (taking a more
liberal approach)
1. Lived in “modest circumstances”
2. Worked in family’s grocery store throughout school
3. However, he does not say he grew up in rough conditions
4. Not fully convincible but does his best to make a point
B. Legal audit as proof: nothing to hide
1. “Did not violate any federal or state law”