Alex Flum: Obama Speech

President Obama announced a, “broad coalition,” to fight ISIS in a speech on Wednesday night. He said that he plans to, “degrade and ultimately destroy ISIS,” through air strikes and support from military partners on the ground. He repeatedly made it clear that he was not going to deploy thousands of ground troops and this plan will not resemble that of the Iraq war whatsoever.

Obama presented the speech resolutely, as he has with every speech he has given. He was composed, serious and ensured safety to the American people. Obama said that ISIS is a threat to America and immediately followed that with, “The United States of America is meeting them with strength and resolve.” Obama is showing strength and resiliency to the American people. In his speech he is ensuring America not to be concerned and raising support for his plan.

Toward the end of his speech, Obama targeted the emotions of his viewers by using the phrase, “My fellow Americans.” He went on to discuss how America has persevered and remained a world power, despite the 9/11 attacks and economic issues. He cited evidence of times America has made a positive impact in the world: helping Ukraine, saving the innocent people of Syria from chemical weapons, people threatened by Ebola and Muslim communities around the world. He asked Americans and congress to support his plan one last time with these words, “As Americans we welcome our responsibility to lead all over the world. We stand for freedom, for justice, for dignity.” He said that Americans should maintain the principles that have guided the nation since it’s founding. He concluded the speech with, “God Bless the United States of America.” He used this as a last second attempt to gain support and unite the nation.

I think the media truth that stood out the most in Obama’s speech was number four: nothing’s new. Although ISIS is a relatively new threat and Obama announced a new plan, he talked about how America has countered Al Qaeda and other terror threats in the past and they will use successful military responses in the past to help them with this.