Obama's Address to the Nation

President Barack Obama’s speech on Wednesday night was brief but informative, as well as much needed for the reassurance of the American people. He started his address with, “As Commander-in-Chief” which helps to remind people of his credibility and authoritative position. He also opens his speech by mentioning how America took out Osama bin Laden and much of al Qaeda’s leadership in Afghanistan and Pakistan. 

Much like his past speeches and addresses to the nation, Obama delivered this speech with commitment, determination, and a high level of seriousness. He constantly used hand gestures which showed that he was fully attentive and dedicated to the situation at hand, which was the threat of ISIS. His voice was strong and clear, without any unnecessary pauses. He kept his eyes on the camera at all times which sent the silent message that everything he is saying is true. The message that he wanted to address to the American people is that the threat of ISIS is being taken care of and he intends on sending troops to the Middle East to help aid the opponents of ISIS, but he quickly states that these troops will not be engaging in any war combat.

Obama admitted that ISIS is a threat but that we are meeting them with “strength and resolve” which gave Americans the impression that the situation was being handled. The most effective part of Obamas speech was when he claimed that, “America is better positioned today to seize the future than any other nation on Earth.” after using the example of 9/11 and the economic downfall six years ago to show that the nation has a strong ability to rebuild and recover from other struggles and can surely take on ISIS. He constantly repeats the phrase, “It is America” followed by examples of when America has made a positive impact on other countries, such as helping people threatened by Ebola. This part of the speech pulled at the audiences’ emotions and gave them something to relate to. 

The media truth that stands out the most is that nothing is new. Of course, this terrorist group is different and Obama’s plan for getting rid of them is different, but America has faced terrorist threats before and will most likely continue to throughout the future.