Promises

As I watched the Daily Show with Jon Stewart I was not surprised to see the topic of conversation and the butt of the jokes was President Barack Obama’s State of The Union. This years State of the Union was filled with pledges and statements of intent to change education in America, and lower the number of unemployed and under employed. But Jon Stewart recognized two main facets of modern State of the Unions that many people overlook: empty promises, and partisan rebuttals.


Stewart satirized the speech by titling the segment of his show concerning the address “State of the Union 2011: Night of too Many Promises.” He recognized and scrutinized the fact that many modern politicians claim to do all these wonderful things for the country, but due to the bureaucratic and partisan natures of American government little ever gets done. Politicians use persuasive and powerful rhetoric to pledge to America that their ideas will make a difference in society. Now, having ideas and taking action is what leaders are supposed to do, but making lofty promises is not a good use of political rhetoric.


Also in today’s society neither side, whether it is the Democrats or the GOP, can deliver any sort of address without a rebuttal by the opposing side or party. Last year, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal led the charge with his powerful republican response to President Obama’s State of the Union. This year, Jon Stewart poked fun at the numerous response made by various Representatives and politicians.


Understanding rhetoric and how it is used in the political world is a very useful tool to voters and non-voters alike. The American public should learn the necessary tools and language so that they can decipher political messages individually, without the help of a comedian.