Romney Rhetoric

Throughout this entire process of blogging about rhetoric, I’ve tried not to mention the current political spectrum. Though politics are one of the best displays of both successful and failing rhetoric, I have far too much to say about candidates, so I’ve avoided it.

This week though, I’ve decided to highlight the “civic” part of Rhetoric and Civic Life. Without divulging too deeply into politics, I want to discuss the failed rhetoric of Mitt Romney recently.

In a speech, Romney attacked President Obama as “out of touch” for spending too much time at Harvard, where Obama went to law school.

But Romney himself has twice as many degrees from Harvard, as Obama.

That’s where rhetoric failed.

Any time a person makes a speech or an argument, in order for rhetoric to work well, we need to think about what we are saying before we say it.

Often politicians say things that are later analyzed and then their integrity is placed at risk, when it becomes a topic in the media.  For Romney to criticize Obama on his Harvard education, when he himself has degrees from Harvard – no matter what point he is trying to make – makes him seem hypocritical.

It is crucial to think before we speak. It is crucial to always think about every statement we make, from all angles. Whenever an argument is made, we must always think about how our words can be misconstrued or taken differently.

As a politician, Romney should be more aware of his presence and he should be aware that whenever he makes a statement, there is a whole opposing political party looking for a flaw – looking for a way to expose him and shine a negative light.

This situation is a perfect example of a statement backfiring and though, as rhetorical speakers we aren’t trying to be elected by a nation, it is a great example of how we must try our best to always have a solid argument.