Political Speechwriting

Political spectrums have been used to divide different political dimensions since the foundation of our nation was formed. For example the longest of political spectrums to last is the left wing and the right wing. The left wing is usually associated with people of democratic points of view and the right wing is usually associated with peoples of a more conservative point of view. In regards to the term “axis” in the political world, the term is usually defined as a constraint of the political spectrum. The term has been used for many decades first really getting attention in World War II when the Axis of Powers was formed. The Axis of Powers consisted of Italy, Germany and Japan separating themselves from the Allies for an allegiance (axis) to one another. The term “axis” later became notably popular when George W. Bush used the term to label three nations as evil. The term just as it was used in WWII describes three nations on a different political dimension then let’s says the United States. The term was given on January 29, 2002 in George W. Bush’s State of the Union address, but more importantly is the term itself. How powerful can a term or catch phrase such as “axis of evil” be? Throughout history terms and slogans from presidents past to present have used such words to stir the ways of humankind. Words from such a powerful figure as the President of the United States can move a nation towards war. Or words from premiere artists cause children to dress or act a certain way. The power of language especially that of our nation’s commander and chief is incomprehensible. The use of slogans or catchphrases simplifies the intentions and enables people to comprehend or relate towards an issue of concern.

During the class period of political speechwriting, Dr. Anderson introduced some political viewing of former speechwriter David Frum to President George W. Bush. David Frum began his writing of President Bush’s State of the Union by reviewing Franklin D. Roosevelt’s’ “date which will live in infamy” speech. The two speeches have similarities not by association of two different axes (Axis of Power, Axis of Evil), but by two different terms or catch phrases. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “date which will live in infamy” is a catch phrase that will never be forgotten. Though the speech did not require the nation’s approval, because the nation was ready to go to war, it seems the speech written by David Frum for President Bush did need approval. The speech came at a time when the President was trying to persuade the nation to go at war with a country that supposedly obtained WMD’s and was harboring terrorist activities. In reality Bush had to convince the nation and by doing so he used the force of rhetoric and obtained his goal a year later. Language is so powerful that one word or phrase can move a nation en route for triumph or failure.

The phrase “axis of evil” stirred the nation; soon the phrase could be seen all over the news. The Acronym Institute wrote an article describing the interviews taken by various news stations. Fox News Sunday on February 3, National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice argued: "You don't get anywhere by pulling punches about the nature of regimes like the Iraqi regime, or the North Korean regime. It's not as if anybody really believes that these are good regimes that are just engaging in a little bad policy. We've seen, in this war on terrorism, that speaking plainly is the way to rally people, not the other way round." I found this quote to be very interesting simply because of the phrase “speaking plainly”, which is implying more than just the words themselves. The phrase is describing to the nation how keeping words direct and to the course has a more effective approach. The same can be said about the term “axis of evil” the term alone represents three different nations forming a conspiracy of terroristic attacks and possessing WMD’s. It was easier to describe these nations with three words as opposed to a long sentence or paragraph. This phrase created a rippling effect throughout the nation simplifying the intentions and motives of the President. The phrase originally stated, “axis of hatred” but Bush himself made the change to “evil” putting an emphasis on intentions of his speech.

The phrase grew so popular that comedy tours were named after it, SNL (Saturday Night Live) performed a political satire poking at the context of the phrase. Not only did mainstream pop culture grasp the phrase, but the political world did as well. News stations just as the one’s watched in class represent various people stating their two cents on the phrase. The phrase gathered so much attention that it seemed the intention of President Bush’s State of the Union was overshadowed. People were trying to simplify the term or trying to oppose it because of the graphic term “evil”. Nevertheless, the phrase captured the American people and the intentions of the word and speech came forth, when troops were sent to invade Iraq about a year later. The point remains, the word created a stir just as many terms given by major political figures had before and after President Bush.

An influential example of how powerful political terms or catchphrases can be represented in the late campaign of our new President Barrack Obama. The term or slogan “yes we can” was his main oblige for his 2008 campaign. The term “yes we can” symbolizes more than just meets the eye, just as the term “axis of evil”. The catchphrase of Obama’s 2008 campaign took the campaign to new heights creating a sense of urgency for the opposing republicans. The phrase in the text itself includes the word “we” meaning the nation as a whole can accomplish all that needs to be done with the help of Barrack Obama. The phrase created such a force that mainstream pop culture began marketing the phrase with eager effortlessness. Mainstream popular culture began consuming the slogan as if it was the new “in” style. The phrase not only expressed more than to just the demographics of politics, but to minorities as well. The speech that introduced the slogan “yes we can” was given on the night of the primary in Nashua, New Hampshire. Shortly after just as the phrase “axis of evil” the slogan “yes we can” was debated amongst the public. The catchphrase of Obama’s 2008 campaign soared, just now looking up the speech on the website youtube.com; the speech had approximately 3,190,860 hits. The popularity of the speech and catchphrase is unprecedented allowing the former Senator of Illinois to become our nations 44^th President.

Though both Presidents have conflicting political views and are separated on the political spectrum, they do have the power of words to keep them associated. President George W. Bush like many President’s before him used phrases such as “axis of evil” to describe regimes of a harmful nature. The phrase was taken by society used as debate topics and moving the nation towards a common interest in invading Iraq. The use of this phrase put nations under surveillance of allied nations against there tyrannical ways. The power of this phrase along with others such as President Obama’s “yes we can” symbolizes the vigor of political figures. These phrases continuously effect our nation decade after decade allowing political leaders to shift the public in the direction in which they need. Most phrases are for the good of the people and reflect the intentions of the masses, but some are used in the form of rhetoric to move the masses on an agenda that is not of the interest of the people. The power of phrases is evident through Presidents past and present, but the true meaning behind them will always be a debate among the people.

"Bush 'Axis of Evil' Speech Seeks to Define War Against Terrorism, Proliferation". The Acronym Institute for Disarmament Diplomacy. 09-30-09 .