1996 State of the Union Address: Questions
1996 State of the Union Address: Questions
- In this speech, Bill Clinton uses numbering (three questions, seven challenges) as a sign-posting device. What effect does this have on the structure of his speech, and why might it be appropriate for a political forum?
- State of the Union speeches are supposed to be the President's report to Congress. Does the tone of this speech seem to be targeted toward other politicians, or a different group?
- At one point, Bill Clinton calls family "the foundation of American life" (17.2). Why do you think Clinton focuses so much on family when facing a Congress dominated by his Republican adversaries?
- One of Clinton's most frequent rhetorical flourishes is "challenging" Congress to adopt a certain policy. What do you think he is trying to accomplish by putting pressure on Congress? Does he really expect to change their minds on issues during the speech, or does he have another agenda?
- How have the issues discussed in the speech changed in today's politics? How have they remained the same?
- Clinton talks a lot about the federal deficit and balancing the budget. Do you think the government ought to have a balanced budget, or should it be able to borrow money and go into debt?
- Related to the previous question: should there be a ceiling, or limit, on how much the government can borrow, or should it be unlimited?
- Do you think the government should use tax money to provide people with more services? What should the government provide, and what should it not provide?
- After reading or listening to the entire 1996 State of the Union Address, do you think you would have voted for Bill Clinton in the subsequent election?