The Rhetoric of an Apology The Bill Clinton Sex Scandal...

The Rhetoric of an Apology: The Clinton Sex Scandal I ask that all Americans demonstrate in their personal and public lives... the high ethical standards that are essential to good character and to the continued success of our Nation. On August 17, 1998, exactly one year after making the statement above, President Bill Clinton prepared to deliver a speech concerning a scandal that had gripped the nation for months. It is needless to say that this was an important moment during the Clinton administration. After accusations of sexual harassment, Clinton addressed the nation and admitted to having a relationship with Monica Lewinsky. In this critical speech Clinton set out to admit to wrong-doings, provide a few reasons for his†¦show more content†¦2. The speaker is not yet desperate. Although Clinton was arguably border-line desperate, he had been acquitted of charges and simply needed to get America to forget and forgive. 3. The speaker is committed. Clinton was committed to himself, his family, and his country. 4. The audience is open to change. (Hart 41-43) Everyone is capable of forgiveness. Clinton believed that he could salvage some reputation and gain if not the forgiveness of the nation, then a t least the acceptance. Clinton interacts with his audience in this speech on several levels. Scandal in the White House In January of 1998, Monica Lewinsky filed a sworn affidavit denying sexual relations between the president and her. She also allegedly asked Linda Tripp to lie for her. Tripp wore a wire and recorded conversations between the two. Clinton then denied that the two had a relationship repeatedly and several of his aides were questioned in court as well as several of his personal bodyguards. Next, Lewinsky was given immunity in exchange for the completely true testimony. Soon afterward Clinton admitted to having an inappropriate relationship with Lewinsky and the Starr report was released. Clinton was impeached by the House of Representatives and was tried by the Senate for perjury and obstruction of justice. He is later acquitted of all charges. The Rhetoric of an Apology We see several recurrent themes throughout Clintons speech. He repeatedly makes the distinction between hisShow MoreRelatedInternational Management67196 Words   |  269 Pages with reviewing and fact-checking. In addition, we would like to acknowledge the help that we received from the many reviewers from around the globe, whose feedback guided us in preparing the eighth edition of the text. These include: M. Suzanne Clinton, University of Central Oklahoma; Zhe Zhang, University of Central Florida–Orlando; Owen Sevier, University of Central Oklahoma; Jerry Haar, Florida International University–Miami; Li Weixing, University of Nebraska–Lincoln; David Turnipseed, UniversityRead MoreLogical Reasoning189930 Words   |  760 Pageswas integral in causing the Western hemisphere to now have its long history of European culture. He brought new technology and new religion that spread throughout the hemisphere. He sent attack dogs to maul naked Indians, seized Caribbean women as sex slaves, and disemboweled other natives who resisted conquest. Many were hanged, some were burned alive. He chopped off the hands of thousands who were slow in producing the gold he wanted. Many Arawak Indians responded by committing a series of mass