Question

The old and comfortable way is to shave a little here and add a little there. Well, that's not acceptable anymore. I think this great and historic Congress knows that way is no longer acceptable.

–President Ronald Reagan
April 28, 1981

Which reason best explains why Reagan uses this type of language to address his audience?

to show the audience that he is superior to them
to persuade the audience to support his point of view
to anger his opponents to force them to act
to entertain the audience so they will pay attention

Answer 1

to persuade the audience to support his point of view

He frames the "old and comfortable way" as unacceptable to convince Congress and listeners that change is necessary and to gain support for his proposed course of action.