You have read "Shirley Chisholm Presidential Candidacy Announcement" and "The American Promise," two

Question

speeches by presidential candidates. Write four Paragraphs in which you argue whether Chisholm or Obama makes
a stronger argument for her or his candidacy. Be sure to include details from both speeches to address the
points made by each speaker and use evidence to support your argument.
Write a well-organized, text-dependent response. Be sure to save time to edit and review your work for
complete sentences, spelling, punctuation, and appropriate language.

Answer 1

In comparing the presidential candidacy announcement speeches of Shirley Chisholm and Barack Obama, it is evident that both candidates present strong arguments for their respective candidacies. However, it can be argued that Obama's speech, "The American Promise," offers a stronger argument for his candidacy due to its unifying and hopeful message, whereas Chisholm's speech focuses more on the challenges she will face as a candidate.

Chisholm's speech is remarkably significant as she highlights her status as the first black woman to ever run for the office of President of the United States. She is candid about the racial and gender-based discrimination she will face throughout her campaign, and impresses upon her audience the importance of breaking through these barriers in order to push for social and political change. While Chisholm's speech effectively utilizes her trailblazing campaign as a major selling point, it places much emphasis on the challenges, ultimately making her argument for candidacy seem more difficult and burdened rather than empowering and transformative.

On the other hand, Obama's "The American Promise" speech emphasizes the potential for unity and progress in America. Obama, also a candidate of African American descent, effectively uses his racial background and personal upbringing to connect with the diverse American audience. He speaks of hope and the capability of America to overcome its racial and political divisions, addressing major issues like climate change, healthcare, and education with confidence and optimism. By drawing on the historical struggles of America and the progress that it has already made, Obama's speech appeals to a sense of national pride and fosters a feeling of unity and shared responsibility among the people.

Furthermore, Obama's speech succeeds in outlining specific policies and plans he intends to implement when elected president. He promises to end the Iraq war, revamp American healthcare, and place emphasis on clean energy and education, with a focused plan for the American people to rally behind. This clarity in policy direction provides his audience with a clear vision of his intentions as president, building trust and support from the electorate.

In conclusion, while both Chisholm and Obama present strong arguments for their presidential candidacies, Obama's "The American Promise" offers a more compelling case due to its focus on unity, hope, and specific policy plans for the future of America. Chisholm's groundbreaking campaign as the first black woman to run for president cannot be understated in its historical significance; however, Obama's unifying message and the presentation of clear policy objectives give his speech the edge in this comparison.