President Bush Farewell Address

George W. Bush
Farewell Address to the Nation

Former President Bush’s introductory message expresses appreciation to his family, friends and colleagues in that order indicating personal priority. He states thank you to his wife, Laura Bush and his twin daughters and follows with a litany of thank you’s to a number of named friends and colleagues. He welcomes the new President Obama and his family in a manner that wishes them well. President Bush’s message then mentions leadership decisions that, in retrospect, he would do different. This portion of his address is stated in a general format that de-emphasizes. His message continues to name, in more detail, a number of his favorable accomplishments while in office, thus creating more emphasis on such.
President Bush’s use of contrast in emphasizing his detailed accomplishments are stated to include formation of Homeland Security since 9/11 and a supporting comment stating no such recurrence of terrorism since; public schools; economic stimulus in the form of all citizen tax rebates; increased Veterans benefits to name a few.
He states that in all matters he acted according to his own conscience to do what is right in clearly stated ethos. President Bush appeals to the public for their continued support of these issues by an appeal for citizens unwavering resolve for these causes and to move forward with this purpose. His stature, one of firm yet gentle resolve; his diction, clear and concise; his descriptive delivery appeals to the listeners emotional response without exaggeration, but with quiet confidence.