Originally posted by EyesWithPrideB3:[..]
Rhetoric exists everywhere, even in politics. In fact, one of the styles of rhetoric itself is called political rhetoric, specifically dealing with using persuasion/promises in language to convey points and gain support. Plato was of the notion that rhetoric was unreliable and a "knack", not something that you should base an argument on- I'm with him, and from it sounds like, you. Especially in a political system, you should be arguing or advocating based on fact, not how you can use language to your advantage. Fact of the matter though is that rhetoric does exist and is still a large factor in politics, however unfortunate that may be, so it can't necessarily be ignored when assessing a speech like that.
Pretty sure you and I are in that same school of Plato though, that rhetoric is the "chicken soup to sickness"...you may use it because you THINK it's making you better, but its really not physically making you better. It's just soothing.
I'm just a bit tired so I'm trying to understand a bit. I'm usually more awake in earlier mornings. If something I write doesn't make a lot of sense it's probably 'cos I'm not all with it.
Language should be used in the same way fact is. Fact is an important thing; nobody's going to listen to something that you've just thought up and think passes for truth (politics no doubt), you need to back it up - and this is what annoys me with the general population; I'll say something and everyone's going to say yay. No they're not - there's always that one person who questions fact, even though it is fact. Backing it up is crucial.
With language, not so much backing it up but using it in the way to support your facts in a well-constructed manner. Never been big on rhetorical questions. I could sit with someone for hours answering a question (yes, one question!!!) but I hate rhetoric. It pretty much blocks off anything constructive. At least in general talking anyway. It works wonders in politics.
If I don't reply back it's probably 'cos I've fallen asleep. Anything else you do write to my post I'll definitely reply to it when I have the time. If so, good night and take care.
I remember last year, backwards names and Paul McG/Noel Gallager? avatars 
