Audience

Barack Obama's announcement speech was delivered in Springfield Illinois, before the Old State Capitol, in front of the people gathered to support him, as well as representatives of the media. 

Consequently, the audience is partly formed of those who attended the event in Springfield and partly formed by the general American public who saw the speech televised or shared through other media.

In the speech, Barack Obama makes specific references to the people present at the speech, and those in Springfield and the state of Illinois whom he represents as a senator: “Let me begin by saying thanks to all you who've traveled, from far and wide, to brave the cold today.” (ll. 1-2); “It was here, in Springfield, where I saw all that is America converge – farmers and teachers, businessmen and laborers, all of them with a story to tell…” (ll. 43-45)

Making these references helps Obama remind the wider audience that he already has the support of the state he represents, support given to him when he was elected senator.

However,...