Audience
In this section of the study guide, we will provide information about the audience of Barack Obama’s 2007 speech on reclaiming the American Dream.
Obama delivered his speech in Bettendorf, Iowa, on 7th of November, 2007. The speech was delivered as part of Obama’s two-day Iowa tour, and his main purpose was to remind Iowa voters that he understands the struggles of the working-class people and their need to recl…
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American citizens
Obama targets people of every gender and race: “In big cities and small towns; among men and women; young and old; black, white, and brown - Americans share a faith in simple dreams.” (ll. 11-13). His purpose is to show that he is interested in helping every American citizen, no matter their background. This echoes the central theme of the American Dream, which represents the idea that anyone can be successful in the US, no matter what their background is.
Then, Obama targets middle-class workers and working fam…
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American politicians and lobbyists
Firstly, Obama targets current President George W. Bush and the Bush administration, whom he considers to be responsible for the income inequality in the United States: “While some have prospered beyond imagination in this global economy, middle-class Americans - as well as those worki…