Audience

George W. Bush’s 2002 State of the Union address was delivered in front of the US Congress. The speech was formally addressed to Congress, but its content and the fact that it was televised imply a general American and international audience.

In the speech, George W. Bush addresses Congress and other members of the government directly, on several occasions: “Mr. Speaker, Vice President Cheney, members of Congress, distinguished guests, fellow citizens:” (ll. 1-2); “Selling into new markets creates new jobs, so I ask Congress to finally approve trade promotion authority.” (ll. 212-214)

Bush also specifically addresses both parts of Congress, directing his requests towards specific governmental groups: “On these two key issues, trade and energy, the House of Representatives has acted to create jobs, and I urge the Senate to pass this legislation.” (ll. 214-216).

This is because the speaker needs Congress to support the measures he intends to implement and to approve his proposed budget.

Some of the most important guests in the live audience mentioned by the speaker are Afghan representatives and the relatives of those killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks: “And this evening we welcome the distinguished interim leader of a liberated Afghanistan: Chairman Hamid Karzai.” (ll. 17-19); “Shannon, I assure you and all who have lost a loved one that our cause is just, and our country will never forget the debt we owe Michael and all who gave their lives for freedom.” (ll. 43-35). This helps the speaker to appear compassionate and gain the approval of the general public for his anti-terr...