Barack Obama's "The Choice" is centered around the idea that every American has the chance to make a difference and create opportunities for our country. He describes his plan in contrast to Mitt Romney's plan, highlighting that Romney's ideas have been tested and ultimately failed. Obama makes it seem as though Romney's presidential policies will mainly helps the wealthy class, while Obama will help those who are struggling in the lower classes. His use of setting and word choice appeals to the masses in a personal way.

This political advertisement begins with Barack Obama suggesting that the viewer has a choice to make within the next few months. He is not talking to the camera, rather what seems to be another person. The conversational atmosphere of this advertisement makes it seem very personal and shining light on the idea that Obama is a real person, who has friends, and truly cares about the country outside of the office. The setting is what appears to be an average home, with an average lamp, an average couch, and some average throw pillows. This appeals to the "everyday American" and forms a connection that President Barack Obama is just like everybody else. As he discusses his plans for presidency, clips play of him talking with normal people at a dining room table and meeting with an educator at a school. These concepts also appeal to the "everyday American" because it seems that he is  trying to help the all of the social classes, not a select few of wealthy Americans that pay him for political power (super PACS).  The advertisement ends with a slide of the word "FORWARD" in bold. This strong word leaves a lasting effect by creating a positive connotation between "forward" and Barack Obama. Viewers will now associate Obama with moving the country forward in the right direction.

Barack Obama clearly states Mitt Romney's plan if elected, but then says that is has been proven to  fail. He brings up that Romney's plan will cut taxes for the wealthy class, while his plan will help expand the middle class. The lower class is much larger than the wealthy class, therefore this statement is extremely appealing to the greater portion of America.  He then presents the ideas of investing in education, paying down debt, investing  in manufacturing, and investing in homegrown American energy. These are all extremely appealing to every American no matter what social class you come from. Obama concludes with the statement "Sometimes politics seem very small, but the choice you face, couldn't be bigger."  This urges people to vote and make their dreams for America a reality.

Politics and the English Language: Question #3

Q: Orwell says that every writer "asks" himself at least four questions: What am I trying to say? What words will express it? What image or idiom will make it clearer? Is the image fresh enough to have an effect?" What do you think of these questions? Do you agree or disagree that they are the most essential questions for writers to ask themselves? Explain why.

I think these questions must be asked in order to create a clear visual. Writing is supposed to evoke emotion and paint a picture for the reader. In order to achieve this imagery, a writer must choose the best vocabulary and figurative language to convey their ideas. Too often writers will use a word just to use it because it is big and sophisticated. By asking these questions, the writer has to think about their word choice and make sure certain words are truly the best fit to create a clear image. Re- reading your work is essential as a writer and these questions are the best way to check your work.  Everyone reacts differently to words, so making sure that the words you use are universally understood for every audience is important. I completely agree with Orwell, it is definitely necessary as a writer to ask yourself these questions. 

A photo of George Orwell reviewing his work