Please answer all of the questions listed below. Each question should be answered in at minimum 1 paragraphs. All answers must be written in complete
sentences. Your answers should include specific examples from the speech(es) you are analyzing and from the readings and course lectures.
These questions ask students to analyze Ronald Reagan’s first inaugural address and the assigned address given by Reagan in the aftermath of the IranContra scandal.
Please answer the following questions:
What are some of the major themes of Ronald Reagan’s first inaugural speech? How does the speech reflect some of the ideals of the conservative
movement that were discussed in the secondary sources and lecture from week 7?
Ronald Reagan has been referred to as “the great communicator” for his ability to present his conservative ideas in an effective, palatable way. How does
Reagan use persuasive language to describe policies that might be controversial to some? Identify at least two examples from the speech where Reagan
alludes to conservative policies (i.e. with regard to economics, law enforcement, militarization, etc.) that some Americans might find problematic. How does
Reagan describe these policies? Do you think he is effective in making the case for his conservative agenda? Why or why not?
Consider Ronald Reagan’s speech in the aftermath of the Iran-Contra scandal. Do you think Reagan is convincing in making the case that he was unaware o…