Deconstructing the Future-Heavy Rhetoric in Obama's Iraq Speech

Speeches by government leaders offer some of the most vivid applications of the future “frame” (see this excellent definition of frames for more info). Punctuated with references to history and destiny, they appeal to both the head and heart. Last night’s address by President Obama on the close of the Iraq war was no exception.

Here are some excerpts:

“And sometimes in the midst of these storms the future that we're trying to build for our nation -- a future of lasting peace and long-term prosperity -- may seem beyond our reach.”

“Iraq has the opportunity to embrace a new destiny…”

“Our combat mission is ending, but our commitment to Iraq's future is not.”

Note the utopic elements of perpetual peace and prosperity. Forget “oldies being goodies,” those two are ancient. Beyond that, what precisely this ideal future holds isn’t spelled out. The listener is meant to fill in the gaps with their own preferences.

"But this milestone should serve as a reminder to all Americans that the future is ours to shape if we move forward with confidence and commitment. It should also serve as a message to the world that the United States of America intends to sustain and strengthen our leadership in this young century."

The “Sustain,” “strengthen” and “young century” verbiage is key. With so many people questioning whether America’s power has already peaked and we’re now on a permanent decline, this phrasing is more credible than an assertion that tomorrow will definitely better.

"…a new beginning could be born in this cradle of civilization."

The contradiction between “new beginning” and “cradle of civilization” is romantic and carries a touch of hope since “cradle” signals new life.

“Yet there has been one constant amidst these shifting tides”

Think of how radically our lives and worldview have changed since 9/11. So many institutions that a society could rely on have taken credibility hits: CIA and WMD, churches and sex scandals, bank failures, accounting scandals, and the value of our very homes with the real estate bubble. People feel unmoored and need a North Star to start getting reoriented. The military's performance and bravery is one of the few touchstones we've got right now.

“In an age without surrender ceremonies, we must earn victory through the success of our partners and the strength of our own nation.”

This captures a major communications problem. Unlike in past wars, there are no ceremonies here that bring a dramatic sense of closure. Instead we have an Oval Office speech and metaphors:

“I know this historic moment comes at a time of great uncertainty for many Americans…So tonight I am announcing that the American combat mission in Iraq has ended…This completes a transition…”

“Through this remarkable chapter in the history of the United States and Iraq, we have met our responsibilities. Now it's time to turn the page.”

And reminders of historical context. Again, you have to be reminded of your roots to feel grounded:

“Every American who serves joins an unbroken line of heroes that stretches from Lexington to Gettysburg; from Iwo Jima to Inchon; from Khe Sanh to Kandahar -- Americans who have fought to see that the lives of our children are better than our own.”

Obama then overtly speaks of the power America derives from projecting a positive vision for the future:

“And we must project a vision of the future that is based not just on our fears, but also on our hopes, a vision that recognizes the real dangers that exist around the world, but also the limitless possibility of our time.

And though our nation may be travelling through rough waters, they give us confidence that our course is true, and that beyond the pre-dawn darkness, better days lie ahead.”

What did you think of Obama’s speech? Any rhetoric or images that you found especially poignant?