I think this topic is one that allows us to effectively see how both candidates used logos, pathos, and ethos is their arguments over abortion. It’s obviously a topic that hits each individual different and obviously divides us all, and these two candidates both have strong feelings on this argument, however they are both different.
Pathos are used right off the bat. He states perfectly that we need to change the culture of America by persuading young woman that during their difficult time of pregnancy, adoption is the best alternative and that abortion is not their only option. McCain also kind of jokes and makes a comment that Obama will respond with something relating to Roe vs. Wade, which in a way mocks Obama because he later does make a reference to the court case. Obama then responds that he wouldn't "vote to withhold lifesaving treatment from an infant." He also says that an alternative needs to be present for the mother's health, which is a form of pathos because it responds to the emotional needs of a woman who might consider having an abortion, and it also makes abortion sound like it will save a life, instead of just ending one.
Another example of pathos is the story of McCain and his wife adopting their child. This appeals to people and displays why he is so pro-abortion. He has a very strong opinion about it because he adopted his child, and if it would have been aborted, he might not have a child. This will appeal to those who are pro-abortion because it shows that without abortion and adoption as the way to go about with the child, he got a child.
Logos is obviously the most used of rhetorical appeals, since both states facts numerous times throughout the debate. Starting with McCain, he states the accounts of when Obama voted certain bills, did not vote, or voted present. He states exactly Obama’s record and exactly how he voted each time. Obama then responses to defend why he voted the way he did, and the exact guidelines for each law that he either voted for, against, or present.
Ethos is a tough appeal to exactly target in this debate, but I think it can be traced through the stances of both candidates on the issue. McCain makes himself seem like the better guy because he is pro-abortion, and Obama makes himself sound not so bad because he wants to ban partial birth abortions, but allow an option for the health of the mother. Both try to display their stances as what should be done, and it’s up to the audience to make their opinion.
The topic of abortion is a touchy subject that most people don’t like to talk about because it raises arguments and tempers fly. Most people believe it is unmoral, and that by performing an abortion or by having it, you are committing murder. But others believe that it’s better to not bring a child into this world if the mother can’t take care of it, or there’s the issue of abortion will protect the health of the mother. Depending on your moral beliefs and what you think is acceptable, it is up to the voters to decide what is more acceptable.
