Oliver North's Speech at Liberty (page 2)

Once on stage, he quickly began to speak on his credentials, and his dream of moving the country "forward to peace." He explained that after his graduation from college, he had gone directly to Vietnam where his men had "fought, bled, and died because they believed in what they were doing." He then blamed America's defeat at Vietnam on political leaders who had lost the faith and betrayed everyone.

North furthered his ethos by appealing to the most important aspect of American everyday life: the family. "They saw me vilified, slandered … yet they persevered …I am so blessed." With tears in his eyes, he then spoke of a conversation with his daughter where he asked her to "forgive those who have attacked him," for if they lived in another country, he might have disappeared during the investigation. North showed his compassion for his family, and his undying patriotism even during rough times. He used his credentials, heroic war-stories, and love for his family to portray himself as a die-hard American patriot who always put his country in front of himself. By appealing to both the hearts and minds of his audience, Lt. Col. Oliver North was able to gain their respect and admiration, and thus he could now deliver his message.

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