Visual Rhetoric

            The videos between Obama and Romney had different approaches and visual rhetoric.  Romney started his video with him making a speech while his wife stood by his side.  He opened with a statement as, “ I believe this is the land of opportunity, I believe that if we restore the principle of opportunity and hope, it will give everyone a fair chance.” Then following his statement, there were several pictures of the Olympics to portray the potential for mankind to achieve.  Most of Romney’s video was consumed about his family background.  They discussed his relationship with Ann, his five sons, and his accomplished father.  They discussed Ann’s Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis and their teamwork throughout the journey.  They portrayed his life as an All- American tradition.  Romney also followed in his father’s footstep in politics.  Because his father would mentor him at such a young age, it showed Romney’s passion for politics.  Romney appealed to the women for this part of the video.  His family background also provided the evidence that he had strong moral values and Romney would lead the nation upon these values.  Women were his audience to a healthy family lifestyle.  The other part of the video was his first job at Staples.  Several people, including his family, said that he worked hard and always cared for the customers well being.  They also stated several times “he was very cheap.”  This statement appealed to the elderly white male conservatives.  This statement meant that he will use the nation’s money for specific, quality reason; but this statement can be reworded as he will not spend the money for any change and change will not happen. 

Obama began his video with the past events and a voice saying, “We have been through a lot together.” This showed Obama’s experience in office.  The past events pictured different lifestyles, which also represented his upbringing of a poor life while Romney grew up wealthy.  Obama’s speech had a different view.  Obama stared off with his actions.  The video reviewed most of his choices while he was in office.  They were several people, including him and Michelle that stated that he would make decisions even if it were not popular to the population.  He briefly discussed his family background, but it was enough to understand his moral standings.  He discussed how his grandparents did not have work, which motivated him to create more jobs in the automobile industry.  This appealed to the lower class of the population.  He showed that he wants everyone to succeed and build a solid foundation.   Michelle was very poise and professional and discussed his hard work over the course of four years.  She briefly discussed their family lifestyle.  Michelle said that their daughters are the world to them and that Obama still finds time to spend quality family time.  Another big moment in his video was the assignation of Bin Laden.  The video showed Obama at the spot of the twin towers.  This was powerful and appealed to the entire US population because he gave his respects.  This showed that Obama’s words turn into actions and that he is reliable. 

Overall, both videos got the message across that both men are hard workers and that they will stop at nothing to improve this economy.