Challenger Address

On January 28, 1986 the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded and killed seven astronauts
during it’s attempt to launch into space. The same day, President Ronald Reagan was scheduled to present a speech to “report on the state of the Union, but the events . . . have led [him] to
change those plans” (Reagan). Reagan then gives the speech (The Challenger Address) which he not only addressed the issue, but expressed his sympathy and gave his personal condolences for the families of the victims and anyone who saw the explosion occur. He also payed tribute to the brave astronauts who were on a mission and encouraged further space expeditions in the future. Ronald Reagan’s speech was presented on behalf of one of the most tragic events in American history; however, Reagan still managed to get his message across by identifying his audience, correctly identifying the occasion, as well as devising a plan of action.

Through out the address, Reagan identifies his audience to be everyone in the country who witnessed the tragic event, the victim’s families, and school children whose days were stopped to watch the live coverage of something highly anticipated, turn into a tragedy. Reagan states, “We know we share this pain with all of the people of our country” (Reagan), speaking for everyone who was witness. Speaking for everyone in the country points Reagan as the leader who understands the situation, but at the same time feels sympathy. Reagan also addresses the families of the victims by stating, “For the families of the seven, we cannot bear, as you do, the full impact of this tragedy. But we feel the loss, and we're thinking about you so very much.” This message was timely, and Reagan made sure he focused on the families to make them feel as if they were on common grounds to a point where it felt conversational. Lastly, Reagan addresses “the schoolchildren of America” by telling them that things happen, and what they just saw was part of the process, but most importantly, “The future doesn't belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave” (Reagan). By saying this, Reagan makes sure that the children are aware that just because the accident happened, it doesn’t mean their dreams cannot become reality.

Reagan’s strategy for the address was to immediately respond to the devastating disaster that occurred that morning, and make sure the families felt his concern. Reagan achieved his goal
by stating, “Nancy and I are pained to the core by the tragedy of the shuttle Challenger.” He not only speaks for himself, but for his wife which takes the speech to a more personal level. Ronald Reagan made clear of the occasion and type of speech to be ceremonial when he mentions, “Today is a day for mourning and remembering” (Reagan). With that being said, “He paid a moving tribute to the seven astronauts, comparing their bravery with that of Sir Francis Drake, who died exactly 390 years previously” (Midland Independent Newspapers, 2). From the beginning of the speech, any viewer could determine his positive ethos. Reagan expressed empathy not only by his choice of words, but by his tone. He uses an empathetic tone through out the whole speech to show that he cares, as well as guidance to set the mood of the speech.

At the time, not everyone supported Ronald Reagan, especially as a president. In fact, many thought the accident was his fault because “virtually from the day Ronald Reagan entered politics . . . [many] were startled by his blunders” (Erwin). However, I believe the way Reagan immediately spoke about the issue, and well done at that, was mind blowing. I’m not into politics, but I can tell when a speech has the wrong intention or the speaker is pulling your leg. In the end, while writing the Challenger’s Address, the rhetorical situation was considered, and in the words of U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, that day was "one of those defining moments in your life that you will always remember" (Erwin).

Works Cited

"1986: THE CHALLENGER TRAGEDY CREWMATES." 1986: THE CHALLENGER TRAGEDY CREWMATES: Midland Independent Newspapers (2003): 2. LexisNexis Academic. Web. 20 Jan. 2012. <http://!www.lexisnexis.com.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/hottopics/lnacademic/?shr=t&csi=166681&sr=HLEAD%281986%29+and+date+is+February,%202003>.

Erwin, Robert. "REAGAN IN RETROSPECT. (Cover Story)." Virginia Quarterly Review 77.3 (2001): 377. Academic Search Complete. Web. 20 Jan. 2012.

Reagan, Ronald. The Challenger Address. 28 Jan. 1986. American Rhetoric. Web. 18 Jan. 2012.   <http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/ronaldreaganchallenger.htm>.

Schneider, Mike. "Challenger Disaster - Jan. 28, 1986: Anniversary Time to Reflect." The   Columbian (Vancouver, Washington) (2006): 1. LexisNexis Academic. Web. 20 Jan. 2012.   <http://www.lexisnexis.com.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/hottopics/lnacademic/?shr=t&csi=145264&sr=HLEAD%28Challenger+Disaster+-+Jan.+28%2C+1986%29+and+date+is+January,%202006>.