Obama's 2010 State of the Union Address

1. When we first sit down and take note of all that is going on at the House of Representatives we take note of all the politicians and the layout of the people inside in terms of seating arrangement. This is just the first feeling that comes to mind from the neocortex. But as Obama begins his speech we tune in on a rational level because Obama posses the the gift of gabb. He is able to address millions of Americans at a level of compassion and hope that speaks to us at a normal level. In no way do I personally feel that I am being talked down to or being mocked. I feel as though this appeals to my sense of rational thought in my neocortex. This gift of gabb he possesses is what won him the ability to succeed as a Democratic candidate in the 2008 election. As we listen to the words of obama we are engaged by the visual of his body language as well as those around him. This indeed utilizes certain aspects of the limbic brain, causing a more emotional response from the visual.

2. One of the main trends that noticed was the use of technology implored in the Obama administration. Given the age of technology we live in there are many different kinds of social networking that Obama uses to reach people. The white house has a facebook page, you-tube account, and even a twitter page. This makes any operation of progress notable to all the people with a laptop sitting at a desk or even a person with a smart phone riding the subway. All the information gathered from the speech is there for the taking out in the open for anyone to see.

3. Of the seven principles listed in our notes I see the emotional transfer more evident than anything else. My family has been greatly affected by the current recession as far as the financial status of my grandparents. My grandpa used to work for GM and is not retired. Since the financial down poor he has lost his pension and struggles with his health. Today we help him out but this would not be necessary if someone behind a desk had actually done their job right. Anyway, when these current economic problems regarding retirement and healthcare are brought up I feel very emotional towards these subjects.

4. Obama is able to use many aspects as far of the 29 techniques of persuasion-

-Symbol: American made suit, flag pin

-Nostalgia: WWII; American troops on Omaha beach, the perseverance of American's during the Great Depression.

-Repetition: He addresses issues like creating jobs for Americans and going green over and over

-Humor: When he talks about the bank bailout he comments saying, "That idea was about as popular as a root canal".

-Group Dynamics: He doesn't address the problems that we look to him to solve as his own they are our problems. It is something that he brings to work with him everyday the same as how we face these problems every day. ie:"My fellow Americans"

-Scapegoating: He mentions how these problems that our nation faces today is the product of a former administration and its decisions.

5. The main idea that I got from Obama's speech was that change is imminent it only takes time. There is mention of the progress that was made and how all is seeing to be resolved only it isn't just going to happen over night. I see a metaphor for our current social economic hardship to be that of a person ordering a big meal at a restaurant and leaving it for some one else to pick up the tab.

6. So far the Obama administration has provided 25 different tax cuts for small businesses, parents, home buyers and eight million Americans paying for college. Jobs have been created for Americans like the 12,000 in North Carolina making environmentally safe batteries. And the 30 billion that wall street has given back to the tax payers would be used to help keep small local banks afloat.

I feel comfort when Obama speaks. I would like to think that this is the right guy for the job given our complications that our nation faces as a whole. He gives mention of children out there asking him why they have to leave their homes. I believe that he will get these children their homes back. Let's do it Obama!