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120 Unit 2 ■ Appealing to an Audience

The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to is no peace. The war is actually begun! The
the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, next gale that sweeps from the north will
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we have no election. If we were base enough bring to our ears the clash of resounding
to desire it, it is now too late to retire from arms! Our brethren are already in the field!
the contest. There is no retreat but in submis- Why stand we here idle? What is it that gen-
sion and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their tlemen wish? What would they have? Is life
clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased
The war is inevitable — and let it come! I repeat at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it,
it, sir, let it come. Almighty God! I know not what course others
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. may take; but as for me, give me liberty or
Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace — but there give me death!

Doug Mills/The New York Times via Associated Press

President Donald Trump stands before a divided nation to give the February 5, 2020, State of
the Union address to Congress. The president is the first to campaign for reelection following
an impeachment trial. Trump used this speech to exalt his campaign as “the Great America
Comeback” while some members of the crowd cheered “four more years.” At the end of the
speech, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi publicly tore up the speech.

How does this image communicate a contrast? Look closely at the audience. What
contrasts can you identify? What do they contribute to the photographer’s message? In
what ways do you think a president’s State of the Union address could be like Patrick
Henry’s Speech to the Virginia Convention?

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