Final answer:
President Obama built emotional appeal and credibility with Americans by drawing on personal narrative that reflected common experiences, invoking images of American sacrifices, aligning his policies with American values, and using inclusive language such as 'us'.
Step-by-step explanation:
President Obama used various rhetorical strategies to create emotional appeal and build credibility with the American public. To form connections with his fellow Americans, he often drew upon his personal narrative of a multicultural background, a narrative resembling that of many Americans. This included references to his absent father, a single working mother, and care provided by maternal grandparents, which allowed him to present himself as relatable and grounded in common American experiences.
In terms of specific strategies that were successful in building this connection, President Obama would:
- Invoke images of American sacrifices, especially during times of national crises, leading to moments where citizens would rally around him.
- Link his policies and sentiments to those of revered American forebears and founding documents, thus aligning himself with the ethos of the nation.
- Frequently use the repetition of inclusive language such as the word "us" to establish a sense of unity and shared purpose.
These tactics were effective in developing a strong emotional appeal and reinforcing his credibility as a leader who shared in the challenges and hopes of the American people.