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Great Modern Speeches: From Reagan and Cuomo to Obama

Why do some speeches make a difference and last forever, while others backfire? This 2-session class explores the answers with audio, video, and the written word. Compare how two great conservatives, Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan in 1964, explain their shared philosophy with vastly differing degrees of success and then do the same with liberals Walter Mondale and Mario Cuomo in 1984. Next, observe how recent presidents have used speeches in moments of tragedy to serve as Consoler-in-Chief -- from LBJ after JFK's assassination, Reagan after the Challenger disaster, Clinton in the wake of the Oklahoma City bombing, and Obama after the Charleston church shooting. Throughout, go behind the scenes and learn how leaders' diverse political skills and mastery of rhetorical technique produced some of the most moving spoken words in our history.

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