- Sep 2016
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millercenter.org millercenter.org
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This is not just a policy of normalizing relations with the Cuban government. The United States of America is normalizing relations with the Cuban people. (Applause.)
In this fragment, President Obama uses "ad populum" reasoning, by reiterating that it is not just a policy of normalizing relations with the Cuban government, but also the people. A very literal appeal to the individual people in the audience, not just to government leaders and officials.
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But the recognition of a common humanity, the reconciliation of people bound by blood and a belief in one another -- that’s where progress begins. Understanding, and listening, and forgiveness. And if the Cuban people face the future together, it will be more likely that the young people of today will be able to live with dignity and achieve their dreams right here in Cuba.
Here, Obama uses Ad Populum to give the people a common ground in their identity as Cubans so that they can continue with "understanding, and listening, and forgiveness." Because they are all Cuban, they should work together and try to better their country together. He is telling them that being Cuban is a strong enough bond for them to all be on the same team and rally together to make the future better. Because they are Cuban they should want and strive for the same things.
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