For a significant period, and particularly after the September 11 Twin Tower terrorist attack, the United States declared Osama Bin Laden as the public enemy number one. The president gave both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the CIA a directive to hunt down Osama, and get him either dead or alive. It is until May 2 in 2011 when the American troops raided the mountainous regions of Pakistan, ambushed Osama in his residence and killed him instantly. Even though it was May 2 in Pakistan time, it was still the night of May 1 in the US time. This is the time that Obama rose to give out his speech regarding the death of Osama (Merkelson, nd). Obama opens the speech with that serious note indicating how it was a hard task and how the announcement is important to all Americans.

Obama epitomized that he understands the effect of having taken such a task on the larger America. He begins his speech carefully by explaining the impacts Osama had occasioned and importantly trying to distinguish Islam from al Qaeda. He also chooses to utilize emotions, especially when he talks about the September 11 attacks, Obama says that  “It was nearly ten years ago that a bright September day was darkened” (Philips, nd). The president paints pictures of what happened, alluding to the massive destruction that occurred.

Ostensibly, despite the emotions elicited by Obama, he again drifts to talk about how America was united, stood firm and heroically supported its people through the heroic deeds done by many individuals and goes further to justify the wars in Afghanistan (Merkelson, nd). Obama states that “..over the past ten years, thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our military …. In Afghan, we removed the Taliban government which had given birth to al-Qaida and Osama ….” (Philips, nd). Obama further appreciates the efforts made by former president Bush.

Furthermore, throughout the speech, the audience can note that Obama was not kind, and does take all the credit for putting a stop to the al Qaeda era, it is evident when he indicates that he solely commissioned the hunt of Osama. He states that “…and shortly after taking office, I directed the director of the CIA, to the killing of Bin Laden to defeat his network” (Philips, nd). The statement in the speech portrays Obama as not always kind, but he can be strict, harsh and more dangerous to make firm decisions (Merkelson, nd). Generally, from the speech connotation and idioms used, one can quickly note that Obama was confidently selling himself to the American people, maybe for reelection.

In the same breath, Obama endeavors to differentiate and reduce prejudices that are directed at the Muslims and Islam by indicating that the US was against Osama and terrorism and not against Islam. He states that “…I just made it clear that just as Bush did after 9/11 that our war was not against Islam….” (Philips, nd). With this remark, he urges all Muslims in the country to unite against terrorism even though it has little impact because that media is already awash with narratives that Islam is the cause of terrorism.

Summarily, towards the end of Obama’s speech, after it is clear that Osama has been killed, Obama goes on to address the concerns of others affected directly and urges anyone to stick on to the fight against terrorism (Merkelson, nd). Considerably, it is notable that Obama was advocating for patriotism, put aside their differences and fight the vice of hostility and terrorism, analytically, Obama successfully used the speech to prove to both democrats and republicans his capability, and equally motivating Americans by ending the reign of Osama bin Laden.

Works Cited

Merkelson, Suzanne. “Osama Bin Laden’s Dead, But How Much Does It Matter?” Foreign Policy, Foreign Policy, 2 May 2011, https://foreignpolicy.com/2011/05/02/osamas-dead-but-how-much-does-it-matter-2/

Philips, Macon. “Osama Bin Laden Dead; President Obama’s Speech and Remarks.” National Archives and Records Administration, National Archives and Records Administration, 2 May 2011,  https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2011/05/02/osama-bin-laden-dead