Checkers

Nixon also uses anaphora, a type of repetition focusing on the first part of successive clauses or sentences to emphasize major points across the speech. In Paragraph 4, he expands the repetitive phrase “I say” to also include “it was morally wrong.” He repeats the phrase for three consecutive lines to stress his point that all the accusations brought against him are indeed actions considered to be morally wrong. He uses this specific form of repetition to frontload his statement in a way that cannot be denied.

Nixon does this again when explaining what the fund in question is meant to pay for. He allows his audience to come to same undeniable conclusion he has by beginning each line with “Do you think” (Paragraph 8). He lists expenses that shouldn’t be covered by taxes and accentuates the audience’s freedom to think otherwise: “Do you think, when a senator makes political broadcasts or political television broadcasts, radio or television, that the expense of those broadcasts should be charged to the taxpayer?” (Paragraph 8). This invites his audience to answer what he has already surmised will be a firm no.

He uses this style of repetition once more in the phrase “I’m proud of the fact” (Paragraph 13). In this paragraph, he lists the accusations against him and shares his pride over the fact that not one is true. Again, he uses this form of repetition to create an indisputable tone and emphasize the confidence in his statements to the point of unquestionability. 

Another form of repetition Nixon employs in his speech is that of epistrophe; like anaphora, he reiterates his points through the repetition of phrases in successive clauses or sentences. In this style, however, the phrases are found toward the end of the sentence—allowing for a strong or lingering finish to his statements. For example, in Paragraph 8, he opens with the question, “Do you think, for example, when I or any other Senator makes a trip to his home state to make a purely political speech that the cost of that trip should be charged to the taxpayers?” He repeats the same structure in the next line, ending with the same phrase of “should be charged to the taxpayer?” (Paragraph 8). In his aim to emphasize the incredulity of expecting taxpayers to cover political expenses, he is sure to repeat and end with that sentiment. The effect is that if the audience were to hear none of his question except the last statement, they would find interest in the topic since it may pertain to their own finances and contributions.

Nixon effectively incorporates hypophora throughout his speech as he poses questions to his audience and then follows with an answer of his own. He does this most impactfully when he anticipates the questions and any follow-up concerns that may arise. For example, when disputing the accusations against him, Nixon offers, “Well, then, some of you will say, and rightly, ‘Well, what did you use the fund for, senator?’ ‘Why did you have to have it?’” (Paragraph 7). He presents the expected doubt that corrupted administration had led to among the American people, and then he puts these doubts at ease.

He does this again when he says, “[S]ome of you may say, ‘Well, that’s all right, Senator, that’s your explanation, but have you got any proof?’” (Paragraph 14), and again when he states, “[T]here are some that will say, ‘Well, maybe you were able, Senator, to fake this thing. How can we believe what you say?’” (Paragraph 16). By using this technique, Nixon anticipates and defuses the skepticism that his audience may feel toward his claims. He then transitions toward assurance that he will continue to prove himself to be honest and true in the face of any doubts or questions.