The Tale of Two College Experiences: A Cluster Analysis of Obama’s Argument for Higher Education Reform

During the third week of August 2013, President Barack Obama presented two policy speeches furthering his rationale for higher education reform. Stressing themes of institutional accountability, efficiency, and affordability, Obama sketched out a three point agenda aimed at making higher education a “better bargain” for America’s struggling middle class. In this brief essay, I examine the rhetorical processes President Obama used to justify his argument for higher education reform through a cluster analysis of his Henninger High School address. The paper seeks to explore the general implications of word choice/style and language arrangement in political advocacy through a critical reading of his argument