Audience Description - Jamie Porter

I am writing an open letter to President Richard Nixon, who was the president during the last half of America's involvement in the Vietnam War. This would be published in a more popular and esteemed newspaper such as the New York Times. Publishing in this newspaper would allow my secondary audience to have access to the open letter as well. It would be aimed towards those who are pro-war and pro-government, and those types of people would probably have access to and would read the New York Times. Ideally, in the case of President Nixon, I would like him to be totally persuaded by these words. However, looking at it more realistically I realize that the best that could occur is for him to agree with the problem, and agree to take it into consideration moving forward with his decisions concerning the war. The same goes for those reading the letter secondhand. I need to change in thought, or even a small consideration of change.

1.
Nixon:
President Nixon was a white male around the age of 56 (during the time period that he was in office). He was of the Republican party, and was a Christian. He was a lawyer before he became president.

Public:
The average person that this would be aimed to is older white men who were pro-government. They would probably be Christian and of the Republican party.

2.
Nixon:
President Nixon loved to listen to smooth jazz music.

Public:
The average reader would have three kids - two boys and a girl - and a golden retriever that they would take with them fishing every other weekend.

3.
Both:
- Pride for America
- Not wanting innocent American citizens to die
- Wanting what's best for this country and everyone in it
- Not wanting to make the US a mess for the next generation
- Finding the economic affect of the war concerning

4.
Both:
- They would not want to forfeit the war, therefore causing the US to have actually "lost" a war

5.  This issue isn't necessarily insurmountable. It is something that requires a change in pride, and the release of the ideal dream of America who has to win every war that it is involved in. Though it might take some persuading with the facts of what kind of terrible things will happen to America if we stay in the war, but they will eventually see reason in this.

6. We would find common ground with our mutual patriotism and love for America.

7. I will concede that removing ourselves from war can be considered us losing, but I will not concede that America isn't allowed to lose a war simply based on the pride of its leaders.

8. I would put acknowledgements of their objections after first addressing the problem and an explanation. After, I would continue on with my explanation.