In this excerpt, the speaker develops ethos by employing several rhetorical strategies.
1. Citing President Johnson: By referencing President Johnson's statement from last March, the speaker aligns themselves with a respected authority figure. This helps establish their credibility and expertise on the subject of ending the war in Vietnam.
2. Appealing to reason: The speaker argues for patient political negotiation instead of the use of force, even though it may be difficult for those who value military victories. By presenting a logical and reasoned approach, the speaker positions themselves as someone who carefully considers all perspectives and seeks responsible solutions.
3. Rejecting extremes: The speaker emphasizes the need to avoid irresponsible calls for total military victory and the illusion of instant peace. By acknowledging the complexity of the issue and advocating for a balanced approach, the speaker demonstrates their commitment to thoughtful and measured decision-making.
Through these rhetorical strategies, the speaker enhances their ethos by presenting themselves as knowledgeable, reasonable, and responsible in their approach to ending the war in Vietnam.