Discussion: Logical fallacies and Nixon’s checkers speech
In 1952, Richard Nixon was running as presidential candidate Dwight Eisenhower’s vice-president running mate. During this campaign, Nixon was accused of using campaign funds for personal use. To address the issue, Nixon gave a televised, half-hour speech, known as the Checker’s Speech, defending himself against this accusation. I have provided a link to a website that includes background information, video, audio, and written text of the speech. Please review and then respond in a post to the following question.
Checker’s Speech Website Directions
Answer the following questions in a post (approx. 200 words).
- Describe one of the logical fallacies that you noticed in the Checker’s Speech.
- What type of logical fallacy is it? Post hoc, false dilemma, etc.
- If you weren’t looking for it, do you think you would have noticed this flaw in logic? Do you think the general audience did?
