McKinley's Last Speech: Inclusive, Rational, Persuasive

McKinley speaking in Buffalo (enter of stage in white shirt)
(Library of Congress)

President Willliam McKinley's last speech, which he gave at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, NY, spoke for free trade and for the future. His speech was rational, persuasive, and unifying. McKinley stuck to a theme for the entire speech. It was an excellent speech, nothing like the (much worse) political speeches that we hear today. 

Conservative writers rightly consider McKinley to be an underrated president. Kevin Phillips' book marks McKinley as among the best, albeit not greatest, presidents. Karl Rove considers the 1896 election that sent McKinley to the White House to have been pivotal, and remarks on the calming effect that McKinley's style exerted on American politics. 

I was privileged to present a paper about McKinley's last speech at the 2016 NCA Convention, on a panel shared with other researchers of American communication. 

L-R: Marylou R. Naumoff, Anjuli J. Brekke, Joan Faber McAlister (panel chair), William Harpine

In this last speech, McKinley spoke against the protective tariff, which he had previously favored. He praised the Pan-American Exposition as a "timekeeper of progress." Most notably, he made every effort to offend no one. He was lavish with praise, and circumspect with criticism. His goal was to build unity, to help people work together toward the future. "No nation," McKinley said, "can longer be indifferent to one another." So different from the angry, polarizing style of 21st century politicians like Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton. So different from the angry, polarizing style of McKinley's own competitors. 

Question to ponder: if a 2016 presidential candidate had spoken like McKinley, trying to bring us together, praising everybody, showing sympathy for the entire nation and world, could such a style win elections? We don't know, since no major candidate in the 2016 election spoke in such a helpful, patriotic manner. 

PS: see my update