Checkers

Nixon uses repetition in a variety of patterns, including the use of repetitive words, ideas, and/or phrases. Though he uses slight variations in wording, the alignment of ideas remains such, as seen in Nixon’s most common phrase, “let me say.” He slightly alters the phrasing by saying “let me point out” (Paragraph 6) and “let me tell you” (Paragraph 7) but maintains the same effect. These phrases, repeated throughout the speech, portray Nixon as at the mercy of the audience. Even though the televised audience has no true authority in “let[ting]” Nixon do anything, this repeated act of asking permission reduces any authoritarian entitlement and, instead, supports the humble every-man persona that Nixon strives to depict.

In contrast to his repetition of the phrase “I say,” as he uses it in Paragraph 4 and again in Paragraph 35, “let me say” is a much more passive introduction to the information he means to present. When using the phrase “I say,” he is much more declarative and passionate. He also seems to imply that what follows that phrase has no room for permission or humility. Instead, when he repeats this declaration, he first does so to share the non-negotiable immorality of the actions he is accused of committing (Paragraph 4).