TOW #1 - Why This Election Feels Never-Ending (Emma Roller)

             In Why This Election Feels Never-Ending, Emma Roller analyzes why the 2016 presidential election has caused many Americans to become annoyed with any news coverage regarding politics. She explains how changing technologies and the arrival of Donald Trump have allowed this election cycle to seem never-ending. These past few months, any computer search has guaranteed the presentation of dozens of articles regarding the current political situation. As an opinion writer for the New York Times, Emma Roller shares the credibility associated with the influential newspaper. In addition, her use of quotes from Thomas Patterson, a respected political scientist at Harvard University, advances her argument. This credibility benefits her purpose, which is to demonstrate the importance in learning more about politics. Roller wishes to convince the reader that, despite the negativity associated with the presidential election right now, it will be ultimately beneficial for said reader to get involved. Therefore, her audience is Americans who are sick of this election cycle. Roller’s use of the hyperbole is essential in achieving her purpose, as it provides an interesting hook that encourages her audience to continue reading. She writes, regarding the presidential election, “It has been going on since Assyria fell to Alexander the Great.” Meanwhile, she uses allusions to the works of respected political scientists to increase her own credibility. Roller writes, “But in the modern presidential campaign, Mr. Patterson writes, Labor Day ‘might as well be Groundhog Day.’” This is essential in achieving her purpose, as a basic level of ethos is required for success. Finally, Roller uses logos to achieve her purpose. She writes, “Over the same two-month period this year, Mrs. Clinton’s lead over Mr. Trump grew from 5 points to 6.5 points.” Logos is essential in proving her point, as it is the hard evidence that the reader relies on to understand the concepts the author discusses. Moreover, Roller definitely accomplished her purpose, because her thesis and evidence were clear. After the editorial, it is difficult for the reader to denounce Roller’s argument, despite the unpopularity of this election cycle.