"He Should Be Ashimed"

Australia’s first female prime minister, Julia Gillard, delivers a scathing ad hominem defense by attacking the leader of the opposition. Call it the “let him without sin cast the first stone” defense. 

Oh, and watch for the classic Ciceronian outline: Introduction (state the case), Narration (recitation of facts, storytelling), Division (recognition of the other side’s case), Refutation (dismissal of that case), and Peroration (emotional summary and conclusion).

Also look for a metastasis, in which the speaker moves quickly past an uncomfortable subject (sexist text messages by a member of her own party).

Cicero would have found the speech familiar—though its delivery by a woman would doubtless have shocked him.

Comments

[Rob Stanford]

Americans will be shocked to see how real parliamentary debate goes on. Gloves off, mites!

[Erica Kiersgard]

It's interesting that her speech actually defends a sexist. People are Liking it all over Facebook, but it's really very manipulative, isn't it?

[Figaro]

Sure is, Erica. the metastasis is one of the sneaker figures of thought. On the other hand, it's a forceful speech in favor of women. Which is why feminists think it's great. Oh, and it's a great speech, too, right?

Ad hominem--argument based on ethos--is a fallacy in formal logic, In rhetoric, it's an essential tool.

[John Hritz]

The title should be Ashamed not Ashimed...

[Figaro]

Then you don't know Australian, mite!