George H. W. Bush: Address to Congress on the Persian Gulf Crisis

Audience

Bush spoke before a joint session of Congress, but his audience was much larger than those in the House chamber. He hoped to influence members of Congress, who had to approve budget legislation or authorize military action, if necessary, in the Persian Gulf. He also wanted to impress the American people, millions of whom watched his speech on television or listened to it on radio. He aimed to bolster support for his handling of the Persian Gulf crisis as well as the deficit problem. He also was speaking to international leaders, especially Saddam Hussein, and conveying to them a message of U.S. firmness and resolve.