<p>i just took my AP English Language finals (one that my teacher made) and this speech appeared on it.
<a href=“Examiner is back - Examiner.com”>Examiner is back - Examiner.com;
I wrote that the author was being sarcastic, but my teacher said he wasn’t. I still think I’m correct though; why would a former US governor speak about destroying America literally?</p>
<p>It’s debatedable.</p>
<p>I think he is presenting a point using sarcasm, but is totally serious about the point he creates.</p>
<p>I agree with delirious_tree. He is using a sarcastic tone, but he’s dead serious about what he means. Just think of the backlash if he was to actually present it in a serious tone, in using a sarcastic tone, people can give him the benefit of the doubt.</p>
<p>i don’t really think this is an instance of sarcasm itself as much as it is verbal irony - who would expect a governor to say such things about America? the tone however, is sarcastic, but he uses it to reinforce something he honestly and seriously believes in</p>