Analysis · Floor speech · beta

Sarah McBride

Democrat on Recognizing Charlotte King 2026-07-14

330 words · 15 sentences · 18 clauses

Statement grade

Average 93 / 100

A score under 50 is red. Choose a measurement to see where it lost points and why; choose it again to clear.

Procedure 7%Claims 79%The ask 7%Reasoning 6%

This view breaks the statement into its steps and names what each one does.

Mr. Speaker, Procedure · 24 wordsI rise today to mark both the anniversary of a profound loss and the reminder it serves at this moment in our Nation’s story.Procedure Claims · 169 wordsSix years ago, Congressman John Lewis passed away.¹ He was a titan of the civil rights movement, who worked tirelessly to deliver justice, expand equality, and secure the right to vote for every American, including Black Americans. Today, however, we are navigating a moment where the work he devoted his life to is increasingly under threat. We have seen executive actions that would make it harder for Americans to vote. We have witnessed renewed attempts to undermine confidence in our elections and intimidate those who administer them. Right now in this very Congress, we are facing a renewed push to establish what amounts to a modern day poll tax on Americans. Most recently, the Supreme Court has facilitated the dismantling of Black political representation in this Chamber and green-lit racial discrimination in voting so long as the proponents simply say it is for partisan purposes. Congressman Lewis often spoke of his hopefulness for the future because he was adamant that tomorrow could be better and more just than today. The ask · 13 wordsIt is our job to pick up that mantle and continue that work.Vague promise Claims · 93 wordsIn 2020, while commemorating the anniversary of Bloody Sunday on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Congressman Lewis reminded us of his important rallying call, to get into what he called good trouble, to help redeem the soul of America.² Throughout his miraculous life, he never lost faith in the central ingredient of change, the necessary foundation of democracy, his belief in the capacity for other people to change, and, therefore, for our country to change. He reminds us that hope is not reserved for moments when progress feels inevitable or easily attainable. The ask · 11 wordsWe must harness it, most especially in moments like this one. Reasoning · 20 wordsWhen the reasons for hopelessness seem greatest, that is when the legacy of good trouble, necessary trouble, is most essential.

At a glance

Lost points for

Switch Claims on to list the checkable claims here.

What the tags mean

Signal · 91

1 of 2 deductions are Signal

Signal checks whether every part makes a point, gives a reason, or asks for action. A low score means the speaker filled time with fluff, pleasantries, or attacks.

Throat-clearing: announcing what you are about to say, or the House’s routine business.What the tags mean “I rise today to mark both the anniversary of a profound loss and the reminder it serves at this moment in our Nation’s story.”Procedure or throat-clearing: no claim, reason or ask.

Relevance · no score

Not applicable: nothing to answer. Excluded from the average.

Relevance checks whether the speaker stays on topic and answers the question asked. A low score means the speaker dodged the issue.

Respect · no score

Not checked: graded before this measurement existed. Excluded from the average.

Respect checks whether the speaker argued with people’s positions and records rather than attacking the people: insults, mockery, or bad motives assigned to them. Criticism of what someone did, however strong, is not marked.

Clarity · 95

1 of 2 deductions are Clarity

Clarity checks for plain speaking, clear ownership of actions, and honest limits on certainty. A low score means vague promises or evasive language.

A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.What the tags mean “pick up that mantle and continue that work”The commitment names no actor, date, measure, or success condition for what ‘that work’ would be.

Claims · 2

This list shows the factual statements you can check for yourself: the words as said, and the claim restated to stand on its own.

1“Six years ago, Congressman John Lewis passed away.”Congressman John Lewis died six years before July 14, 2026, i.e., in July 2020.search
2“while commemorating the anniversary of Bloody Sunday on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Congressman Lewis reminded us of his important rallying call, to get into what he called good trouble, to help redeem the soul of America.”In 2020, while commemorating the anniversary of Bloody Sunday at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Congressman John Lewis invoked his call to get into ‘good trouble.’search

Analyzed on 2026-09-15