These are words, phrases or sentences that link segments of writing.

obama was told in early july 2004 that he was chosen to deliver the address, and he largely wrote the speech himself, with later edits from the kerry presidential campaign.

this quote could be referring to the death penalty. it's questioning the morality of sentencing murderers to death as a punishment, because it seems hypocritical. this quote seems to be arguing for non-lethal punishment for killers.