In this video, the two major party candidates for president, Senators Barack Obama and John McCain give speeches at stops along the campaign trail; Senator Obama in Virginia, and Senator McCain in New Mexico.
The two candidates outline what they think matters most to voters. Barack Obama highlights the problems in the economy that make life hard for many Americans. John McCain speaks about leadership in Iraq.
Both candidates urge voters to decide who can be the better president for the next four years.
Quotes
“People aren’t sure whether that essential part of the American dream, the idea that if we work hard and we sacrifice the next generation’s going to be a little bit better off than we were, people aren’t sure whether that still holds true.” Barack Obama
“And because people I think feel betrayed by government so much for so long, it’s easy to believe bad things about politicians. And it’s easy to just say, “Well, you know, a plague on both their houses. Nobody is going to do anything to bring about change. So what’s going to be different this time? What’s going to be different is you.” Barack Obama
“The bottom line is that Senator Obama’s words, for all their eloquence and passion, doesn’t mean all that much. And that’s the problem with Washington. It’s not just the Bush administration, and it’s not just the Democratic Congress. It’s that everybody in Washington says whatever it takes to get elected or to score the political point of the day.” John McCain
Warm Up Questions
1. Who is running for president this year? What do you know about each candidate?
2. How do you think the price of gas can affect the presidential race?
3. What role does the war in Iraq play in the election this year?
Discussion Questions
1. What role does the American Dream play in each of the senator’s speeches?
2. How does the economic situation shape the way each candidate reaches out to voters?
3. How does each candidate focus on to the other to highlight problems in the country?
4. Do the candidates portray government as a good or bad thing? Why do you think this is?
Additional Resources