Analyze Bush's State of the Union address

 

President George W. Bush

Overview: What priorities did President George W. Bush emphasize in his State of the Union address? How does Mr. Bush intend to implement his plans for dealing with the war on terrorism and the recession? Have students evaluate the message that Bush is communicating to the American people and the international community. Challenge students to analyze and assess the nature and effectiveness of President Bush's leadership.

Curriculum Connections: Current Events, Politics, Government, U.S. History

EXTRA INFORMATION For a video version of this story, please use the CNN Student News' January 30 broadcast on CNN TV (4:30 a.m. ET). Click here  for more information on the show

Have students read the story, "Bush: Prevail in war, defeat recession," and answer the following questions: 1. What two major priorities did President Bush emphasize in his State of the Union address? What guidance did Bush give the American people in terms of dealing with the war and the recession? How did he reassure Americans that their government would provide them with homeland and economic security? What short-term and long-term plans did he outline for dealing with the terrorists in Afghanistan and the world? How do the president's budget priorities correlate with his plans for dealing with the war and the recession? Why did Bush charge Congress with the responsibility for ensuring that his plans are implemented? What activities did he urge the American people to pursue?

2. In his State of the Union speech, how does President Bush exhort the American people and the international community to regard the terrorists that remain at large? When Bush says, "Thousands of dangerous killers ... are now spread throughout the world like ticking time bombs -- set to go off without warning," what future American military interventions is he forecasting? Which nations did Bush identify as potential threats to American and world security? Do you think Bush is justified in singling out these countries? Why or why not?

3. Inform students a public figure such as a politician often creates a persona, the personality that a person projects in public. Assist students with analyzing the persona that President Bush is presenting to the American people and the international community. Have students view the video by CNN correspondent Candy Crowley and visit the resources listed on the Web story to characterize the images Bush projects. Direct each student to create a list of Bush’s personality characteristics with examples that describe his style. Have students share their lists in small groups and create a composite profile of President Bush. After students have compared and contrasted their profiles, ask: How do you think the American people and the international community regard Bush's public image? Discuss.

4. Instruct students to write letters to President Bush in which they respond to the following questions: Do you feel that Bush is providing you with the kind of leadership that you, your family and friends need in the aftermath of September 11? Why or why not? What suggestions would you make to reinforce or improve the way in which Bush has defined his role as president?