Bush Hits the Trail

Overview: President Bush hits the campaign trail in a last-minute attempt to get more Republicans elected to the House of Representatives and the Senate. Mr. Bush is lending his political muscle to support candidates in some very close races.

Have students read the story "President begins 16-state campaign blitz" or view the "First Up" story on video, and answer the following questions:

ELECTION RESOURCES • CNN Presents Classroom Edition: America Decides 2002  • Partner Resource - Harcourt: Holt, Rinehart and Winston’s American Government  • AOL@School: Election Guide 2002  • AOL: Election Guide 2002  • CNN.com: Election 2002  • Turner Learning: Your Choice, Your Voice: The Voter  • National Student/Parent Mock Election  • Federal Election Commission  • FEC Watch  • League of Women Voters  • opensecrets.org: Your Guide to the Money in U.S. Elections  • Project Vote Smart

1. What did President Bush spend yesterday doing? Why is he campaigning for other candidates? What are some of offices up for election this year? Which states have races "too close to call"?

2. Why would a Republican victory in South Dakota's Senate race be significant? Who is Tom Daschle? What does "agenda" mean? Has Senator Daschle been supportive of President Bush's legislative agenda? How might the election of more Republican senators affect Daschle's ability to block Bush's agenda?

3. What are some issues that could be on the minds of voters this year? What does the president believe is the key to winning in this election? Why do you think voter turnout will be a crucial factor in the outcomes of these races? What is your prediction regarding this year's voter turnout? State the rationale for your view.

4. Point out to students that often a president will campaign for candidates who are members of his political party. Former presidents do this as well: As President Bush is campaigning with Republican candidates, this week former President Clinton is trying to help Democratic candidates get elected. A visit by a popular current or former president, or a campaign ad featuring the candidate with that leader can convince some voters to support the candidate at the polls. Challenge students to comb local media to find out if any candidates in their state are capitalizing on the popularity of President Bush or other leaders in an attempt to get elected. As a class, analyze the examples students find, and ask: What do you think the candidate hopes to gain by an association with President Bush? What risk might a candidate take by publicizing his/her close association with another political leader? Are there any local/state candidates that are looking to opposition leaders for help? If so, why do you think they are choosing this political path?