Trump Faces Backlash for Racist and Sexist Rhetoric at New York Rally
Ask students: How did a comedian's remarks about Puerto Rico at Trump's rally spark backlash? Who defended the rally and what was said there?
In the final week before Election Day, there's no indication of who has the edge in the race for the White House. Former President Trump, Vice President Harris and their running mates each campaigned at full-throttle in swing states today, and much of their focus was on controversial remarks made by speakers at a Trump rally just ahead of election day.
View the transcript here.
Discussion Questions
- What did Kamala Harris say about Donald Trump's closing message to voters?
- Where was Trump's rally?
- How did a comedian's remarks about Puerto Rico at Trump's rally spark backlash?
- Who defended the rally and what was said there?
- How are the two presidential candidates trying to appeal to voters in the final days of the campaign?
Focus Questions
- Why do you think the Trump campaign is using so much of the final days of the campaign to generate controversy?
- What do you think voters pay attention the most at the end of presidential campaigns?
- Media literacy: Read your answer to the second focus question above (What do you think voters pay attention to the most at the end of presidential campaigns?). Based on your answer, how do you think news organizations should be covering the final days of the campaign?
Extension Activity
Did you know that residents of Puerto Rico are American citizens but that they cannot vote in national elections such as presidential elections? (That is, unless they move to one of the 50 states). Why is that? Read this article to learn more about Puerto Rico's status as a territory, as well as reaction to comments from Trump's rally. Then discuss:
- How do you think not being able to vote in national elections impacts day-to-day life in Puerto Rico?
- Do you think the comedian's comments at Trump's rally might impact the election, even if they weren't spoken by Trump himself? (Use this map to see the population of Puerto Rican by state.)
2024 Election Lesson Plans and Resources
Explore our election resources to engage your students in learning about the election process and its significance at every level. Discover lessons on election fundamentals, laws, security, current events, youth involvement, and historic U.S. elections.
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
Advertisement
