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Story: 'Change'
Candidates Win Big in Iowa, 01/04/08
Reading Comprehension Questions: 1. Who were the Democratic and Republican winners in the 2008 Iowa caucuses? Why are these victories significant?
2. Who were the top three contenders among the Democrats? What percentage of the vote did each receive?
3. Who are the top two contenders among the Republicans in Iowa? What percentage of the vote did each receive?
4. Why do some historians think the Iowa caucus is important?
5. Why is the 2008 primary race especially important?
6. Describe the voting patterns of younger voters as compared to older voters in Iowa?
Discussion Activity (more research might be needed): 1. What do the results of the Iowa caucus tell you about the 2008 race for the White House thus far? Look at things like voter turnout, voter demographics, and exit polling - why voters said they voted for a particular candidate. Do you notice any trends or emerging themes? You can find information at http://www.pbs.org/newshour/vote2008 2. What do you think of the concept of an "Iowa bounce"? Do you think it will affect upcoming primaries in other states? What do states like Iowa, New Hampshire, Michigan, South Carolina, Wyoming and Florida-the next contests-have in common? How are they different? 3. Make a chart of
the upcoming primaries (you can use this map: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/vote2008/primaries/states/
4. Several candidates who did not do well in Iowa dropped out of the presidential race while others with poor showings stayed in the race. Why? What motivates particular candidates to stay in the race? Why do you think this is so? Write a 300-500 word essay on any of these topics providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra (extra@newshour.org). Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site. |