SUMMARY
For the first time in this nation’s history, the House of Representatives formally ousted its speaker. A handful of hard-right Republicans and every Democrat voted together to remove the gavel from Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s hand. The move came nine months to the day after McCarthy lost his first vote to become speaker. For a transcript of this story, click here (Oct. 3).
Optional: You may wish to watch this latest NewsHour piece from Oct. 4, Republicans face unclear choice for new House speaker after ouster of McCarthy.
News wrap alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM UP QUESTIONS
- Who is Kevin McCarthy?
- What does the Speaker of the House do?
- Why did some members of his own party seek to remove McCarthy?
- When did McCarthy first become Speaker, and how was his initial election to the position unusual?
- How might McCarthy's removal impact important legislation in Congress?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
Why are many House Republicans upset with Rep. Matt Gaetz and the other small handful of Republicans who voted for McCarthy's ouster? What position does this put House Repubilcans in? What about Democrats?
Media literacy: What sources did reporter Lisa Desjardins use for this story? How can you tell?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?
FOR MORE
What students can do: Watch the following news conference with former Speaker McCarthy held shortly before he was voted out. Then discuss — what could he have done differently to retain his position? If you were a reporter, what question would you have asked him?
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