Daily News Lesson

SHOW ALL

Nov. 17, 2023, 9:34 a.m.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on why he thinks he has a chance as an independent candidate

Summary

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., one of the independent candidates seeking to challenge the major party frontrunners in the 2024 election, says he thinks Americans are tired of polarization and feeling like nobody is hearing them. A longtime environmental lawyer and the son of a Democratic icon, Kennedy sits down with Amna Nawaz to discuss his campaign.

For a transcript, click here.

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 Robert F. Kennedy Jr?
  • Where has Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced opposition within his own family regarding his presidential candidacy?
  • When does Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggest he can secure electoral victory?
  • Why does Robert F. Kennedy Jr. argue that the Democratic Party needs to offer a more positive vision?
  • What issues does Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasize in his campaign?

Focus questions

What role do you think third party or independent (not Democratic or Republican) candidates play in presidential elections? Do you think independent candidates have a good chance of winning presidential elections in the coming years? Why or why not?

Media literacy: Where can you find more about the presidential candidates for the 2024 election?

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: Discuss — how does Robert F. Kennedy Jr. respond to the concerns raised by some of his own family members?

Check out this Brain Pop lesson/video on presidential elections: link

Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources. Sign up for NewsHour Classroom’s ready-to-go Daily News Lessons delivered to your inbox each morning.

Recent Daily News Lessons

securingthevote-e1791575581663

Daily News Lesson

Monitoring the Midterms: How do officials test voting machines?

Discuss ways officials look to secure elections, and what challenges remain

press

Daily News Lesson

How media outlets are pushing back against Trump's selective press ban

Discuss the ways media outlets have fought for inclusion as part of the White House press pool

FS-food-bank

Daily News Lesson

Cuts to federal benefits push many Americans to food banks

Discuss the impact of cuts to nutrition assistance and the strain on local food banks

vote2026-2-e1791838323889

Daily News Lesson

Monitoring the Midterms: Water access major issue in Western states

Discuss how drought and water access have become more important to voters in some states than even the economy

SUPPORTED BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY:

PBS News Hour Classroom

Copyright © 2025 News Hour Production LLC. All Rights Reserved

Illustrations by Annamaria Ward