SUMMARY

New York Times columnist David Brooks and Washington Post associate editor Jonathan Capehart discuss the week in politics, including protests against the war in Gaza growing on college campuses and Donald Trump giving the clearest vision yet for what he would do with a second term.

View the transcript of the story.

News 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.

Timecodes:

Start – 5:00: College protests and President Biden's reaction

5:01 – end: Prospects of a second Donald Trump presidency

View the transcript of the story.

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

1. Who are the individuals and groups discussed in this story?
2. Where are the protests taking place?
3. What does the piece say are the main reasons for the protests on college campuses? How could you find out, if you are not sure?
4. When was Donald Trump president of the United States?
5. How did the Time magazine article discuss the prospects of a second Donald Trump presidency? Why does Brooks call it "mind-boggling"?

FOCUS QUESTIONS

After his speech last week, a reporter asked President Biden whether or not the college protestors have caused him to reconsider any of his policies in the Middle East, to which he said: “No.” Why do you think the campus protests will not have any affect on the Biden administration's support for Israel?

Media literacy:

1. Jonathan Capehart says his primary concern is whether or not the protests will continue after college graduation ceremonies. Do you agree with his argument that this is the current priority? Why or why not?
2. How does David Brooks characterize the protests on the campus where he is teaching?

Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?

FOR MORE

What students can do:

• Take a look at this CNN map showing the colleges and universities where police have arrested 45 or more people. What are your initial thoughts when viewing the map? What questions do you have? Read the story to learn more.

• Read the Associated Press article (May 1, 2024) via the PBS NewsHour, House passes bill to expand definition of antisemitism amid growing campus protests over Gaza war, including this excerpt: "If passed by the Senate and signed into law, the bill would broaden the legal definition of antisemitism to include the “targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity.” Critics say the move would have a chilling effect on free speech throughout college campuses." Discuss with a peer or family member:
  • Why did proponents (320-91 total), including 187 Republicans and 133 Democrats, support the bill?
  • Why were opponents, including 70 Democrats and 21 Republicans, particularly critical of the part of the bill that outlaws criticism of the government of Israel?
  • Do you support bill? Why or why not?

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