US presidential election | thelanguagepub

The election process explained

Watch it one time without stopping the video. Then watch it again. This time pause the video from time to time to take notes.

Here's a more 2024-specific explanation in writing:

Many claim that this year's election is the most important in a looooong time. They say this every single time... :)

But it's clear to see that animosity runs high. Have a look at this charade of a debate. Watch these highlights to get an idea of the atmosphere.

It's time to do some research on key issues that will have an impact on the election. I've chosen 8 topics that you'll cover through 8 presentations.

Speeches and ads

In order to analyze speeches you need to know something about rhetoric.

Please do the following tasks:

Then read about Toulmin's argumentation model:

Now it's time for you to show off your new skills. We'll practise on this particularly nasty piece.

There are multiple ways to pursuade an audience. Have a look at this article on Trump's rhetoric:

Focus on speeches, presentations, The rhetorical pentagram, Toulmin's model

Focus on the US political system

Trumps’s acceptance speech at the Republican Party Convention. (excerpts)

Biden's acceptance speech at the democratic Party Convention. (full version)

Topics covered in presentations:

3 Who are the democrats and Joe Biden – what do they stand for?

5: Who are the republicans and Donald Trump – what do they stand for?

2: Why is Joe Biden liked/hated and is he likely to win?

1: Why is Trump liked/hated and is he likely to win?

8: Who are the angry white males in American politics and why are they important?

6: What is Antifa and who are the Proud boys, and how are they being used/misused by the candidates?

7: There’s a lot of talk about a nation divided at this election. What is that all about?

4: What is the black lives matter-movement and in what ways will it have an impact on the election?