2022 Presidential Turkey Pardon (PBS Newshour)

How does the President begin his speech?

• He launches straight into a history of the Turkey Pardon tradition.

• He acknowledges several people and groups attending the ceremony: the Governor of Delaware and a local middle school.

• He laments that the FIrst Lady could not be there, because she is attending another ceremony.

• He decides not to make any kind of introduction and gets right to the turkey pardon ceremony.

Describe the President's TONE and the MOOD at the beginning of the speech.

• The president's TONE is very upset and anxious, and the MOOD of the audience is therefore fraught and afraid.

• The president's TONE is informal and humorous, and the MOOD of the audience is light-hearted and jolly.

• The president's TONE in the speech is dark and foreboding, and the MOOD of the the audience is sorrowful and sad.

• The president's TONE in the speech is very formal and stuffy, and the MOOD of the the audience is reverent and respectful.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5D

CCSS.RI.7.4

Which US state features most prominently in the President's speech, and why?

• Delaware, because the governor of that state was one of the president's special guests.

• California, because it is the largest state by population, and consumes more turkey per person than any other state.

• North Carolina, because the pardoned turkeys are from Monroe, and local North Carolina politicians are in attendance.

• Virginia, because the turkeys came from a farm just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC and Virginia is known as "The Mother of Presidents"

Based on the President (and the turkey's) words and acclamations, why is it so important to continue the Turkey Pardon tradition?

• Well-to-do turkey tycoons took time to teach Tennesseean turkeys how to talk to tenacious Presidents.

• The Pilgrims began this tradition at the first thanksgiving in 1620, when their Native American guests brought a turkey to the meal.

• Every president before him did it, so he has to do it as well.

• It is a reminder of the gratitude we should feel for our many blessings and for our fellow Americans.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.7.2

How and why did the president's TONE shift in this section of the speech?

• The President's TONE shifted to be more serious and mournful, to recognize the pain and lasting impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

• The President's TONE shifted to be more fearful and alarmist, warning people of immediate death if they do not get the latest vaccine.

• The President's TONE shifted to be more silly and humorous, so that he could dispel the sadness Americans felt from the loss and disruption of Covid-19.

• The President's TONE shifted to be more authoritative and powerful, to warn America's adversaries that we are a mighty nation who fiercely protects our allies.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5D

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.7.6

How does the President conclude his Turkey Pardon remarks?

• He shifts the TONE to hopefulness by reminding the American people that they we are an extraordinary nation, and that we are unstoppable if we work together. (The turkeys agree.)

• He enhances the patriotic TONE by proclaiming "God protect our troops."

• He shifts the TONE back to humor by suggesting that turkeys are loving and intelligent birds, and we should stop eating them for Thanksgiving. (The turkeys agree.)

• He develops the TONE to be more fearful, suggesting the American people prepare for an imminent turkey takeover. (The turkeys attack the audience, gobbling, "Now YOU'RE cooked!" One gobbles maniacally.)

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5D

CCSS.RI.7.4

Speculate: Why do you think the president spends time after the speech greeting and speaking with citizens in the audience? (Students use appropriate, respectful language that provides reasoning for their answer.)