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Chapter 11: Groups and Interests
Video Exercises
Watch the videos below and answer the questions that follow.
1.

Interest groups, like the campaigns themselves, produce and distribute attack ads during an election year. These ads are designed to demonstrate how opposing candidates do not support the interests and agendas which the group represents, and often provide commentary on the legislative record of a particular candidate’s opponents.

Hunter The National Rifle Association

John McCain’s Record on Equal Pay People for the American Way

Who are the targets of the attacks in each video above, and what arguments do they make to discredit the candidate? Did you identify or agree with the arguments in either of the videos? Why or why not?
2.

The Sierra Club is the oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization in the United States. It was founded on May 28, 1892, in San Francisco, California, by the well-known conservationist and preservationist John Muir, who became its first president. The Sierra Club has hundreds of thousands of members in chapters located throughout the U.S., and is affiliated with Sierra Club Canada.

LB2L: Unleash Your Power National Sierra Club

What message is the Sierra Club promoting in the above video? Do you agree with the video’s assertion that grassroots efforts are needed to combat global warming? Why or why not?
3.

The Colbert Report, hosted by Stephen Colbert, is a parody of personality-driven political opinion shows such as those found on the cable news networks, wherein Colbert hosts the show in character as a right-wing pundit.

Better Know a Lobby - Gun Control The Colbert Report Comedy Central First aired May 13, 2008

What arguments does Paul Helmke make in the above video? What is the intended goal of “The Brady Campaign” interest group?
4.

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart is a satirical news program hosted by Jon Stewart. The show draws its comedy from recent news stories, satirizing political figures, media organizations, and frequently the show itself and its cast members.

Some Like It Hot The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Comedy Central First aired June 14, 2006

What interest group and agenda does Jon Stewart highlight in this video? What commentary does Jon Stewart make on this interest group’s agenda?

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