1. Bush describes himself as an “economic conservative.” Based on the beginning of his speech, what does he seem to mean by this? What limitation does he see to that approach?
2. What purpose does the example of Big Brothers/Big Sisters serve? What point is Bush trying to make? What anecdote does Bush use to develop this point? Explain.
3. Bush refers at one point to previous attempts by government to wage “war on poverty” and says that those efforts were frustrated. What new idea does he have?
4. What are the two mindsets about government that Bush says we need to get past? How does his plan avoid these two mindsets?
BONUS: What rhetorical strategies does Bush use to persuade his audience? Consider appeals to our emotion, figurative language, allusions to history or to religion…
EXTRA BONUS: For Monday, you will be writing a response to this speech from the perspective of his political opponent. Think about what points you might bring up to make people question Bush's point of view. Do some research to find evidence to support your point!
