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Reading Group Guide

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Discussion Questions

Name some characteristics that you think help make a good president.

What things did John McCain learn during his career in the US Navy as a navy pilot? What were some of the experiences he had?

What do you know about Prisoners of War (POWs) from his experience?

What did McCain do as a POW to show his greatness?

What did McCain want to do when he left the navy?

Discuss the work of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. For which state was McCain a congressman?

How did John McCain decide to run for president? In which previous election did he first run for president? For which party? Who was chosen as candidate for that election?

As a senator, what has been important to John McCain?

How did McCain become a candidate for election this time? When was he officially nominated to run as the 2008 Republican presidential candidate?

When is the national election for president?

This realistic and personal story is told by Meghan McCain, a daughter of John and Cindy McCain. If you wrote a book about your mom or dad, what would it say?

What do you think it would be like to be president? Would you like to be? Why?

Activities

Many presidents have come to office as a result of their military background. Name the presidents who served in these wars: Revolutionary War; War of 1812; Mexican American War; Civil War; Spanish American War; WW II.

What medals did John McCain earn while serving his country in the navy? List all of them and explain what he had to do to earn each of them.

Make a list of characteristics that would make a good president.

Using a map of the United States, follow the 2008 election. Project which states you think will go to John McCain, and color them red. Using this map the night of the election, see how well you predicted.

The Vietnam War played a large part in John McCain's life. Learn more about how he views the country now, and what he has done since to help improve relations with Vietnam.

Websites of Interest:

http://www.weeklyreader.com/election/index.asp
Follow the election, see how the election works, and follows McCain's campaign. Also provides definitions of election words and offers election games.

http://www.senate.gov/
This is the official U.S. Senate site. You can look up individual senators here. Try finding John McCain, Senator from Arizona.

http://www.house.gov/
This is the official U.S. House of Representatives site.

http://clerkkids.house.gov/index.html
Kids at the House of Representatives. Lots of fun activities to help you better understand the House of Representatives and how it works. A great virtual field trip to the congress.

http://www.mccainblogette.com/
Musings and pop culture on the political trail.