The election of Barack Obama in 2008 was a watershed moment in African American and American history. Using clips from the acceptance and concession speeches, as well as the words of outgoing president, George H. W. Bush, budding historians consider the significance of the moment. After viewing the speeches, they consider the legacy of the 2008 election.

Concepts

presidential elections, presidential campaigns, barack obama, african american history, american history, elections, election day

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

social studies

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Create discussion questions to compare and contrast the speeches from Barack Obama and John McCain on election night
• Ask learners to compare and contrast the victory and concessions speeches

Classroom Considerations

• Resource requires a free C-CSPAN account to view the three clips; to access, enter username: students, Password: C-SPANCLASSROOM

Pros

• Clips are well curated and easy to use in class
• Videos offer multiple perspectives on the election

Cons

• None

Common Core

RH.6-8.1 RH.6-8.2 RH.6-8.4 RH.6-8.6 RH.6-8.10 RH.9-10.1 RH.9-10.2 RH.9-10.4 RH.9-10.6 RH.9-10.10 RH.11-12.1 RH.11-12.2 RH.11-12.4 RH.11-12.6 RH.11-12.10