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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Thompson's account of the airplane arrangements, how do several people view being forced onto the Dakota Queen II?

2. According to the author, which readers does he expect will understand his decision to defuse the situation with Mankiewicz?

3. Whom did Bobby Kennedy refer to as "the most decent man in the Senate?"

4. On the day of the election, where is the first place the personnel and press are taken?

5. When Thompson refers to "the American Dream," what class does he posit has the most at stake in believing in that ideal?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Thompson's thoughts on the Yin/Yang in regards to Nixon and McGovern.

2. Why did Ron Ziegler become Nixon's PR man?

3. How did passengers on the Zoo plane keep the politicians from boarding?

4. How does Thompson describe the drug use among the other journalists?

5. Why is Thompson the "rock-n-roll emissary" for politics?

6. How does Thompson explain McGovern's lack of success?

7. During the demonstration of a previous campaign, what did Thompson realize about the police officers on the scene?

8. Describe the confrontation between Mankiewicz and Thompson.

9. What are Thompson's feelings about Nixon?

10. What does Thompson believe about the middle-class?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the difficulties faced by the Democratic party in this campaign in the following format:

Part 1) Vietnam War.

Part 2) John F. and Robert Kennedy.

Part 3) Eagleton's mental health history and resignation.

Part 4) Nixon's inner circle of people.

Part 5) The lack of unity amongst the candidates.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the relationship between politicians and journalists in the following format:

Part 1) How journalists feel about politicians.

Part 2) How politicians feel about journalists.

Part 3) Thompson's opinions on politicians.

Part 4) Thompson's encounters with the politicians, especially Nixon.

Part 5) The Zoo Plane and its exclusivity.

Part 6) Thompson and Mankiewicz.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

How did Eagleton undermine McGovern on the campaign trail? Why is it significant that he repressed his medical records? How did this make McGovern look to the public and why? How did McGovern's failure to act quickly ruin some of his credibility? How does Thompson note that all of these problems could have been avoided with honesty from the beginning? In what ways does this situation mark the end of McGovern's presidential aspirations?

(see the answer keys)

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