Highlights from the Trump-Harris presidential debate
We are going to watch a video that summarizes some of the issues the candidates debated during the campaign.
Before watching the video, read about some specific terms they use and complete the vocabulary exercise.
MAGA Cap a red baseball cap that features the slogan "Make America Great Again." This slogan was
popularized by Donald Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign. The hat has become a symbol
associated with Trump and his supporters, often representing their political beliefs and campaign
promises. The phrase itself is intended to evoke a sense of nostalgia for what some perceive as a
better time in American history.
SPRINGFIELD
In the debate, Donald Trump mentioned Springfield in a rather dramatic context, claiming that people were "eating
the dogs" and "eating the cats." This statement appears to exaggerate concerns about crime and social issues related
to immigration, painting a picture of societal decline. However, it's worth noting that local authorities had refuted
such claims, indicating there were no credible reports of pets being harmed in that community.
WINDMILLS
As for Trump's assertion that windmills cause cancer, this statement is part of a broader narrative he has promoted
regarding renewable energy sources. He has made various claims suggesting that wind turbines are harmful, often
focusing on their environmental and aesthetic impacts rather than real health risks. This rhetoric aligns with his
scepticism toward renewable energy and preference for traditional fossil fuels.
ROE V WADE
Roe v. Wade is a landmark Supreme Court decision issued in 1973 that established a woman's legal right to have an
abortion under the right to privacy. The Court ruled that states could not impose excessive restrictions on abortion,
effectively legalizing it nationwide. The decision has been the subject of intense debate and has had significant
implications for reproductive rights and the political landscape in the United States.
HANNIBAL LECTER
Hannibal Lecter is a fictional character created by author Thomas Harris. He is a psychiatrist and a cannibalistic serial
killer. Lecter is known for his intelligence, charm, and psychological manipulation. The character has become an
iconic figure in popular culture, representing both brilliance and monstrous behaviour. Donald Trump often
references fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter in his speeches to emphasize his points. By invoking a well-known
villain, he aims to accentuate perceived threats or dangers, often related to issues like crime or immigration.
Match the following key words with their definitions.
1. Election integrity
2. Rally (n)
3. Weaponize (v)
4. Weigh in (v)
5. Marxist
6. Pledge
7. Reproductive rights
8. Rape
9. Ban
10. Abortion
11. Lose by a whisker
12. Make a big deal out
of something
a. to express an opinion or to contribute to a discussion, particularly on a
controversial or significant issue
b. The act of terminating a pregnancy.
c. to lose something by a very small margin or slight difference. It's often used in
competitive contexts, such as elections or sports, to indicate that the outcome
was extremely close.
d. Relating to a political ideology that advocates for communal ownership and
the absence of social classes.
e. treat something as more important or significant than it is /exaggerating the
importance of an issue or situation.
f. Rights related to making choices about one's own reproductive health.
g. legally prohibit something
h. The fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
i. sexual assault that involves non-consensual sexual intercourse
j. large gathering of supporters, organized to promote a political cause,
candidate, or movement.
k. a solemn promise
l. to adapt something for use as a weapon or to use it as a means of gaining an
advantage or power over others
What topics do they talk about?