President Obama's Commencement Speech at Notre Dame

Hi Students,

Students, first listen to this news clip about President Obama's controversial appearance at the University of Notre Dame to give the commencement address:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=104230084 (4 minutes)

Then, listen to the actual speech President Obama gave - Notice his appearance, demeanor, the language he uses, and his tone:

http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/barackobama/barackobamanotredamecommencement.htm

Then, discuss:
Why do you think Notre Dame invited President Obama to speak, even though his opinion about abortion differs from the Catholic Church?

Why do you think President Obama confronted the "white elephant" so quickly and thoroughly?

Why do you think this was a good decision? A bad decision?

Justify your reasons with examples from Obama's speech.

Mrs. Kost