Biden’s Challenge

1. Set Focus 
Pose this essential question: What qualities make an effective president?

2. Read and Discuss 
Have students read the article, marking key ideas and questions. 

• David Wessel says, “We put the economy into a medically induced coma.” Why are comas medically induced? What does he mean with this analogy? (Comas are medically induced, or purposefully done, to help relieve suffering and promote healing in a severely injured patient. He means we purposely halted much of our economic activity to slow the spread of Covid-19. The slowdown didn’t stem from underlying economic issues.)

• In what ways is the economy a factor in each of the challenges President-elect Joe Biden faces? (There are many connections, including: If Biden can’t get the Covid-19 pandemic under control, he may not be able to boost the economy. Promoting economic advancement for Black Americans is part of his plan for addressing racism in America. Strengthening relations with China may help trade, which could greatly benefit the U.S. economy.)
  

• How do Biden’s goals for immigration differ from President Trump’s? (President Trump sees both illegal and legal immigration as a threat to the U.S. economy and security, and he has made it harder for all kinds of immigrants to come to the U.S. In contrast, Biden sees immigrants as a fundamental part of the American identity. He says he plans to reverse many of Trump’s most restrictive immigration actions.)

3. Core Skill Practice
Assign, print, or project the activity Between the Lines. Have students use the organizer to make and support inferences from the article.

4. Writing Prompt
Which of the six challenges discussed in the article do you think is the most difficult to address? Why?

5. Classroom Debate
Is Biden correct in his claim that Trump’s policy of “America first” has made America alone?

6. Quiz & Skills
Use the quiz to assess students’ comprehension.