- 1. Boys on the Bus, written by Timothy Crouse and published in 1973, is a seminal work of political journalism that offers an insider's perspective on the 1972 U.S. presidential campaign. The book meticulously chronicles the experiences of journalists following the campaigns of major candidates such as George McGovern and Richard Nixon, providing a vivid, behind-the-scenes look at the political process and the media's role within it. Crouse, who accompanied the press corps, captures the camaraderie, competition, and camaraderie among the journalists, as well as their interactions with the candidates and the ever-present influence of public opinion. Through rich character sketches, insightful observations, and sharp commentary, Crouse reveals the complexities of modern political reporting and highlights the ways in which the media shapes public perception of politicians and their campaigns. The narrative is not just about the politics at play; it also delves into the personalities of the journalists themselves, portraying them as 'boys' on a metaphorical bus, driven by their ambitions, loyalties, and the chaotic nature of the electoral process. This work is considered a classic in the field of political writing and remains relevant today, as it raises enduring questions about the relationship between media and politics.
What is the primary subject of 'Boys on the Bus' by Timothy Crouse?
A) The candidates' family members on the trail
B) The Secret Service agents protecting candidates
C) The journalists covering the 1972 presidential campaign
D) The bus drivers for political campaigns
- 2. Which presidential election campaign is the central focus of the book?
A) 1980
B) 1976
C) 1972
D) 1968
- 3. What was the primary mode of transportation for the press corps, giving the book its title?
A) Buses
B) Airplanes
C) Cars
D) Trains
- 4. What is the main critique Crouse levels against the press corps?
A) Consistent political bias
B) Conspiring with candidates
C) Fabricating stories
D) Pack journalism and herd mentality
- 5. Which famous journalist is profiled as a 'star' who operated outside the pack?
A) Bob Woodward
B) Hunter S. Thompson
C) David Broder
D) Walter Cronkite
- 6. What was the name of Hunter S. Thompson's unique style of journalism?
A) Investigative journalism
B) New Journalism
C) Gonzo journalism
D) Tabloid journalism
- 7. What major historical event, covered by the press, was a significant backdrop to the campaign?
A) The Iran Hostage Crisis
B) The Vietnam War
C) The Watergate break-in
D) The Cuban Missile Crisis
- 8. What was a key difference between the McGovern and Nixon press planes?
A) McGovern's had stricter rules
B) Nixon's served better food
C) Nixon's allowed more reporters
D) McGovern's was more open and accessible
- 9. Besides newspapers, which other media were part of the campaign coverage?
A) Social media
B) Podcasts
C) Internet blogs
D) Television networks
- 10. What was the ultimate outcome of the 1972 election?
A) A third-party candidate won
B) McGovern won a narrow victory
C) Nixon won in a historic landslide
D) The election was decided by the House
- 11. Which scandal began during the 1972 campaign but was not a major focus of press coverage at the time?
A) Whitewater
B) Teapot Dome
C) Iran-Contra
D) Watergate
- 12. What was the general atmosphere on the campaign bus?
A) Boring and uneventful
B) Filled with celebration and parties
C) Consistently hostile and argumentative
D) A mix of camaraderie, competition, and exhaustion
- 13. What was a major challenge in filing stories from the road?
A) Preventing other reporters from stealing ideas
B) Avoiding censorship from the candidate
C) Finding working telephones and meeting deadlines
D) Translating speeches into different languages
- 14. Who was the Democratic nominee that Nixon defeated?
A) Edmund Muskie
B) Eugene McCarthy
C) George McGovern
D) Hubert Humphrey
- 15. Which news magazine was a major source of influence for other reporters?
A) Time
B) The New Yorker
C) U.S. News & World Report
D) Newsweek
- 16. In what year was 'Boys on the Bus' first published?
A) 1975
B) 1973
C) 1974
D) 1972
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