- 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 journalists covering the 1972 presidential campaign
B) The candidates' family members on the trail
C) The bus drivers for political campaigns
D) The Secret Service agents protecting candidates
- 2. Which presidential election campaign is the central focus of the book?
A) 1972
B) 1976
C) 1980
D) 1968
- 3. What was the primary mode of transportation for the press corps, giving the book its title?
A) Airplanes
B) Trains
C) Buses
D) Cars
- 4. What is the main critique Crouse levels against the press corps?
A) Conspiring with candidates
B) Pack journalism and herd mentality
C) Fabricating stories
D) Consistent political bias
- 5. Which famous journalist is profiled as a 'star' who operated outside the pack?
A) Walter Cronkite
B) Hunter S. Thompson
C) Bob Woodward
D) David Broder
- 6. What was the name of Hunter S. Thompson's unique style of journalism?
A) New Journalism
B) Tabloid journalism
C) Investigative journalism
D) Gonzo journalism
- 7. What major historical event, covered by the press, was a significant backdrop to the campaign?
A) The Iran Hostage Crisis
B) The Cuban Missile Crisis
C) The Watergate break-in
D) The Vietnam War
- 8. What was a key difference between the McGovern and Nixon press planes?
A) Nixon's allowed more reporters
B) McGovern's had stricter rules
C) Nixon's served better food
D) McGovern's was more open and accessible
- 9. Besides newspapers, which other media were part of the campaign coverage?
A) Television networks
B) Podcasts
C) Social media
D) Internet blogs
- 10. What was the ultimate outcome of the 1972 election?
A) Nixon won in a historic landslide
B) A third-party candidate won
C) The election was decided by the House
D) McGovern won a narrow victory
- 11. Which scandal began during the 1972 campaign but was not a major focus of press coverage at the time?
A) Teapot Dome
B) Watergate
C) Whitewater
D) Iran-Contra
- 12. What was the general atmosphere on the campaign bus?
A) A mix of camaraderie, competition, and exhaustion
B) Consistently hostile and argumentative
C) Filled with celebration and parties
D) Boring and uneventful
- 13. What was a major challenge in filing stories from the road?
A) Translating speeches into different languages
B) Finding working telephones and meeting deadlines
C) Preventing other reporters from stealing ideas
D) Avoiding censorship from the candidate
- 14. Who was the Democratic nominee that Nixon defeated?
A) Eugene McCarthy
B) Hubert Humphrey
C) George McGovern
D) Edmund Muskie
- 15. Which news magazine was a major source of influence for other reporters?
A) Newsweek
B) U.S. News & World Report
C) Time
D) The New Yorker
- 16. In what year was 'Boys on the Bus' first published?
A) 1974
B) 1972
C) 1973
D) 1975
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