Discuss the anecdote about John McCain and Donald Trump at the beginning of the book. What are the narrative effects of this anecdote, and why might the author have chosen to open the book with it?

This question encourages students to consider the possible purposes and effects of the opening anecdote. Students should discuss ways in which the anecdote introduces the book’s tone and some of the book’s central ideas regarding Trump’s morally bankrupt character.

Compare Cicero’s tenets of moral character with Trump’s actions and personality. How does the author use these tenets to build a case against Trump?

This question specifically refers to the contents of Chapter 2, in which the author describes some of Trump’s profound moral flaws. Students should support their answers with examples from the text, and they should feel free to use information from numerous chapters.

How does the book portray the tone and content of Trump’s rhetoric? What are the dangers of such rhetoric, and how does the book present these dangers?