No on 22

[NHI]

Is today election day? I'm excited.

I'll have a post up tomorrow. Been away all weekend.

Me too. I was at this.

[NHI]

Rudy Looks To Lock up Election

Giuliani continued to hold onto his lead, after a non-decisive first and second debate between he and Senator Edwards. Giuliani continued to argue for experience, over change and rebuffed Edwards' claim of change for change sake. The soaring economy and relative stability over the War in Afghanistan made Giuliani a strong contender for reelection and he looked to seal the deal, by launching a tour across the country in the final weeks of the campaign; hitting the battlegrounds and many states not generally keen to voting Republican.

Edwards Continues the Fight

Trailing by an average of 3 points Edwards focused his campaign on the message, which won him the nomination; focusing on the divide in America between rich and poor. "We need not be an America of two. There are two cities, but we can once again be a great, united shinning city on a hill where all Americans are sharing in the wealth and prosperity. We were this society once and we can be again -- but I need your help to make it happen."

Who Won The Vice Presidential Debate?

Vice Pres. Sam Brownback: 49%

Sen. John Kerry: 37%

Tie: 14%

Who Won the Third Presidential Debate?

Pres. Rudy Giuliani: 48%

Sen. John Edwards: 32%

Tied: 20%

Election Night: 2008

President Rudy Giuliani: 0 (0%)

Senator John Edwards: 0 (0%)

"Good evening and welcome to CBS' election night coverage. I'm Dan Rather and tonight Rudy Giuliani, President of the United States is trying for his reelection in what has been a fairly tilted battle against Senator John Edwards. Polls at this hour have President Giuliani ahead by two to three points, but the Edwards' campaign is confident that tonight this could be a Dewey Defeats Truman moment tonight.

We do have some states to project now, no surprise Indiana will go for Giuliani and Vermont for Edwards. Also the state of Kentucky a Clinton state in 1992 and 1996, and one John Edwards hoped to pull back in the D column goes for Giuliani tonight." -- Dan Rather

Indiana:

√ Rudy Giuliani: 55%

John Edwards: 44%

Vermont:

√ John Edwards: 56%

Rudy Giuliani: 43%

Kentucky:

√ Rudy Giuliani: 54%

John Edwards: 45%

President Rudy Giuliani: 19 (50.7%)

John Edwards: 3 (48.3%)

"Two reliable states for either party. We cannot project a winner in Virginia Georgia or South Carolina at this time. We cannot project a winner in the states of Ohio, West Virginia or North Carolina at this time. North Carolina being the home of Senator John Edwards, where he served as a Senator for six years." -- Dan Rather

North Carolina: 3% Reported

Rudy Giuliani: 50.5%

John Edwards: 48.8%

Georgia: 5% Reported

Rudy Giuliani: 53%

John Edwards: 45%

West Virginia: 7% Reported

Rudy Giuliani: 52%

John Edwards: 46%

Ohio: 1% Reported

Rudy Giuliani: 55%

John Edwards: 43%

Virginia: 2% Reported

Rudy Giuliani: 52%

John Edwards: 47%

"An interesting tidbit to report to you now. Early this morning after midnight the little town of Dixville Notch in New Hampshire cast their ballots for President. A small population in the Granite State and the results were as follows:" -- Dan Rather

Dixsville Notch Results: 2008

Rudy Giuliani: 13 (52%)

John Edwards: 12 (48%)

"Twenty-five votes cast and a one vote advantage for Mr. Giuliani, so heaven knows how to read this and if we're in for a long election night, we shall see." -- Dan Rather

[NHI]

"...and we're back. Here are the results as they look on our map. It is now at twenty-two minutes after eight o'clock. The President is holding onto a narrow lead in the electoral college, but still none of those big states, the states were all the money is being bet have fallen yet. Giuliani looking to counter a possible Edwards' push in the south. So far he's held onto Tennessee and Kentucky, two states that were a slight Edwards' lean, but we don't know yet on Virginia, West Virginia or South Carolina or even Florida and Georgia yet. Same in the Northeast with Connecticut and Pennsylvania and New Jersey, all three states Rudy Giuliani would like in his column tonight." -- Dan Rather

President Rudy Giuliani: 52 (46.9%)

Senator John Edwards: 35 (51.9%)

"Senator Edwards holds a pretty substantial lead in the popular vote, up by five percentage points over the President. No one has speculated or mentioned this but there is always the possibility of one candidate winning the electoral vote and losing the popular vote. We thought it might have happened four years ago when President Giuliani, then Mayor defeated President Al Gore in a nail biter of an election. We are watching this one closely, especially which way those big state are leaning."-- Dan Rather"

Pennsylvania: Too Close to Call

John Edwards: 51.0%

Rudy Giuliani: 48.7%

New Jersey: Too Close to Call

John Edwards: 52.0%

Rudy Giuliani: 47.9%

Delaware: Too Close to Call

John Edwards: 52.8%

Rudy Giuliani: 46.9%

Connecticut: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 50.9%

John Edwards: 47.9%

Illinois: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 50.3%

John Edwards: 48.1%

Missouri: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 50.9%

John Edwards: 47.4%

Florida: Too Close to Call

John Edwards: 50.1%

Rudy Giuliani: 49.5%

[NHI]

"We're back and we're joined now by Chief Speechwriter for The President and Press Secretary on the Campaign, John Avalon. John, as you watch the results come in tonight, you must have some trepidation, maybe too strong a word, but certainly there are some states outstanding that should be in the Giuliani camp?" -- Dan Rather

"We always believed it would be a close race, even with the benefits of a strong economy on our side. Senator Edwards is a strong campaigner, his supporters are passionate, so I'm not surprised by the results we're seeing. I do believe in the end, though it maybe close Rudy Giuliani will be reelected." -- John Avalon

"Many have been predicting a Dewey beats Truman moment tonight. In fact a fellow by the name of Nate Silver, at the New York Times predicted a nail biter of an election, saying there is a 49 percent chance that this election is 270-268, now that's a squeaker." -- Dan Rather

"With respect to Mr. Silver, I don't think it'll be that close, it may not be quite the spread we had in 2004, but I do believe Rudy Giuliani will be reelected." -- John Avalon

"Well, maybe you're onto something there. CBS can now project the state of Georgia for President Giuliani." -- Dan Rather

Georgia

√ Rudy Giuliani: 51.9%

John Edwards: 46.9%

President Rudy Giuliani: 67 (47.6%)

Senator John Edwards: 35 (51.2%)

"Another big state to call. The time is 8:51 here on the east coast. We project the state of New Hampshire for President Giuliani. The Granite State continues it trend now for the third straight election voting for the Republican candidate, it did vote reliably Republican, but swung for President Clinton in both his '92 and '96 campaigns." -- Dan Rather

New Hampshire

√ Rudy Giuliani: 51.5%

John Edwards: 47.0%

President Rudy Giuliani: 71 (47.9%)

Senator John Edwards: 35 (50.9%)

North Carolina: Too Close to Call

John Edwards: 50.2%

Rudy Giuliani: 49.4%

South Carolina: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 50.9%

John Edwards: 48.1%

Virginia: Too Close to Call

John Edwards: 50.3%

Rudy Giuliani: 49.1%

West Virginia: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 51.0%

John Edwards: 48.7%

Illinois: Too Close to Call

John Edwards: 50.6%

Rudy Giuliani: 49.0%

Pennsylvania: Too Close to Call

John Edwards: 50.8%

Rudy Giuliani: 48.8%

Delaware: Too Close to Call

John Edwards: 50.7%

Rudy Giuliani: 48.9%

New Jersey: Too Close to Call

John Edwards: 50.5%

Rudy Giuliani: 48.8%

Connecticut: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 50.5%

John Edwards: 48.4%

Missouri: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 50.8%

John Edwards: 48.5%

Ohio: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 51.1%

John Edwards: 48.5%

Maine CD 2: Too Close to Call

John Edwards: 49.6%

Rudy Giuliani: 49.4%

[NHI]

"It is now nine o'clock here on the east coast and we can project the following states." -- Dan Rather

Kansas:

√ Rudy Giuliani: 60%

John Edwards: 39%

Nebraska:

√ Rudy Giuliani: 59%

John Edwards: 40%

South Dakota:

√ Rudy Giuliani: 58%

John Edwards: 41%

North Dakota:

√ Rudy Giuliani: 59%

John Edwards: 40%

Wyoming:

√ Rudy Giuliani: 61%

John Edwards: 38%

Texas:

√ Rudy Giuliani: 56%

John Edwards: 43%

Louisiana:

√ Rudy Giuliani: 57%

John Edwards: 42%

"All these states are going solidly for President Giuliani, and we can now project Arkansas will be won by the President too." -- Dan Rather

Arkansas:

√ Rudy Giuliani: 54%

John Edwards: 45%

President Rudy Giuliani: 140 (51.1%)

Senator John Edwards: 35 (47.8%)

"And here is the map. The states of Michigan, Wisconsin and New York are all too close to call. New Mexico remains too early to call, the same for Colorado and Minnesota.

We can now project the Land of Lincoln for Senator Edwards. There was some concern that it might, swing for Giuliani tonight, but it stays red again this election and we can now also project Minnesota for Senator Edwards." -- Dan Rather

President Rudy Giuliani: 140 (51%)

Senator John Edwards: 35 (48%)

"We can now make a major projection in the state of North Carolina. We are calling the Tar Heel State for Senator Edwards." -- Dan Rather

North Carolina:

√ John Edwards: 51%

Rudy Giuliani: 48%

"A big for the North Carolina Senator as he looks to make up ground in the electoral map. All polls should him being competitive in the south and up until now he's failed to flip a single state, but North Carolina is a start. It voted for Bill Clinton in '96 in his reelection landslide and narrowly went for Hutchison in 2000. Tonight it goes red again.

Adding more red to the map, Democrats can breathe a sigh of relief both the state of Delaware will stay Democrat again. Giuliani thought he could flip it into the Republican column, but it remain solidly Democrat again." -- Dan Rather

Delaware:

√ John Edwards: 51.3%

Rudy Giuliani: 48.4%

President Rudy Giuliani: 140 (51%)

Senator John Edwards: 84 (48%)

New Mexico: Too Early to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 50%

John Edwards: 49%

Colorado: Too Early to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 52%

John Edwards: 47%

Wisconsin: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 51%

John Edwards: 49%

Michigan: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 51%

John Edwards: 48%

New York: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 51%

John Edwards: 47%

"At this time we can project that Rudy Giuliani will win South Carolina. He keeps The Palmetto State blue again for the GOP." -- Dan Rather

President Rudy Giuliani: 148 (51%)

John Edwards: 84 (48%)

[NHI]

"...and the Edwards' camp is keeping hope alive tonight, and it appears that maybe truer that thought because now CBS is calling the Keystone State, the battleground of Pennsylvania for the Democrat. It is twenty minutes past ten here on the east coast and we are projecting Pennsylvania for John Edwards." -- Dan Rather

Pennsylvania:

√ John Edwards: 50.7%

Rudy Giuliani: 48.4%

President Rudy Giuliani: 165 (51%)

Senator John Edwards: 121 (48%)

"Twenty-one electoral votes for John Edwards now, he is within a good throwing distance of the President in the electoral map and all eyes remain on the big states left to call." -- Dan Rather

Florida: 85% Reported

Rudy Giuliani: 50%

John Edwards: 50%

"In Florida, a state that has been close the last two election is essentially a dead heat tonight between the Democrat and the Republican candidate. Al Gore won it narrowly both in 2000 and in 2004, but it did not help him secure reelection four years ago. It remains too close to call. Another state we're keeping our eyes on very closely in the state of Virginia where Senator Edwards holds a narrow lead over the President." -- Dan Rather

Virginia: 96% Reported

John Edwards: 50.1%

Rudy Giuliani: 49.4%

West Virginia: 99% Reported

√ Rudy Giuliani: 50.6%

John Edwards: 48.9%

"CBS has just projected West Virginia for the President. Rudy Giuliani wins the state of West Virginia." -- Dan Rather

President Rudy Giuliani: 170 (51%)

Senator John Edwards: 121 (48%)

"Turning now to Bob Schieffer, moderator of Face the Nation on CBS, Bob as we look at the map who has the advantage at this point?" -- Dan Rather

"Well, the President's total is 170, he needs 270 to win, so he needs only a hundred more delegates and he's done. For Senator Edwards it's a little harder, but not impossible. For him it's keeping Florida, a Gore state, holding onto Michigan another Gore state. He also needs to hold onto New Mexico's 5 electoral votes and Iowa. Now all three states were won by Gore four years ago.

From there it's winning California, Hawaii, Washington and Oregon, which have voted Democrat in the last few cycles and no one expects much change there. Oregon was close in 2000 and 2004, but it is expected to go for Edwards. He wins all those states it's a 132 electoral votes, add that to his current total he's at 253." -- Bob Schieffer

Edwards: States Needed to Win

Florida: 27

Michigan: 17
New Mexico: 5
Iowa: 6
California: 55
Oregon: 7
Washington: 11
Hawaii: 4

Total: 132

+Current Total: 121
= 253

"Now from there is where the difficulty lies. He needs twenty-three delegates to reach 270. Now winning New York gets him there. He gets New York he's at 284 and the race is done. Now assume Connecticut remains Democrat, though it is leaning Giuliani, those 7 votes get him to 260. He could take Wisconsin, but it's voted Republican the last two times. Truly it comes down to Ohio. He could lose Wisconsin and New York and if he wins Ohio, that's the ballgame. He's at 273 and he's President-Elect." -- Bob Schieffer

10:53 pm EST

"We are now projecting the state of Michigan for Senator Edwards. Edwards wins Michigan." -- Dan Rather

Michigan:

√ John Edwards: 50%

Rudy Giuliani: 48%

President Rudy Giuliani: 170 (51%)

Senator John Edwards: 138 (48%)

11:00 pm EST

"The time is eleven o'clock here on the east coast and we can project the following states:" -- Dan Rather

California:

√ John Edwards: 58%

Rudy Giuliani: 41%

Hawaii:

√ John Edwards: 59%

Rudy Giuliani: 40%

Washington:

√ John Edwards: 55%

Rudy Giuliani: 44%

Idaho:

√ Rudy Giuliani: 62%

John Edwards: 37%

Oregon: Too Early To Call

John Edwards: 53%

Rudy Giuliani: 46%

Senator John Edwards: 208 (49%)

President Rudy Giuliani: 174 (50%)

"There is the map. Oregon is too early to call, but Senator Edwards is in the lead. We can now project for President Giuliani, the state of Arizona, another Republican state, so no surprise there tonight." -- Dan Rather

Senator John Edwards: 208 (49%)

President Rudy Giuliani: 184 (50%)

"And at this time we are now projecting the state of Iowa for Senator Edwards." -- Dan Rather

Iowa:

√ John Edwards: 51%

Rudy Giuliani: 48%

"Here is the map in Virginia, with now 99 percent of the precincts reporting CBS news is now projecting Virginia to be won by Senator Edwards." -- Dan Rather

Virginia: 99% Reported

√ John Edwards: 50.3%

Rudy Giuliani: 48.1%

"A big and important win for Edwards tonight. He's now carried two states that have not voted for the Democrats since Bill Clinton's reelection in 1996." -- Dan Rather

Senator John Edwards: 228 (49%)

President Rudy Giuliani: 184 (50%)

[NHI]

12:01 AM EST

Connecticut:

√ Rudy Giuliani: 50.0%

John Edwards: 48.9%

"CBS can now project that the state of Connecticut will be won by President Giuliani." -- Dan Rather

Senator John Edwards: 235 (49%)

President Rudy Giuliani: 199 (49%)

"This has been quite a night and it's far from over yet. Rudy Giuliani, the incumbent President is facing quite a challenge from Senator John Edwards. Many pundits expected, while it would be a close race, no one predicted the night we've seen thus far. President Giuliani's team expected him to be accepting his victory speech around this hour, but it seems to resembling four years ago." -- Dan Rather

New York: 89% Reported

Rudy Giuliani: 49.9%

John Edwards: 49.0%

Ohio: 99% Reported

Rudy Giuliani: 50.8%

John Edwards: 48.7%

"And we're getting ready to make another major projection. CBS News is now calling the key state of Ohio for President Giuliani. Hope is still alive in the Republican camp tonight. This is a needed win for the President and definitely takes some wind out of the Edwards' sails tonight. The question now remains can John Edwards turn this thing around or is he up the river so to speak without a boat or a paddle. We'll watch and see." -- Dan Rather

Wisconsin: 95% Reported

Rudy Giuliani: 49.7%

John Edwards: 49.5%

New Mexico: 98% Reported

Rudy Giuliani: 49.8%

John Edwards: 49.6%

Florida: 99% Reported

Rudy Giuliani: 49.9%

John Edwards: 49.8%

Missouri: 99% Reported

Rudy Giuliani: 49.6%

John Edwards: 49.5%

"It is closer than a razor's edge in the remaining states and we could, emphasis on the word could, be looking at possible recounts, especially in a state like Florida, where is there is as 0.5% or less difference there is an automatic recount triggered.

President Giuliani continues to hold onto his narrow leads in the important states of Florida and New York, if he can carry those two states he's won reelection.

And it appears CBS can now make a major projection in the race for President. CBS News is now projecting the state of New York for President Giuliani. He wins New York." -- Dan Rather

President Rudy Giuliani: 250 (49%)

Senator John Edwards: 235 (49%)

"This changes the map considerably and puts the President is a better position. He is twenty votes shy of winning reelection for a second term." -- Dan Rather

BREAKING NEWS: EDWARDS CAMPAIGNING CONSIDERING RECOUNT PROCESS

1:08 AM EST

"...and the state of Wisconsin has gone for President Giuliani."

Wisconsin: 100% Reported

Rudy Giuliani: 49.8%

John Edwards: 49.5%

President Rudy Giuliani: 260 (50%)

Senator John Edwards: 235 (49%)

BREAKING NEWS: FLORIDA TOO CLOSE TO CALL
GIULIANI: 49.9% EDWARDS: 49.8% (DIFFERENCE: 0.1%)

"Now with the recount process in Florida that appears likely given the results, we may not know the winner for probably a couple of days, that puts into question the state of this race. President Giuliani is ten votes shy of reelection. The Edwards campaign is considering contesting the results in Missouri, again that takes away eleven electoral votes, which could put this election in a deadlocked state for a few days or possibly weeks." -- Dan Rather

1:55 AM EST

"Based on our reporting and projections CBS is now calling the state of Missouri for President Giuliani." -- Dan Rather[/i]

BREAKING NEWS: GIULIANI RE-ELECTED PRESIDENT

√ President Rudy Giuliani: 271 (50%)

Senator John Edwards: 235 (49%)

"Now this is a projection. Based on where the numbers stand we are projecting the state for the President and thus with it he is reelected for a second term as President of the United States. No word from the Edwards' campaign, no sign of concession, Florida remains in limbo and New Mexico is still out, so the Edwards' campaign is showing no sign that this race is over as of yet.

But it appears we can now project the state of New Mexico for President Giuliani. He takes New Mexico. He is now well over the needed hurdle with 276 electoral votes." -- Dan Rather

√ President Rudy Giuliani: 276 (50%)

Senator John Edwards: 235 (49%)

2:15 AM EST

"CBS has just learned Senator John Edwards has in fact called President Giuliani and conceded the election. He has conceded, this race is over, Rudy Giuliani has been reelected President of our United States, in a very close election, arguably one of the closest we've seen in a long while folks, but the votes are essentially in and Giuliani is reelected." -- Dan Rather

[NHI]

EDWARDS CONCEDES

John Edwards ended his bid for President in a concession speech at 2:45 from Charlotte, North Carolina. In a narrowly close contest he bowed to the inevitable reelection of Rudy Giuliani. Many supporters and Democratic pundits hoped Edwards would contest the election, but with Giuliani ahead in the popular vote and enough in the close states the Edwards' campaign realized it was not meant to be. He sounded an optimistic note, calling for the country to unite behind the President. He wished Giuliani well and pledged his support.

Many pundits speculated given the closeness of the vote that Edwards could arguably make a comeback in 2012, if he decided to run again. Though he offered no plans of a future bid for President, all eyes are looking at other prominent Democrats including both Sen. Hillary Clinton and Former President Bill Clinton as possible candidates in the 2012 race.

President Giuliani, thanked his supporters in New York City and the rest of the country for reelecting him. He acknowledged the closeness of his victory and promised full cooperation between Democrats and Republicans; wanting the Country to "Work right and work best." Giuliani offered no hint of his plans for the future, though many speculate he will mount a bid for a third term in 2012.

2008 Presidential Election: Turnout: 57.8%

√ President Rudy Giuliani: 303 (50.4%)

Senator John Edwards: 235 (48.7%)

Close States:

Florida: DIFFERENCE 0.11%

√ Rudy Giuliani: 49.88%

John Edwards: 49.79%

New Mexico: DIFFERENCE: 0.14%

√ Rudy Giuliani: 49.81%

John Edwards: 49.67%

Wisconsin: DIFFERENCE: 0.18%

√ Rudy Giuliani: 49.77%

John Edwards: 49.59%

Missouri: DIFFERENCE: 0.41%

√ Rudy Giuliani: 49.90%

John Edward: 49.49%

North Carolina: DIFFERENCE: 1.0%

√ John Edwards: 50.10%

Rudy Giuliani: 49.10%

New York: DIFFERENCE: 1.0%

√ Rudy Giuliani: 49.94%

John Edwards: 48.94%

Virginia: DIFFERENCE: 1.1%

√ John Edwards: 49.91%

Rudy Giuliani: 48.80%

Coming up next: The Concluding Chapter: 2012

[NHI]

The second term of Rudy Giuliani began with great promise, though he scored a narrow victory in his reelection, strong economic news, followed by the successful mission of Seal Team Six, boosted his popularity to record highs. By his inauguration Giuliani's approval rating stood at 71 percent, the highest of his Presidency. This new found glow gave the President confidence as he headed into his second term. Republican retained control of Congress following the 2008 elections, but the House and Senate slipped back into the hands of the Democrats after an overreach by Republicans in 2009 and 2010 to reform social security.

In working with the Democratic Congress, Giuliani was willing to cut deals, though he never wavered on his position not to raise taxes. However the large increases in spending irked many conservative, who quietly bit their tongues during his '04 and '08 campaigns, but as Giuliani appeared to be nothing but a big government spending liberal the base eventually cracked and by 2011, prominent conservatives were calling for a primary challenge against the incumbent President.

Many conservatives urged for Vice President Brownback to run against Giuliani, but he refused, though he did announce in early 2011 that he did not intend to run for a third time as Vice President, once it became clear that Giuliani would run again. In early spring of 2011, Giuliani announced his bid for reelection, wanting to be the first President since Reagan to win a third term. By the summer no conservative opposition formed to challenge Giuliani and he was renominated without question. For his running mate he selected Indiana Senator Mike Pence, a move which pleased the conservative base.

The race for the Democratic nomination, again like in 2008 was wide open and many prominent Democrats turned again to a Clinton, though in 2009 Former President Bill Clinton decided to rule out a third bid, saying he was content and believed it was time for new leaders to step up. Interestingly the one to step up was a Clinton. After having won an impressive reelection in 2006, Hillary Clinton announced in June of 2011 that she would not be seeking reelection to the United States Senate in 2012, but instead running for President; saying "I'm in and I'm in to win it."

The Clinton Candidacy was met with overwhelming excitement from the Democratic base, who yearned for a Democrat able to take on Rudy Giuliani. In the wake of her announcement many Democrats, who considered entering the race declared their support for Clinton. Among them included, John Kerry and John Edwards, Massachusetts Senator Deval Patrick, Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley and Virginia Governor Mark Warner. Though, Clinton did face some challenges from Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer.

She maintained a huge lead in the polls heading into the primary contests, but she faced an unexpected challenge from Brian Schweitzer, who upset Clinton with a win in the Iowa Caucuses.

Iowa Caucuses

Brian Schweitzer: 38.1%

Hillary Clinton: 36.4%

Bernie Sanders: 22.9%

Other: 2.6%

Clinton Rebounds in New Hampshire and Wins The Nomination

Hillary Clinton rebounded with the First in the Nation Primary and from there went on to secure the Democratic nomination, though Brian Schweitzer did carry a few more primary states and secured a spot on the ticket with Clinton as the VP. Heading into their convention in August, Clinton closed the gap with President Giuliani, prior to her securing the nomination she trailed Giuliani by an average of 6 to 8 points.

√ Hillary Clinton: 13,222,055 (55.4%)

Brian Schweitzer: 9,524,000 (40.0%)

Bernie Sanders: 1,111,098 (4.6%)

President Giuliani took aim at Senator Clinton, attacking her record in the United States Senate and calling her a "classic tax and spend liberal, who has no new ideas for America." In the presence of a somewhat strong economy, Giuliani managed to maintain a narrow lead over Clinton, but most pundits predicted the race would be even tighter than Giuliani's reelection in 2008.

2012 Presidential Election Poll: Giuliani +3

President Rudy Giuliani: 47%

Senator Hillary Clinton: 44%

Undecided: 9%

[NHI]

Clinton Goes on the Attack

AP - Dayton, OH (September 2012)
Coming out of her convention essentially tied with President Giuliani in the polls Senator Hillary Clinton lambasted the Republican nominee for what she called "A failed economic policy". "The policy of trickle down economics, which we saw with Ronald Reagan for twelve years is the same one President Giuliani is trying now and guess what, it's increased our deficit and left the middle class squeezed and without hope of a bright future. I'm here to tell you it doesn't have to be that way Ohio, America can be great again." Her rally in Dayton marks Clinton's eighth trip to Ohio since winning the Democratic nomination. Current polls give President Giuliani a slight lead: 48 percent to Clinton's 46 percent.

Third Times' The Charm

AP - Concord, NH (October 2012)
President Giuliani is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his hero Ronald Reagan win a successful third term as President of the United States. As he readies for his first debate with Hillary Clinton in Denver, polls show a neck and neck race with the New York Senator and former First Lady. Giuliani continues to trumpets his message of continued prosperity and points to the economic growth the country has seen over his nearly 8 years in office. Giuliani attacked Clinton as liberal "in every sense of the word" and that he Presidency would undo all the changes he implemented "to make America strong again". In New Hampshire Giuliani is tied with Clinton: 48 percent to 48 percent.

Game On

AP Denver, CO (October 2012)
Over the course of ninety minutes Hillary Clinton appeared in control as she dominated in the debate with President Rudy Giuliani in Denver. The New York Senator attacked the President who what she called a "weak economy" and the Administration's failure to create any new jobs over the last few years. Clinton also offered a vision of the future, talking about making America energy independent by the end of her first term and balancing the budget. Giuliani, by comparison appeared agitated and disengaged throughout the debate and failed to counter to fireback on any of Clinton's attacks. The polls which showed a relatively tight race before the debate, with a slight Giuliani lead now show a reversal.
Viewers by a large margin found Clinton the winner of the debate, and as of this morning Clinton leads Giuliani by a significant margin for the first time in the race. In the state of Colorado, which has voted Republican the last three times cycles shows a narrow lead for the President.

General Election Poll: GALLUP Clinton +4

Hillary Clinton: 49%

Rudy Giuliani: 45%

General Election Poll: NBC/WALL STREET JOURNAL Clinton +5

Hillary Clinton: 50%

Rudy Giuliani: 45%

Who Won the First Presidential Debate?

Hillary Clinton: 53%

Rudy Giuliani: 31%

Tie: 9%

Undecided: 7%

The Incredibly Shrinking President

AP - Hempstead, NY (October 2012)
The Vice Presidential Debate between Mike Pence and Brian Schweitzer was largely seen as a draw, putting immense pressure on President Giuliani to deliver a solid performance against Hillary Clinton in their town hall style debate. While most pundits agreed Giuliani improved from his bruising in Denver, it was not a knockout. Clinton largely deflected any attacks from Giuliani and focused her message on helping the middle class. Immediately following the debate polls indicated either a draw or slight advantage to Hillary Clinton.
The polls continues to show a close race, but Hillary Clinton continues to hold onto a narrow lead. In the state of New York, the home state of both candidates polls find a tight race. 49 percent for Clinton to 48 percent to Giuliani.

Hurricane Sandy

AP - Seaside Heights, NJ (October 2012)
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, President Giuliani toured the damage and met with relief workers, along with the Governor of New Jersey, Jon Corzine. Giuliani pledged the full support of the United States government to help the people affected by the storm.


In closing days of the campaign, the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy took up most of the news coverage, with the candidates making their cases, crisscrossing the country. The storm, seemed to boost Giuliani's sagging poll numbers, though not by a significant margin. Most polls found Clinton still polling strong against Giuliani and the final election polls showed a deadlocked race. In what most pundits called the fourth closest race since the start of the 21st century, many agreed, unlike the previous where it was at least clear who was the most likely winner by Election Day, by 2012 it was truly too close to call!

Final General Election: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 48%

Hillary Clinton: 48%

Dixsville Notch, NH

Rudy Giuliani: 6 (50%)

Hillary Clinton: 6 (50%

Hart's Location, NH

Hillary Clinton: 14 (54%)

Rudy Giuliani: 12 (46%)

New Hampshire: <1%

Hillary Clinton: 52.6%

Rudy Giuliani: 47.4%

ELECTION NIGHT 2012

President Rudy Giuliani: 0 (0%)

Senator Hillary Clinton: 0 (0%)

"Good evening and welcome to CBS' election night coverage. I'm Scott Pelley and we have some projections to make at this hour." -- Scott Pelley

Vermont: <1%

√ Hillary Clinton: 60%

Rudy Giuliani: 39%

South Carolina: <1%

√ Rudy Giuliani: 58%

Hillary Clinton: 41%

Indiana: <1%

√ Rudy Giuliani: 56%

Hillary Clinton: 43%

President Rudy Giuliani: 20 (51%)

Senator Hillary Clinton: 3 (48%)

"An early lead for President Giuliani in the electoral vote, but we are expected to be in for a long night as the polls throughout this campaign, and in the closing days have show a dead even race between Hillary Clinton, and Rudy Giuliani. The states to watch this evening will be the ever important battlegrounds of Ohio and Florida, along with New York. It voted narrowly for the President the last two times, but polls have show a slight lead for Hillary Clinton. If she can take back the state it will be a significant victory, as she looks to reach the magic number of 270 electoral votes." -- Scott Pelley

[NHI]

Senator Hillary Clinton: 64 (49.6%)

President Rudy Giuliani: 61 (49.5%)

"There is the electoral map at seven minute after eight o'clock. Many states left to be called." -- Scott Pelley

North Carolina: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 50.9%

Hillary Clinton: 48.8%

Virginia: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 50.3%

Hillary Clinton: 49.3%

West Virginia: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 50%

Hillary Clinton: 50%

Missouri: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 50.5%

Hillary Clinton: 48.9%

Georgia: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 52%

Hillary Clinton: 47%

Florida: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 50.7%

Hillary Clinton: 48.7%

Ohio: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 50.3%

Hillary Clinton: 49.0%

Pennsylvania: Too Close to Call

Hillary Clinton: 51.7%

Rudy Giuliani: 48.0%

New Jersey: Too Early to Call

Hillary Clinton: 53%

Rudy Giuliani: 46%

New Hampshire: Too Close to Call

Hillary Clinton: 50.1%

Rudy Giuliani: 49.0%

Maine CD 2: Too Close to Call

Hillary Clinton: 50.9%

Rudy Giuliani: 49.0%

8:30 PM EST

"At this time we cannot project a winner in the state of Arkansas, the former home state of Hillary Clinton. It was not a hotly contested state, but the fact that we are unable to project it now should give some hope to the Clinton campaign.

Arkansas: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 51%

Hillary Clinton: 49%

"It does appear now, we can make a major projection. CBS new is calling the state of Pennsylvania for Hillary Clinton."

BREAKING NEWS: CLINTON WINS PENNSYLVANIA

Pennsylvania: 21% Reported

√ Hillary Clinton: 52.0%

Rudy Giuliani: 46.9%

Senator Hillary Clinton: 84 (49.7%)

President Rudy Giuliani: 61 (49.5%)

"The Keystone State's 20 electoral votes now go to Hillary Clinton. A big win for the New York Senator and given the hour this maybe a sign of things to come, we don't know, but Pennsylvania was targeted by both campaigns, John Edwards narrowly won it four years ago, and Al Gore eight years before. It is a swing state, but it stays Democratic again tonight." -- Scott Pelley

[NHI]

"...Hillary Clinton will win the state of New Jersey." -- Scott Pelley.

New Jersey:

√ Hillary Clinton: 52%

Rudy Giuliani: 47%

Senator Hillary Clinton: 98 (49%)

President Rudy Giuliani: 77 (49%)

"No major surprises so far tonight. Hillary Clinton is holding onto the Edwards' states from 2008. Everything is going as it was expected. We are now able to project that Rudy Giuliani is our projected winner in the state of North Carolina." -- Scott Pelley

North Carolina: 35% Reported

√ Rudy Giuliani: 51%

Hillary Clinton: 48%

Senator Hillary Clinton: 98 (49.7%)

President Rudy Giuliani: 92 (49.4%)

"An Edwards' state from 2008, but no one expected it to return to the Democrats. Hillary Clinton and her campaign did not heavily contest in that state, so now real surprise with this state returning to the Republicans. Let us look now at the states where we're unable to project a winner yet." -- Scott Pelley

Florida: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 50.4%

Hillary Clinton: 48.9%

Ohio: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 50.0%

Hillary Clinton: 49.5%

West Virginia: Too Close to Call

Hillary Clinton: 49.7%

Rudy Giuliani: 49.6%

Virginia: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 50.4%

Hillary Clinton: 49.0%

9:37 pm EST

President Rudy Giuliani: 157 (49.5%)

Senator Hillary Clinton: 112 (49.6%)

"We are now turning to Dan Rather, commentator for CBS now with a perspective on this election night." -- Scott Pelley

"I think we maybe here all evening. The polls have showed a tight race throughout the entire campaign and even the exit polls today showed a tight race, but huge turnout, possibly the highest turnout we've seen in a long time. Looking at the states, nothing has gone against the conventional wisdom, so if Giuliani is able to hold onto the states he won last time, even without New York he should have a very good night." -- Dan Rather

"CBS news does have a major projection to make. We project the state of Michigan for Hillary Clinton. Michigan goes for Senator Clinton." -- Scott Pelley

Michigan:

√ Hillary Clinton: 52.3%

Rudy Giuliani: 46.7%

"Another Edwards' state remains in the Democratic column. The Democrats are briefing a sigh of relief. They now look to a pickup, so far they've only won New Hampshire so far." -- Scott Pelley

10:35 pm EST

"...and CBS can project the state of Ohio for President Giuliani. Giuliani wins the state of Ohio." -- Scott Pelley

Ohio: 94% Reported

√ Rudy Giuliani: 50.3%

Hillary Clinton: 49.4%

"The battleground state of Ohio stays with the Republicans. Hillary Clinton hoped to swing this state back to the Democrats, but it wasn't enough. This is a big win for the Republican." -- Scott Pelley

11:13

President Rudy Giuliani: 222 (49.5%)

Senator Hillary Clinton: 212 (49.6%)

"...we're back now and here is the state of the electoral map. President Giuliani leads Senator Clinton by ten electoral votes and trails by a narrow margin in the popular vote. All eyes are focused on the important battleground states that still remain to be called. At one point with Ohio going for Giuliani and then Missouri and Colorado there was a sense of growing momentum for the President, but it now almost 11:20 here on the east coast in New York, with Senator Clinton's solid wins in the states of California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii on the west coast the race is still a tossup.

Nevada is outstanding, Montana, the home state of Vice Presidential nominee Brian Schweitzer, Wisconsin, a three time Republican state since 2000, Iowa, Virginia, which John Edwards carried four years ago and the state of Florida...but it appears now we do have a projection and it is a major one at this time. CBS new is projecting the state of New York for Hillary Clinton." -- Scott Pelley

BREAKING NEWS: CLINTON WINS NEW YORK
CLINTON: 50.9% GIULIANI: 48.9%

"Twenty-nine electoral votes. This is a big win for the New York Senator, her home state, which she has represented since 2001, and also an upset for President Giuliani. He won the state in his '04 and '08 presidential campaigns, but by extremely narrow margins and tonight The Empire State is back in the Democrat's column, won by Hillary Clinton." -- Scott Pelley

Senator Hillary Clinton: 241 (49.7%)

President Rudy Giuliani: 222 (49.5%)

[NHI]

"Here are the results in the states where we have yet to project a winner for the Presidency." -- Scott Pelley

Virginia: Too Close to Call (Difference: 9,561)

Rudy Giuliani: 1,520,111 (50.1%)

Hillary Clinton: 1,510,550 (49.8%)

Nevada: Too Close to Call (Difference: 35,390)

Hillary Clinton: 534,467 (51.7%)

Rudy Giuliani: 499,077 (48.3%)

Montana: Too Close to Call (Difference: 7,556)

Hillary Clinton: 267,000 (50.7%)

Rudy Giuliani: 259,444 (49.3%)

Florida: Too Close to Call (Difference:

Rudy Giuliani: 4,237,756 (50.0%)

Hillary Clinton: 4,163,446 (49.1)

Wisconsin: Too Close to Call

Hillary Clinton: 49.7%

Rudy Giuliani: 49.6%

New Mexico: Too Close to Call

Hillary Clinton: 49.5%

Rudy Giuliani: 49.5%

"CBS New is now ready to project the state of Iowa for Senator Hillary Clinton." -- Scott Pelley

Iowa:

√ Hillary Clinton: 50.9%

Rudy Giuliani: 48.7%

Senator Hillary Clinton: 247 (49.8%)

President Rudy Giuliani: 222 (49.5%)

[NHI]

Can't see Giuliani winning this time after this.

Who is Hillary's VP ?

Brian Schweitzer.

[NHI]

"You are looking at live footage from the Clinton Campaign Headquarters in New York City tonight. Their reaction is expected, given that the Associated Press has called the state of Nevada for Hillary Clinton. CBS is now projecting the state for the Senator." -- Scott Pelley

Nevada:

√ Hillary Clinton: 51.7%

Rudy Giuliani: 48.3%

Senator Hillary Clinton: 253 (49.8%)

President Rudy Giuliani: 222 (49.5%)

"We are coming up close to midnight here on the east coast Hillary Clinton is seventeen electoral votes away from the number of 270, the number needed to become President. As we look at the remaining states any number of them could deliver it for Clinton, we now go live to the Giuliani Campaign Headquarters in Arlington, VA and Campaign Manger Mike DuHaime, Mike as you look at the results tonight and the states left to call how are feeling?" -- Scott Pelley

"We feel good, Scott to answer your question. We knew this would going to be a closer contest and a long night. Looking at the state of Florida and what's left to come in, we're very confident about a win there, the same for Virginia. Those two states get us to 264, from there we expect to win Alaska, that brings us to 267 and from there it's New Mexico, Montana or Wisconsin that puts us over we're very confident about winning at least New Mexico tonight." -- Mike DuHaime

"Well that good feeling must be coming through, because you'll want to hear this: CBS News is projecting Florida for President Giuliani." -- Scott Pelley

Florida:

√ Rudy Giuliani: 50.1%

Hillary Clinton: 49.1%

Senator Hillary Clinton: 253 (49.8%)

President Rudy Giuliani: 251 (49.6%)

"A big and needed win for the Giuliani campaign. They are still in this race for the White House and looking at the electoral map it is painstakingly close. Clinton up by two votes in the electoral colleges and narrowly in the popular vote. This election may still have some surprises left in it. We look now at the numbers in the states of Virginia, Wisconsin and New Mexico." -- Scott Pelley

Virginia: Too Close to Call

Rudy Giuliani: 50.2%

Hillary Clinton: 49.7%

Wisconsin: Too Close to Call (DIFFERENCE: 13,071)

Hillary Clinton: 1,520,985 (50.2%)

Rudy Giuliani: 1,507,914 (49.8%)

New Mexico: Too Close to Call (DIFFERENCE: 1,036)

Hillary Clinton: 408,335 (50.1%)

Rudy Giuliani: 407,299 (49.9%)

"Hillary Clinton is holding onto her narrow lead in the state of Wisconsin. She leads in New Mexico, but it is razor thin, a little over a thousand vote difference. Some states have automatic recount laws that go into effect, none of three states in question have such laws, so if there is to be a recount the campaigns will pursue the effort. And so far, we've heard nothing from either side about dispatching legal teams to the states. All but Virginia was won by Rudy Giuliani three years ago...but it appears now we can project the state of Virginia for President Giuliani." -- Scott Pelley

Virginia:

√ Rudy Giuliani: 50.2%

Hillary Clinton: 49.7%

President Rudy Giuliani: 264 (49.6%)

Senator Hillary Clinton: 253 (49.7%)

"Again the map reshuffles, Giuliani once more in the lead and ten votes shy of reelection. Now as we look at the map the state of Alaska, while the polls have not closed yet, as expected it will most likely go for Rudy Giuliani and in that case he will have 267 electoral votes and -- one moment we have another projection to make. In the state of Montana, home of Governor Brian Schweitzer, the Democratic Vice Presidential candidate, we can project Hillary Clinton is the winner in Montana." -- Scott Pelley

Montana:

√ Hillary Clinton: 50.7%

Rudy Giuliani: 49.2%

"No doubt Brian Schweitzer, a very popular governor in that state helped swing it just enough for Hillary Clinton tonight. Again our map changes, Giuliani still narrowly in the lead. Now as we approach midnight here on the east coast only two states remain to be called. Wisconsin and New Mexico." -- Scott Pelley

President Rudy Giuliani: 264 (49.6%)

Senator Hillary Clinton: 256 (49.7%)

1:01 AM EST

Alaska:

√ Rudy Giuliani: 58%

Hillary Clinton: 41%

President Rudy Giuliani: 267 (49.6%)

Senator Hillary Clinton: 256 (49.7%)

"Just after one am here on the east and Rudy Giuliani is our projected winner in the state of Alaska, which brings his electoral total to 267, three votes shy 270. The states of New Mexico and Wisconsin remain outstanding at this point, but Hillary Clinton continues to hold onto her narrow lead in both battlegrounds. And it now appears CBS new is projecting the state of Wisconsin for Hillary Clinton. She wins Wisconsin and its' ten electoral votes." -- Scott Pelley

√ Hillary Clinton: 50.2%

Rudy Giuliani: 49.5%

President Rudy Giuliani: 267 (49.6%)

Senator Hillary Clinton: 266 (49.7%)

"A big win for the Hillary Clinton. Wisconsin has voted Republican since 2000, but tonight she returns it to the Democratic column. Now all eyes remain on the battleground of New Mexico, the state which will decided whether Rudy Giuliani is reelected to a third term of if Hillary Clinton becomes the first female President of the United States." -- Scott Pelley

[NHI]

New Mexico: Too Close to Call (DIFFERENCE: 1,030)

Hillary Clinton: 408,348 (50.1%)

Rudy Giuliani: 407,318 (49.9%)

"Hillary Clinton is maintaining her lead in New Mexico, but it remains too close to call. Now some in the Clinton campaign believe they've won this state and with it the Presidency, but we are hearing no sign of concession from the Giuliani campaign. They may pursue a recount, which if that happens, we will not know for a few days who the winner is in the state and we are left with an election result hanging in the balance." -- Scott Pelley

BREAKING NEWS: AP CALLING NM FOR CLINTON
HILLARY CLINTON ELECTED PRESIDENT

"We are hearing that the Associated Press has projected New Mexico and it's five electoral votes for Hillary Clinton. This is a projection by The Associated Press, now with that they are calling the Presidency for Hillary Clinton. No other network or news outlet has made the call yet. New Mexico is still too close to call. The last thing we want to do is project the state than have to retract our call. No response yet from either campaign about the AP's call for New Mexico, but if it holds then this election is over and... -- Scott Pelley

BREAKING NEWS: CBS PROJECTS HILLARY CLINTON TO WIN PRESIDENCY

"And at this time CBS has a major, frankly historic projection make. We project the state of New Mexico for Hillary Clinton and with it she is now President-Elect of the United States. She has won the election." -- Scott Pelley

√ Senator Hillary Clinton: 271 (49.7%)

President Rudy Giuliani: 267 (49.6%)

"For the first time since Franklin Roosevelt, someone from the same family with occupy with the White House. Hillary Clinton, the former First lady to President Bill Clinton, the Senator from New York is now President-Elect of the United States. She wins this very close election to become the nation's first female President. A historic night for her, her supporters and for the country." -- Scott Pelley

1:45 AM EST

President Giuliani Concedes

AP - November 7, 2012
President Rudy Giuliani graciously conceded to Hillary Clinton after a close race. In what many are now calling the closest election at least since 1960 between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy, Giuliani chose not to contest the results, despite some push from many in the Republican Party. Though one state decided the winner in the election, Giuliani accepted the results of the people and as he put it, "accepted the majesty of the Democratic process." He pledged to work with Clinton to ensure a smooth transition and that with the campaign over the time had come for the nation to heal.

Clinton Becomes First Woman President of US

AP - November 7, 2012
President-Elect Hillary Clinton addressed her supporters and the country early Wednesday morning after a close victory over President Rudy Giuliani. Clinton, who rarely talked about the historic significance of her candidacy spoke in her victory speech that, "Tonight has reaffirmed the very fundamental American belief that in this country anything is truly possible." Despite her historic win, Clinton cannot claim a mandate, given the narrowness of her victory and stated that she intended to work with members of both parties to ensure America's future remains prosperous and bright.

2012 Election: 61.6% Turnout

√ Senator Hillary Clinton: 271 (49.5%) (65,330,009)

President Rudy Giuliani: 267 (49.3%) (64,977,909)

[NHI]

Your TL is finished?

I'm considering an epilogue...or possibly the first term of HRC.

[NHI]

Your TL is finished?

I'm considering an epilogue...or possibly the first term of HRC.

Why West Virginia changed its mind?

Combination of HRC and Schweitzer on the ticket and Giuliani's more liberal positions. It's close.

[NHI]

Hillary Clinton became the first woman President on the United States on January 20th, 2013. As she took office the US economy fell into a small recession; which had partly been avoided during the final years of the Giuliani Administration. The recession saw a spike in unemployment and President Clinton responded with a economic stimulus, aimed at jump starting the economy. By the summer of 2013 unemployment stood at 7.9 percent, but by the winter of 2014 the economy saw small improvement with GDP up and unemployment slowly dropping.

The priority of the Clinton Administration was healthcare reform, though after the failures of her husband in the 1990s, Clinton was cautious and worked closely with Republicans and Democrats to craft a policy that addressed the rising cost of insurance and created choice in the market place. It was a piece of legislation that agitated many left-leaning Democrats, and some including Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi voted against the legislation. It was passed with the help of Republicans and signed into law by the President.

The 2014 midterms saw a decreased in turnout by many Democrats who felt Hillary Clinton abandoned the liberal agenda, but given the closeness of her victory in 2012, Clinton could hardly claim a mandate. The Democrats retained control of the House of Representatives and the Senate in the midterms, but saw man seats flip over to the Republicans. House: D: 229 - R: 205 Senate: D: 53 R: 47

Heading into her reelection Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders flirted with the idea of challenging Clinton, but decided against and she won the nomination without a fight.

For the Republicans it was a much more divided contest. Conservatives, angered at the eight years of Rudy Giuliani pushed for a conservative in the race and strongly supported the bid of Virginia Senator George Allen, who narrowly won reelection to the Senate in 2012. The establishment rallied around Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, after Former President Giuliani decided against a rematch with Clinton, though Romney's more liberal positions put in stark contrast to George Allen and he was attacked as a Giuliani clone. Former Vice Presidential Nominee Mike Pence, the one time frontrunner for the nomination chose not to run and endorsed Allen.
Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski entered the race and split the more moderate vote with Romney, but she did managed to score an important win in the New Hampshire Primary, and became a strong force in the race, especially after George Allen's narrow victory in Iowa.

Clinton, who's approval ratings remained in the low fifties and considering her close victory in 2012, many Republicans believed she could be defeated and many believed the candidacy of Lisa Murkowski would be a great counter the Clinton Candidacy. While Murkowski remained a factor in the race, she could not overcome George Allen's lead in the delegates and he ultimately secured the Republican nomination, but he did tap Murkowski for the number two spot on the ticket. A move seen as uniting both wings of the party.

George Allen: The Republican Nominee

A fragile economy brought down Clinton's approval ratings and America's confidence about the economy and country's future for the first time was in question. George Allen attacked Clinton for her failed record on the economy and for the Democratic Party control of Washington. "It's time for a shakeup in DC and a return to common sense. It's funny how four years ago when a Republican was President the economy was fine, today a Democrat's in office and the economy's tank. Do the math, see the connection!"

√ Senator George Allen: 10,900,400 (57.65%)

Senator Lisa Murkowski: 7,439,000 (39.34%)

Other: 567,444 (3.01%)

CLINTON LOOKS TO MAKE CONTRASTS

Hillary Clinton attacked her Republican opponent as a believer in "Your Own Your Own Mentality. It's us versus them." Her approval ratings remained in the low 50s and by the time of convention she rebounded to 52 percent, still with a weak economy she was vulnerable.

General Election Poll: CLINTON +2

Hillary Clinton: 47%

George Allen: 45%

President Hillary Clinton: 247

Senator George Allen: 228

Tossup: 63

Allen Blasts Clinton for Weak Economy

Shots were fired in the first Presidential Debate between Senator Allen and President Clinton. Allen bashed Clinton for a weak economy, and rebuffed Clinton's claim that the country was recovering. "If this is a recovery, it's the worst one I've ever seen." Viewers largely declared Allen the winner of the first debate and the following day his numbers rose in the polls and Clinton's prospects for reelection looked bleak.

General Election Poll ALLEN +3

George Allen: 48%

Hillary Clinton: 45%

Senator George Allen: 228

President Hillary Clinton: 221

Tossup: 89

Clinton vs. Allen: Too Close to Call

Following two mediocre debate performances Clinton headed into Election Day in what looked like to be another close contest. Some polls gave a lead to Allen, while others predicted a neck-and-neck race. In a race that was expected to be closer than 2012, both campaigns batted down for what expected to be a long and drawn out night.

President Hillary Clinton: 0 (0%)

Senator George Allen: 0 (0%)

[NHI]

Senator George Allen: 116 (51%)

President Hillary Clinton: 79 (48%)

"...It is almost nine o'clock here on the east coast and looking at the electoral map, it is Senator Allen in the lead. Still waiting to make projection in the big states like Ohio, where at the moment President Clinton holds a narrow lead." -- Scott Pelley

Ohio: 51% Reported

Hillary Clinton: 50.3%

George Allen: 49.0%

Florida: 39% Reported

George Allen: 50.7%

Hillary Clinton: 49.5%

Pennsylvania: 35% Reported

Hillary Clinton: 51.0%

George Allen: 48.5%

Missouri: 33% Reported

George Allen: 52.9%

Hillary Clinton: 46.8%

New Hampshire: 57% Reported

Hillary Clinton: 50.9%

George Allen: 48.7%

"CBS News can project the state of Missouri will be won by Senator George Allen. Another Republican stronghold and it stays that way tonight." -- Scott Pelley

Senator George Allen: 126 (51%)

President Hillary Clinton: 79 (48%)

9:54 pm EST

Senator George Allen: 192 (50%)

President Hillary Clinton: 148 (49%)

"...and New Hampshire will be won by President Clinton." -- Scott Pelly

New Hampshire: 79% Reported

√ Hillary Clinton: 50.9%

George Allen: 48.1%

"Pennsylvania remains a closely watched battleground as does the bellweather of Ohio. Florida remains in the lean Allen column, but it is too close to call. Looking at the electoral map Senator Allen is arguably in a better position than Hillary Clinton. She needs to win the majority of the battlegrounds especially Ohio, which has not voted for the GOP since Bill Clinton in 1996 and  it appears we have a major projection to make. Hillary Clinton -- will win Pennsylvania." -- Scott Pelley

Pennsylvania: 66% Reported

√ Hillary Clinton: 51.0%

George Allen: 48.5%

Senator George Allen: 192 (50%)

President Hillary Clinton: 168 (49%)

[NHI]

President Hillary Clinton: 251 (50%)

Senator George Allen: 251 (49%)

"It is eleven twenty-nine on the east coast and Hillary Clinton and George Allen are deadlocked in the electoral college at this time. Only a handful of battleground states remained uncalled so it is truly down to the wire at this point. The fact is Hillary Clinton needs Ohio, even if she carries Montana Nevada and Iowa, all three states which she won in 2012, she is still four short of the number needed to reelected. We now go live to Major Garrett, live at the Clinton headquarters in New York." -- Scott Pelley"

Live from New York City

Pelley: "What is the general feeling of the Clinton campaign at this hour?"

Garrett:"Certainly everyone here is on pins and needles. The Clinton campaign all remembers four years ago when she narrowly defeated Rudy Giuliani. Of course, it was much later in the evening. Certainly, tonight they see the map and they realize Ohio is the entire race."

Pelley:"Standby for a moment Major, we have a projection to make and it is an important one. CBS News can now project Hillary Clinton is the winner in the state of Ohio."

Ohio: 90% Reported

√ Hillary Clinton: 51%

George Allen: 49%

President Hillary Clinton: 269 (50%)

Senator George Allen: 251 (49%)

BREAKING NEWS: CLINTON WINS OHIO

"Hillary Clinton now stands with 269 electoral votes, now at this time no candidate has crossed the threshold needed to be elected, there are three states left to call." -- Scott Pelley

BREAKING NEWS: HILLARY CLINTON REELECTED PRESIDENT

"CBS News can now make a major projection, and I can see the response already from the Clinton campaign. Hillary Clinton will win the state of Iowa and has been reelected President of the United States." -- Scott Pelley

√ President Hillary Clinton: 275 (50%)

Senator George Allen: 251 (49%)

"A close contest, but President Clinton has been reelected and Senator Allen come up short in this Presidential Election. Hillary Clinton already surpassing her electoral victory from four years ago, she has 275 electoral votes, five over the 270 needed to be elected." -- Scott Pelley

George Allen concedes to President Hillary Clinton after a closely fought contest. Her coattails, however did not deliver Democrats control of Congress. Republicans won back both the House and Senate, establishing divided government. In her victory speech Clinton sounded a much more victorious note than she did four years earlier. Still, Clinton pledged to continue working with fellow Democrats and Republicans. "There is much more that unites us, but divides us."

√ President Hillary Clinton: 281 (50.5%)

Senator George Allen: 257 (48.4%)

[NHI]

Epilogue

Hillary Clinton's second term was a better than her first. The economy recovered considerably and by the 2020 Clinton's approval rating stood at a record high of 61 percent. She toyed with and ultimately ran for the Democratic nomination again and successfully won a third term, defeating Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, who ran a lackluster campaign, coupled with multiple gaffes on the stump and a horrendous debate performances. Vice President Brian Schweitzer finished out the second term, but did not serve a third with Clinton, opting to retire and was replaced by Kentucky Senator Allison Grimes.

√ President Hillary Clinton: 378 (53.8%)

Governor Bobby Jindal: 160 (44.7%)

Clinton rounded out her third term in 2025 with her approval rating at 55 percent. She was credited with a strong economy and relative peace in the world. During Clinton's time she saw a wide down of the War inf Afghanistan and the signing of an immigration reform bill. She was regarded as a successful President, even more so than her husband, with many saying she won the third term Bill Clinton always desired and by serving for twelve years she completed the Clinton legacy. Already the second oldest President in history, at the age of 77 Clinton decided against running for a fourth term, though deep down many believed she regretted the decision.

In 2024 Republicans won back control of the White House in a narrow contest between Governor Marco Rubio  of Florida and Vice President Allison Grimes.

√ Gov. Marco Rubio: 274 (49.4%)

Vice President Allison Grimes: 264 (49.3%)

[NHI]

Presidents of the United States: (Since 1933)

32. Franklin D. Roosevelt (D-NY) 1933-1945
33. Harry S. Truman (D-MO) 1945-1953
34. Dwight D. Eisenhower (R-NY) 1953-1961
35. John F. Kennedy (D-MA) 1961-1963
36. Lyndon B. Johnson (D-TX) 1963-1969
37. Richard M. Nixon (R-NY) 1969-1974
38. Gerald R. Ford (R-MI) 1974-1977
39. Jimmy Carter (D-GA) 1977-1981
40. Ronald Reagan (R-CA) 1981-1993
41. William Jefferson Clinton (D-AR) 1933-2001
42. Albert Gore, Jr (D-TN) 2001-2005
43. Rudolph Giuliani (R-NY) 2005-2013
44. Hillary R. Clinton (D-NY) 2013-2025*
45. Marco Rubio (R-FL) 2025-2033