2008: John Kerry Presidency

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2004: Senator Kerry elected, defeats President Bush

On November 2nd, 2004, Senator John Kerry, the Democratic candidate for President of the United States, defeated incumbent President George W. Bush in a historic election. Kerry won by a decisive electoral count of 283-254, which was the largest electoral margin of victory since Bill Clinton won in 1996.

The 2004 election was an extremely tight race, with the polls showing a slight edge for Bush for most of the election. However, Kerry was able to galvanize the Democratic base and attract independent voters by emphasizing his credentials as a war veteran and his commitment to reducing the deficit. On the other hand, Bush's campaign was hampered by a sluggish economy, the Iraq War, and his own low approval ratings.

Kerry's victory was a major surprise to many political pundits, who had predicted a much closer race. However, Kerry's message of change resonated with the electorate, and his success in the debates and strong ground game ultimately led to his victory. Kerry's victory marked the end of the Bush era and the beginning of a new era of Democratic leadership in the White House.

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President John Kerry's first year: 2005

Successes:

1. Signed the Paris Agreement, committing the US to reducing emissions and tackling climate change.

2. Passed sweeping tax reform, aimed at simplifying the tax code and providing tax relief to the middle class.

3. Improved diplomatic relations with the Middle East, leading to a number of trade agreements.

4. Negotiated a cease-fire between Israel and the Palestinians.

6. Passed the Energy Policy Act, aimed at reducing America's dependence on foreign oil.

7. Judge Merrick Garland appointed Chief Justice after the death of Chief Justice William Rehnquist.

Failures:

1. Failed to pass comprehensive immigration reform, despite a number of attempts.

2. Was unable to make significant progress on reforming the health care system.

3. Struggled to get the US out of the Iraq War, despite pledges to do so.

4. Failed to make meaningful progress on Social Security reform.

5. Failed to make significant progress on improving relations with North Korea.

6. Failed to make progress on trade agreements with China and other countries.

7. Failed to pass significant gun control legislation.

[President Johnson]

How does congress look after the 2004 election? Did Democrats win a majority in one or both chambers? Did Kerry also win the popular vote?

[DylanSH99]

How does congress look after the 2004 election? Did Democrats win a majority in one or both chambers? Did Kerry also win the popular vote?

Democrats won the Senate 53-47 and the GOP won the House 226-208-1 and Kerry won the popular vote, 51.3-47.7%.

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BREAKING: MCCAIN ANNOUNCES RUN FOR PRESIDENT


On April 25th, 2007, Senator John McCain of Arizona announced his candidacy for President of the United States in 2008. In a speech delivered from the Navy ship, the U.S.S. Intrepid, in New York City, McCain declared his intentions to run for the highest office in the land.

In his speech, McCain stated: "My friends, I am privileged to announce that I will seek the presidency of the United States of America. I have been a lucky man to have had so many experiences in life. I owe much to my country. Now I want to give something back. And so I intend to seek the presidency of the United States."

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BREAKING: ROMNEY ENTERS 2008 FIELD


On May 13th, 2007, Governor Mitt Romney announced his candidacy for President of the United States in a speech at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. In his announcement speech, Romney declared, “It is time for us to put America back on a course of greatness, with a growing economy, good jobs for everyone who wants to work, and a secure nation protected by faith in God, a commitment to family, and an allegiance to the Constitution.”

Romney's campaign slogan was "Believe in America," which he argued was a message of hope and a call for Americans to reclaim the promise of their nation. He highlighted the importance of managing the federal budget responsibly, reforming the tax code, and creating a pro-growth environment in which businesses and individuals can thrive.

Romney also emphasized the need to secure the nation's borders and enforce immigration laws. He also called for educational reform to ensure that every student receives a quality education, and for health care reform to provide Americans with access to affordable, quality health care.

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BREAKING: HUCKABEE ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY


On May 28th, 2007, Governor Mike Huckabee announced his presidential candidacy for the 2008 election in his hometown of Hope, Arkansas. According to Huckabee, he had “traveled this country, listening to Americans from all walks of life.” He went on to say that “America needs a leader who understands the struggles of everyday people and is committed to rebuilding the middle class.”

Huckabee declared that he was running for president because he wanted to bring the country together and improve the lives of all Americans. He emphasized his commitment to fiscal responsibility and his belief that government should be accountable to the people.

Huckabee also emphasized the importance of improving the education system, addressing the issue of healthcare, and ensuring that American jobs are not outsourced to other countries. He said that he wanted to make sure that everyone had access to affordable healthcare and that “no child should be left behind in America.”

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BREAKING: GIULIANI ANNOUNCES RUN


On June 5th, 2007, Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, announced his candidacy for the 2008 presidential election. In his announcement speech, Giuliani stated, “I am running for president of the United States, and I am asking for the support of my fellow citizens to make this happen.”

He's known as a moderate Republican who supports abortion rights and gay marriage, two issues that were highly controversial within the party. However, he was also known for his leadership in the wake of the 9/11 attacks and his successful tenure as mayor of New York City.

In his announcement speech, Giuliani emphasized his experience and commitment to public service, saying “I have dedicated my life to public service. As mayor of New York, I reduced crime and improved the quality of life for all New Yorkers. I cut taxes 23 times and reduced unemployment. I did this by creating an atmosphere that encourages job creation.”

BREAKING: THOMPSON RUNNING FOR POTUS


On June 6th, 2007, Senator Fred Thompson announced his bid for the 2008 presidential election, officially entering the race for the Republican nomination. Thompson, who had been a popular actor, U.S. Senator, and lobbyist, made his announcement at a rally in his home state of Tennessee.

In his speech, Thompson said, "I come to you today with a clear vision of what needs to be done in America. I'm ready to answer a call to service, and that's why I'm announcing my candidacy for President of the United States of America. I'm here to offer a new direction for this country, a direction that will lead to a more prosperous and secure future for all Americans.”

Thompson had been a popular figure in the Republican party for some time and his announcement was met with enthusiasm from many in the party. He was seen as a strong conservative who could appeal to both the Republican establishment and the more populist elements of the party. He had a solid record in the U.S. Senate, and his experience in both law and business gave him a unique perspective on the issues of the day.

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BREAKING: PAUL MAKES BID FOR PRESIDENCY


On June 12th, 2007, Ron Paul announced his 2008 presidential campaign in a speech delivered at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. In his announcement, Paul asserted, “Our purpose today is to lay the foundations for a new American Revolution, a peaceful revolution that will restore the Constitution and bring true reform to Washington.”

Paul, a Republican Congressman from Texas, is a staunch supporter of limited government and a vocal advocate of individual freedoms. His presidential candidacy has been highly anticipated by his supporters, who have often referred to him as the “Ron Paul Revolution.”

In his announcement speech, Paul declared, “The American people are thirsting for new ideas, new leadership, and a new direction. They are sick and tired of politics as usual in Washington, and they want real change. They want to be represented by someone who will be honest with them and will fight for their principles.”

Paul also emphasized the importance of restoring the Constitution as the basis for all political decisions. He spoke of the need to “restore the principles of our founding fathers” and to “return to the traditional values that made this country great.”

BREAKING: HUNTER ANNOUNCES RUN FOR PRESIDENT


On June 13th, 2007, Congressman Duncan Hunter announced his campaign for the 2008 presidential election. In his announcement speech, he declared his intention to "give the American people an independent voice in the White House," and to "take the fight to the enemies of freedom across the world."

Hunter, a Republican congressman from California, is a veteran of the Vietnam War, having served as a Marine Corps officer. He has served in Congress since 1980, and is a strong supporter of the military and veterans' rights. His announcement speech focused on his commitment to protecting the American people, and to ensuring "freedom and security" for future generations.

He also emphasized his plan to reduce taxes, as well as to reduce the size of the federal government and cut wasteful spending. Hunter touted his conservative credentials, and declared that his presidency would be guided by "the timeless values of faith, family and freedom."

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BREAKING: TANCREDO MAKES '08 RUN OFFICIAL


On June 20th, 2007, Senator Sam Brownback, of Kansas, announced his campaign for the 2008 presidential election. Speaking from his hometown of Topeka, Kansas, the Republican senator declared his intention to “seek the presidency of the United States of America.”

The speech was a rallying cry for traditional values, which Brownback described as “the things that are most important to our country.” He went on to list some of these things as “the right to life, the right to defend ourselves and our families, and the right to pursue our dreams.”

Brownback also spoke of his record of “reaching across the aisle” to work with Democrats on issues such as the environment and poverty. He also pointed to his record of opposing abortion and stem-cell research, as well as his support for a stronger military, which he believes is necessary to protect America’s security.

The announcement was met with both praise and criticism. Supporters of Brownback praised his conservative views and his commitment to traditional values. Critics, however, questioned his positions on certain issues, such as abortion and stem-cell research.

BREAKING: GINGRICH TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT


On June 27th, 2007, Newt Gingrich announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination for President of the United States in 2008.

At a press conference in front of the Georgia Capitol in Atlanta, Gingrich declared that he was "in to win" and then proceeded to give a speech that set the tone for his campaign.

In his speech, Gingrich described the challenges facing the country and the need for leadership to address them. He said:

"We must replace the failed Democratic Congress and failed Democratic leadership in the White House with a new team that can lead America to a better future. A future of safety, prosperity, and peace. A future of greater economic opportunity for the working men and women of America. A future of security from terrorism, from rogue states, and from weapons of mass destruction. A future of hope and optimism for all Americans."

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BREAKING: CHENEY MAKES 2008 RUN OFFICIAL


On June 30th 2007, former Vice President Dick Cheney announced his plans to run for President in 2008. During a press conference in Washington, D.C., Cheney declared his intentions to seek the highest office of the land.

In his announcement speech, Cheney made it clear that he was running with the intention of continuing the work that the Bush administration began. "We live in a time of great challenge. But it is also a time of great opportunity," Cheney said. "In the years ahead, we must seize that opportunity to make our country stronger and more secure. And I am ready and eager to continue to serve our nation."

The former Vice President also outlined his plans for the future, including his commitment to national security, economic prosperity, and energy independence. Cheney also expressed his belief in the importance of the United States' role in the international community, saying, "America will always be a beacon of freedom and a source of strength in the world."

Cheney's announcement of his 2008 campaign received a mixed reaction from the public. While some Americans welcomed his bid, others expressed concern over his role in the Bush administration and his past support for the Iraq War.

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First Republican Poll:
Rudy Giuliani: 24.0% (+12.5%)
John McCain: 11.5%
Mitt Romney: 11.3%
Fred Thompson: 10.5%
Newt Gingrich: 7.0%
Mike Huckabee: 6.5%
Ron Paul: 6.5%
Sam Brownback: 0.9%
Duncan Hunter: 0.9%
Tom Tancredo: 0.9%
Dick Cheney: 0.3%
Undecided: 19.7%

First General Election Poll:
Republicans: 52.7% (+15.8%)
John Kerry: 36.9%
Undecided: 10.4%

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2008 Iowa Caucus (40)
John McCain: 22.2% (40)
Mitt Romney: 18.3%
Mike Huckabee: 13.3%
Rudy Giuliani: 9.0%
Fred Thompson: 7.9%
Sam Brownback: 7.9%
Newt Gingrich: 7.5%
Dick Cheney: 4.7%
Ron Paul: 3.9%
Duncan Hunter: 2.9%
Tom Tancredo: 2.5%

2008 Wyoming Caucus (14)
John McCain: 21.6% (3)
Dick Cheney: 20.9% (3)
Newt Gingrich: 17.8% (3)
Mitt Romney: 13.5% (2)
Rudy Giuliani: 10.6% (2)
Fred Thompson: 7.9% (1)
Mike Huckabee: 3.1%
Duncan Hunter: 1.9%
Ron Paul: 1.2%
Tom Tancredo: 1.0%
Sam Brownback: 0.5%

BREAKING: PAUL, HUNTER DROP OUT
Congressmen Ron Paul and Duncan Hunter dropped out of the GOP race after their losses in Iowa and Wyoming. Paul and Hunter thanked their supporters in their respective concession speeches with Hunter endorsing Senator John McCain's campaign.

New Republican Poll:
Rudy Giuliani: 18.3% (+1.3%)
John McCain: 17.0%
Mitt Romney: 9.6%
Fred Thompson: 8.6%
Newt Gingrich: 7.7%
Mike Huckabee: 7.0%
Dick Cheney: 2.7%
Sam Brownback: 1.0%
Tom Tancredo: 0.7%
Undecided: 27.4%

Republican Delegate Count:
John McCain: 43 delegates
Newt Gingrich: 3 delegates
Dick Cheney: 3 delegates
Mitt Romney: 2 delegates
Rudy Giuliani: 2 delegates
Fred Thompson: 1 delegate

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2008 New Hampshire Primary (12)
Sam Brownback: 25.2% (4)
Mitt Romney: 22.3% (3)
John McCain: 13.9% (2)
Rudy Giuliani: 11.0% (2)
Mike Huckabee: 10.7% (1)
Newt Gingrich: 6.1%
Dick Cheney: 5.5%
Fred Thompson: 3.2%
Tom Tancredo: 1.9%

BREAKING: CHENEY, TANCREDO, ROMNEY DROP OUT
The 2008 New Hampshire Primary was a defining moment in the Republican presidential race, with three prominent candidates dropping out after poor showings. Former Vice President Dick Cheney, Congressman Tom Tancredo, and Governor Mitt Romney all decided to withdraw from the race after their defeats. This left the GOP with a much more crowded field of hopefuls, with many of the remaining candidates competing for the same pool of voters.

Dick Cheney was the first to suspend his campaign, following a poor showing in the New Hampshire Primary. Cheney had been a long-time member of the Republican Party, and had served as both a Congressman and Vice President. His decision to drop out was seen as a blow to the GOP, as he was a respected figure who had a tremendous amount of political clout.

Tom Tancredo was another prominent GOP candidate who decided to end his campaign following his poor showing in the New Hampshire Primary. Tancredo had been a vocal advocate for hardline immigration policies, and had become a popular figure among Republican voters. However, he was unable to gain enough traction in the polls and decided to drop out of the race.

Mitt Romney was the final major Republican candidate to suspend his campaign following his defeat in the New Hampshire Primary. Romney had been seen as a strong contender for the nomination, and had previously served as Governor of Massachusetts. Despite having a large amount of support, Romney’s campaign ultimately failed to gain enough momentum and he dropped out of the race.

New Republican Poll:
John McCain: 25.5%
Rudy Giuliani: 15.4%
Newt Gingrich: 10.2%
Mike Huckabee: 9.0%
Fred Thompson: 8.1%
Sam Brownback: 2.6%
Undecided: 29.2%

Republican Delegate Count:
John McCain: 45 delegates
Sam Brownback: 4 delegates
Rudy Giuliani: 4 delegates
Newt Gingrich: 3 delegates
Mike Huckabee: 1 delegate
Fred Thompson: 1 delegate

New General Election Poll:
Republicans: 52.8% (+9.1%)
John Kerry: 43.7%
Undecided: 3.5%

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2008 Michigan Primary (30)
John McCain: 40.6% (30)
Rudy Giuliani: 15.7%
Newt Gingrich: 15.0%
Sam Brownback: 11.6%
Mike Huckabee: 9.9%
Fred Thompson: 7.2%

2008 Nevada Caucus (34)
John McCain: 34.5% (34)
Newt Gingrich: 26.1%
Fred Thompson: 16.0%
Rudy Giuliani: 15.6%
Mike Huckabee: 7.8%

2008 South Carolina Primary (24)
John McCain: 38.1% (24)
Newt Gingrich: 24.9%
Fred Thompson: 15.0%
Mike Huckabee: 12.1%
Rudy Giuliani: 9.6%

BREAKING: BROWNBACK, THOMPSON DROP OUT
On February 28th, 2008, the 2008 GOP Presidential Primary race lost two of its most prominent figures with the announcement that both Senator Sam Brownback and Senator Fred Thompson were dropping out of the race. Both candidates made the announcement following the Michigan primary, where neither of them was able to gain much traction.

Senator Brownback’s campaign had been struggling for some time and his withdrawal from the race came as no surprise. He had been unable to gain much support in the polls and had been relegated to single-digit territory for some time. His campaign had recently been plagued by a series of missteps and gaffes, as well as a lack of fundraising success.

Senator Thompson’s campaign had been facing similar struggles. He had been unable to catch fire with voters and had languished in the single digits for most of the race. He had also been unable to keep pace with the other candidates in terms of fundraising, and had been unable to gain any real traction in the polls.

New Republican Poll:
John McCain: 39.4% (+22.2)
Rudy Giuliani: 17.2%
Newt Gingrich: 14.5%
Mike Huckabee: 13.4%
Undecided: 15.5%

Republican Delegate Count:
John McCain: 133 delegates
Rudy Giuliani: 4 delegates
Newt Gingrich: 3 delegates
Mike Huckabee: 1 delegate

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BREAKING: HUCKABEE DROPS OUT

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee announced his withdrawal from the 2008 Republican primary race. After months of campaigning, the former governor was unable to gain the traction he needed to win the nomination.

Huckabee’s withdrawal from the race was a surprise to many, as he had been a strong contender in the race. He was particularly popular amongst evangelical Christians, who saw him as a candidate that shared their values. He also had a charismatic speaking style that resonated with many voters.

Despite his popularity, Huckabee faced several challenges that ultimately prevented him from winning the nomination. Most notably, he was outspent by his rivals and lacked the necessary funds to compete in the later primary states. Huckabee was also unable to appeal to a broad enough base of voters, relying too heavily on his evangelical supporters.

In his announcement, Huckabee said that he was “leaving the race but not the field” and vowed to continue to be a voice for the conservative cause. He also expressed his gratitude to his supporters and thanked them for their support.

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2008 Florida Primary (57)
John McCain: 55.6% (57)
Newt Gingrich: 26.2%
Rudy Giuliani: 18.2%

2008 Maine Caucus (21)
John McCain: 57.9% (21)
Newt Gingrich: 23.1%
Rudy Giuliani: 19.0%

New Republican Poll:
John McCain: 48.4% (+29.5%)
Newt Gingrich: 18.9%
Rudy Giuliani: 18.5%
Undecided: 14.2%

Republican Delegate Count (1,191 needed to win)
John McCain: 211 delegates
Rudy Giuliani: 4 delegates
Newt Gingrich: 3 delegates

New General Election Poll:
Republicans: 52.4% (+6.9%)
John Kerry: 45.5%
Undecided: 2.1%

[TheElectoralBoobyPrize]

How does congress look after the 2004 election? Did Democrats win a majority in one or both chambers? Did Kerry also win the popular vote?

Democrats won the Senate 54-46 and the GOP won the House 226-208-1 and Kerry won the popular vote, 51.3-47.7%.

How on God's Earth did that happen?

[DylanSH99]

How does congress look after the 2004 election? Did Democrats win a majority in one or both chambers? Did Kerry also win the popular vote?

Democrats won the Senate 54-46 and the GOP won the House 226-208-1 and Kerry won the popular vote, 51.3-47.7%.

How on God's Earth did that happen?

Tony Knowles, Betty Castor, Daniel Mongiardo, Erskine Bowles, and Tom Daschle won in my TL. Actually should be 53-47.

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BREAKING: MCCAIN WINS EVERY SUPER TUESDAY STATE; GIULANI & GINGRICH DROP OUT; MCCAIN BECOMES GOP NOMINEE

On Tuesday, March 4th, 2008, Senator John McCain became the undisputed Republican nominee for the 2008 Presidential Election, winning every single Super Tuesday state. With 25 contests, McCain won decisively, crushing his opponents in the process.

The end of the race came quickly as Speaker Newt Gingrich and Mayor Rudy Giuliani dropped out of the race. This left Senator McCain as the only viable candidate, and the Republican Party had no choice but to accept him as their nominee.

Senator McCain's long and difficult journey to the nomination began in 2007. After losing the 2000 Republican primary to George W. Bush, McCain entered the 2008 race with an uphill battle. He faced a strong challenge from the more conservative candidates in the primary, and his support was often divided between the moderates and conservatives in the party.

However, McCain persevered and was able to build a strong base of support among both moderates and conservatives. His strong foreign policy record, his focus on national security, and his ability to appeal to independent voters were key factors in his success.

Now, with the Super Tuesday victories, Senator McCain is the clear nominee for the Republican Party. He will face incumbent President John Kerry in the November election.

Republican Nomination Results
John McCain: 1,350 delegates (53.7%)
Newt Gingrich: 39 delegates (24.2%)
Rudy Giuliani: 19 delegates (18.1%)
Mitt Romney: 5 delegates (0.5%)
Sam Brownback: 4 delegates (0.9%)
Dick Cheney: 3 delegates (0.2%)
Mike Huckabee: 1 delegate (1.2%)
Fred Thompson: 1 delegate (1.1%)
Tom Tancredo: 0.1%
Ron Paul: 0.1%
Duncan Hunter: 0.0%

BREAKING: EDWARDS SCANDAL; WH REMAINS BY HIS SIDE

In recent news, a scandal involving former Vice President John Edwards has been making headlines. The scandal involves allegations that Edwards had an affair and fathered a child out of wedlock. The news of the affair broke yesterday afternoon.

Since then, Edwards has been the subject of much public scrutiny and criticism. Some have called for his resignation from his position as Vice President and even dropped from the ticket.

However, despite the calls for his resignation, the White House has recently stated that President Kerry stands by Edwards and will not be pushing for his resignation. This statement was released shortly after the news of the scandal broke and has been met with mixed reactions.

Many people have applauded President Kerry’s decision to stand by Edwards, citing his long-standing record of public service and his commitment to the Democratic Party. Others have criticized President Kerry’s decision, pointing out that Edwards’ actions have brought public disgrace and that he should be held accountable for them.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Edwards and his involvement with the Democratic Party. However, it is clear that President Kerry’s statement of support has been met with both praise and criticism. It is also clear that the scandal involving Edwards is far from over and that it will continue to be a topic of discussion and debate in the near future.

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BREAKING: KERRY TO DROP EDWARDS FROM THE TICKET

On July 10th, 2008, President John Kerry made a historic decision to drop his long standing Vice President, John Edwards, from the 2008 Presidential ticket. This decision came in the wake of a scandal involving Edwards' extramarital affair and the subsequent birth of his illegitimate child. The scandal had been a major distraction for the Kerry campaign and was seen by many as a potential threat to their victory.

The scandal began in October of 2007, when the National Enquirer reported that Edwards had been having an affair with Rielle Hunter, a former campaign videographer, while his wife was suffering from terminal cancer. Edwards initially denied the affair, but eventually admitted to it. The situation was made worse by the fact that Edwards had fathered a child with Hunter in February of 2008, and had attempted to cover up the affair and the child.

The scandal was a major blow to the Kerry campaign, as it had become a focus of the media and a major distraction from the issues that the Kerry campaign was trying to address. As a result, President Kerry decided that it was in the best interest of the campaign to drop Edwards from the ticket. President Kerry said that he will be announcing his pick for running mate in the coming days. This comes as the Great Recession has gotten worse, and the Kerry campaign is struggling to find answers for the American people.

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BREAKING: KERRY PICKS CLINTON AS RUNNING MATE

On Thursday, President John Kerry announced that Senator Hillary Clinton would join him on the ticket for the 2008 election, replacing Vice President John Edwards who had been caught up in a scandal involving an extramarital affair. The decision to bring Senator Clinton into the fold as President Kerry’s running mate was met with both cheers and jeers from the public, with many arguing that it was a bold move that could have lasting implications for the future of the Democratic Party.

The choice of Senator Clinton as the Vice Presidential nominee is certainly a bold one. It is not often that a sitting Senator is chosen as a running mate in an election, and the fact that President Kerry chose to make the change in the middle of the campaign season is a testament to his desire to make a bold statement and to prove his commitment to the Democratic Party. Senator Clinton is a well-known and well-respected figure in Washington, and her presence on the ticket could be a powerful one.

In addition to her political prowess, Senator Clinton brings an invaluable asset to the table: name recognition. As the wife of former President Bill Clinton, she is already well-known to the public and her addition to the ticket could help to ensure a strong showing in the general election.

BREAKING: MCCAIN PICKS ROMNEY AS RUNNING MATE

Senator John McCain selected Governor Mitt Romney as his running mate for the Republican Presidential ticket. This decision was a strategic move made by the McCain campaign to gain votes from the conservative base, who were skeptical of McCain’s more moderate stance.

Romney had been a successful businessman in the private sector before becoming Governor of Massachusetts in 2003. He was known for his fiscal conservatism, a key issue for the Republican party. He also had a record of success in the business world, which appealed to the more business-minded Republicans.

Romney had also run for President in the 2008 primaries, and had a strong base of supporters that McCain hoped to attract. He was a popular choice among conservative voters, and his selection was seen as a way to solidify McCain’s support among the Republican base.

The selection of Romney was also seen as an attempt to reach out to independent and swing voters, as Romney was seen as a more moderate and pragmatic candidate than the conservative McCain. Romney was known for his ability to compromise on key issues, and his selection was seen as a way to bridge the gap between the conservative and more moderate wings of the party.

First General Election Poll
John McCain: 49.2% (+7.7%)
John Kerry: 41.5%
Undecided: 9.3%

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BREAKING: KERRY WINS FIRST DEBATE

The first presidential debate between incumbent President John Kerry and challenger Senator John McCain in 2008 was one of the most closely watched debates in recent memory.

The debate began with both candidates discussing their respective economic plans, with Kerry focusing on his record of creating jobs before the Great Recession and McCain stressing his fiscal conservatism. The focus then shifted to foreign policy, with McCain attacking Kerry for his opposition to the surge in Iraq and Kerry defending his record on the war.

The debate then moved to social issues, with McCain attacking Kerry’s record on abortion and Kerry defending his record on gay rights. The debate concluded with both candidates discussing their plans for energy independence and health care reform.

At the conclusion of the debate, the consensus among political analysts was that Kerry had won the debate by a slim margin. Polls taken after the debate showed that the American people agreed, with Kerry edging out McCain by a small margin.

Overall, the debate was seen as a draw, with both candidates delivering strong performances and neither one emerging as a clear winner. However, in the end, the American people believed that Kerry had won the debate and that he had done enough to sway undecided voters in his favor.

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BREAKING: CLINTON WINS VP DEBATE

The 2008 vice presidential debate between Senator Hillary Clinton, John Kerry's running mate, and Governor Mitt Romney, John McCain's running mate, was an interesting and contentious affair. The two candidates went head to head on a variety of issues, including the economy, health care, national security, and energy policy.

The debate was particularly notable due to the contrasting styles of the two candidates. Senator Clinton was seen as more aggressive and confrontational, while Governor Romney was seen as more measured and composed. Senator Clinton used her experience as a senator to make her points, while Governor Romney used his experience as a governor to make his points.

Both candidates had strong moments in the debate. Senator Clinton was seen as more knowledgeable about the issues, while Governor Romney was seen as more articulate. Senator Clinton was seen as more passionate about her beliefs, while Governor Romney was seen as more confident in his arguments.

In the end, the American people seemed to believe that Senator Clinton had won the debate. According to a poll conducted by CBS News, 54% of viewers thought that Senator Clinton had won the debate, while only 29% thought that Governor Romney had won.

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What does everyone think of the TL so far?