The 2004 U.S. Presidential Election

Name: The 2004 U.S. Presidential Election
Start: 2004-11-02
Location: Unspecified

Overview of the 2004 Presidential Election

The George W. Bush vs. John Kerry Face-off

The 2004 U.S. Presidential Election was held on November 2, 2004, amidst a backdrop of significant national events, primarily the aftermath of the September 11 attacks and the ongoing war in Iraq. The incumbent president, George W. Bush, representing the Republican Party, sought re-election against the Democratic challenger, John Kerry, who was a United States Senator from Massachusetts. This election was pivotal, as it was a referendum on Bush's policies, especially regarding the Iraq War and national security.

Major Campaign Issues

The election centered around several critical issues, including national security, economic recovery, and healthcare. George W. Bush campaigned on the strength of his leadership following the terrorist attacks and emphasized the need to continue the war on terror. Conversely, John Kerry criticized Bush's handling of the Iraq War and advocated for a more diplomatic approach to foreign policy, claiming Bush’s decisions had made the U.S. less safe.

The Election Results and Aftermath

The Outcome of the 2004 Election

The election concluded with George W. Bush winning re-election by securing 62.0 million votes (50.5% of the popular vote) compared to John Kerry's 59 million votes (48.0%). In the Electoral College, Bush decisively won 286 votes to Kerry's 251, showcasing his solidified base and support across many states.

Impact on American Politics

The victory solidified the Republican Party’s control in Washington and allowed Bush to pursue his agenda for a second term, particularly concerning foreign policy and domestic issues like tax cuts and social security reform. The election's outcome also shaped the political landscape leading into the mid-2000s, influencing the Democratic Party’s subsequent strategies and its eventual regrouping.

Fun Fact

Polling Errors in the 2004 Election

An interesting fact about the 2004 election is that many polls leading up to the election suggested John Kerry was in a stronger position than he ultimately was, which sparked discussions about polling accuracy and methodologies going forward.