Changes

The five major components of a modern election are:

The five major components of a modern election are:

*candidates background, positions, speeches, and debates

*candidates' background, positions, speeches, and debates

*the position of the media (television and newspapers) about the candidates

*the position of the media (television and newspapers) about the candidates

*endorsements by interest groups, such as pro-life groups or unions, of certain candidates

*endorsements by interest groups, such as pro-life groups or unions, of candidates

*the amount of money spent in favor or against candidates

*the amount of money spent in favor or against candidates (more than $5.2 '''''billion''''' is being spent on this election in 2012)

*influence exerted by polling organizations in telling the public who is likely to win

*influence exerted by polling organizations in telling the public who is likely to win

In the contest between Romney and Obama, polling indicates a close race with the public nearly equally divided in choosing between the candidates.  For example, the polling done by "Rasmussen" (a New Jersey resident) says that Romney is supported by 48% compared with only 44% who support Obama.<ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/obama_administration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll (Rasmussen poll as of Sept. 3, 2012).</ref>

In the contest between Romney and Obama, polling suggests a close race, with the public nearly equally divided in choosing between the candidates.  For example, polling done by Scott Rasmussen (a New Jersey resident) says that Romney is supported by 48% compared with only 44% who support Obama.<ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/obama_administration/daily_presidential_tracking_poll (Rasmussen poll as of Sept. 3, 2012).</ref>

Rasmussen polling indicated that Romney received a "bounce" (improved results in the polling) due to the Republican National Convention the prior week, including Romney's acceptance speech.

Rasmussen polling indicated that Romney received a "bounce" (improved results in the polling) due to the Republican National Convention last week, including Romney's acceptance speech.

Does that mean that Romney will win the election?  Not at all.  It's customary for presidential candidates to receive a "bounce" in the polls after their political party's national convention.  Indeed, national conventions by political parties are staged events designed to boost the popularity of the candidate receiving the nomination.  Nearly everything at the convention is scripted to make the party and the candidate look as good as possible.

Does that mean that Romney will win the election?  Not necessarily.  It's customary for presidential candidates to receive a "bounce" in the polls after their political party's national convention.  Indeed, national conventions by political parties are staged events designed to boost the popularity of the candidate receiving the nomination.  Nearly everything at the convention is scripted to make the party and the candidate look as good as possible.

Also, Rasmussen polling typically reports more public support for the Republican candidate than polls by other groups show.  Polls by other groups show Obama to have a slight lead over Romney.

Also, Rasmussen polling typically reports more public support for the Republican candidate than polls by other groups show.  Polls by some other groups show Obama to have a slight lead over Romney.

A side comment about the Republican National Convention:  in addition to making the nomination of Mitt Romney official (Romney had already defeated other Republican contenders in the "primaries" which occurred from January through June in many states), the Republican National Convention also approved the "Republican Party Platform," which set forth the official position of the Party on numerous controversial issues.  This "Platform", which will next be adopted by nearly every Republican Party state organization and cited by many Republican candidates over the next four years, is available online.<ref>http://www.gop.com/2012-republican-platform_home/</ref>  Two Republicans from each state, a man and a woman, served on the platform committee to write this document.<ref>http://www.gop.com/2012-republican-platform_Committee/</ref>

A side comment about the Republican National Convention:  in addition to making the nomination of Mitt Romney official (Romney had already defeated other Republican contenders in the "primaries" which occurred from January through June in many states across America), the Republican National Convention also approved the "Republican Party Platform," which established the official position of the Party on numerous controversial issues.  This "Platform", which will next be adopted by nearly every Republican Party state organization and cited by many Republican candidates over the next four years, is available online.<ref>http://www.gop.com/2012-republican-platform_home/</ref>  Two Republicans from each state, a man and a woman, served on the platform committee to write this document.<ref>http://www.gop.com/2012-republican-platform_Committee/</ref>

== Romney's Acceptance Speech ==

== Romney's Acceptance Speech ==