Changes

===Young voters===

===Young voters===

In 2004, 64% of voters aged 18-29 were registered to vote.  This year 75% of voters in that age group are registered.  This demographic usually favors Democrats.

In 2004, 64% of voters aged 18–29 were registered to vote.  This year 75% of voters in that age group are registered.  This demographic usually favors Democrats.

== Fewer Uncommitted ==

== Fewer Uncommitted ==

== Election Day ==

== Election Day ==

The turnout was about normal, except for higher than usual rates among blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and voters under 30--all Obama groups.  The turnout of evangelicals and whites was similar to 2004. There have been allegations of Democrats driving voters around to different voting stations, and as these are Obama groups, this would strengthen the voter turnout of this demographic.

The turnout was about normal, except for higher than usual rates among blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and voters under 30—all Obama groups.  The turnout of evangelicals and whites was similar to 2004. There have been allegations of Democrats driving voters around to different voting stations, and as these are Obama groups, this would strengthen the voter turnout of this demographic.

==Opinion polling==  

==Opinion polling==

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The trends heavily favored the Democrats, especially after their major gains in 2006.  Overall, Democrat candidates have a +10% advantage over Republicans in a 'generic' election - the current unpopular President is a Republican, and the economy is treading water.  Also, based on statistical percentages of articles on each candidate, Obama was being focused on by the press far more than McCain.  When McCain chastised Obama for his lack of foreign policy experience and that he hadn't been to Iraq or Afghanistan in years, Obama's campaign set up for him to take a trip to both countries.  While this is expected in politics, the decision of every major network to send a team of reporters to follow him was unprecedented.  Obama spoke to 200,000 people in Berlin in a highly covered speech.  McCain spoke to 50,000 in Buffalo shortly thereafter and barely got a whisper.  Obama's numbers started to rise, but a good deal of the populace was noticing the disparity as 48% of those polled felt the press was trying to help Obama win.

The trends heavily favored the Democrats, especially after their major gains in 2006.  Overall, Democrat candidates have a +10% advantage over Republicans in a 'generic' election - the current unpopular President is a Republican, and the economy is treading water.  Also, based on statistical percentages of articles on each candidate, Obama was being focused on by the press far more than McCain.  When McCain chastised Obama for his lack of foreign policy experience and that he hadn't been to Iraq or Afghanistan in years, Obama's campaign set up for him to take a trip to both countries.  While this is expected in politics, the decision of every major network to send a team of reporters to follow him was unprecedented.  Obama spoke to 200,000 people in Berlin in a highly covered speech.  McCain spoke to 50,000 in Buffalo shortly thereafter and barely got a whisper.  Obama's numbers started to rise, but a good deal of the populace was noticing the disparity as 48% of those polled felt the press was trying to help Obama win.

Obama seemed pleased to coast on his advantages, but McCain realized he needed to shake things up.  He scored by pushing offshore drilling for oil during a time when oil prices were climbing almost daily.  Obama rejected the idea, but the poll numbers started to show a greater percentage of Americans warming to the concept<ref>[http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/61_say_congress_should_vote_on_offshore_drilling_right_now Offshore Drilling poll]</ref> and McCain's numbers started to improve.  Obama announced he would accept some measure of offshore drilling, and McCain's momentum was halted and his gains retreated by a couple of points.  McCain started an ad campaign that acknowledged Obama's celebrity status, but asking what it meant.  A few days later at the start of August he called out Obama for 'playing the race card' when Obama made a reference to McCain and Bush trying to scare people because he (Obama) doesn't look like other Presidents on dollar bills.  The Democrats fired back, but quickly let the issue drop when poll numbers showed that most voters did consider Obama's statement to be racist.<ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/only_22_say_mccain_ad_racist_but_over_half_53_see_obama_dollar_bill_comment_that_way</ref>. The bounce for Obama after the Berlin speech shrank back to pre-trip levels.  While Obama continued to enjoy a slight lead in the polls, McCain continued to keep the race close without either candidate breaking away.  

Obama seemed pleased to coast on his advantages, but McCain realized he needed to shake things up.  He scored by pushing offshore drilling for oil during a time when oil prices were climbing almost daily.  Obama rejected the idea, but the poll numbers started to show a greater percentage of Americans warming to the concept<ref>[http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/61_say_congress_should_vote_on_offshore_drilling_right_now Offshore Drilling poll]</ref> and McCain's numbers started to improve.  Obama announced he would accept some measure of offshore drilling, and McCain's momentum was halted and his gains retreated by a couple of points.  McCain started an ad campaign that acknowledged Obama's celebrity status, but asking what it meant.  A few days later at the start of August he called out Obama for 'playing the race card' when Obama made a reference to McCain and Bush trying to scare people because he (Obama) doesn't look like other Presidents on dollar bills.  The Democrats fired back, but quickly let the issue drop when poll numbers showed that most voters did consider Obama's statement to be racist.<ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/only_22_say_mccain_ad_racist_but_over_half_53_see_obama_dollar_bill_comment_that_way</ref>  The bounce for Obama after the Berlin speech shrank back to pre-trip levels.  While Obama continued to enjoy a slight lead in the polls, McCain continued to keep the race close without either candidate breaking away.  

In mid-August, both candidates came together at the invitation of Pastor [[Rick Warren]] where each was asked a series of the same questions dealing both with political and personal views.  While not a debate, it was the first televised forum where both candidates had a chance to express themselves and their positions.  Obama hoped to appeal to Christian conservatives by expressing a religious side while McCain hoped to solidify the conservative base by sharing his own conservative and religious credentials.  The difference in style between the two was evident as Obama spent more time explaining and expounding on his positions while McCain was more straight-forward and received more laughs with his candid speaking style.  The polling numbers continued as they had been.

In mid-August, both candidates came together at the invitation of Pastor [[Rick Warren]] where each was asked a series of the same questions dealing both with political and personal views.  While not a debate, it was the first televised forum where both candidates had a chance to express themselves and their positions.  Obama hoped to appeal to Christian conservatives by expressing a religious side while McCain hoped to solidify the conservative base by sharing his own conservative and religious credentials.  The difference in style between the two was evident as Obama spent more time explaining and expounding on his positions while McCain was more straight-forward and received more laughs with his candid speaking style.  The polling numbers continued as they had been.

==Fundraising==

==Fundraising==

Barack Obama had a significant edge over Hillary Clinton in the fundraising department during their contest for the Democratic nomination, but both actually set records for raising money and both raised far more money than John McCain.  McCain didn’t have to spend as much since he locked up the Republican nomination much earlier than Obama locked up the Democratic.  Both Obama and McCain said they would accept government funds--which would also cap how much the candidates could raise on their own--but Obama, who could presumably raise more through his own sources, changed his mind and later declined.  Much of McCain’s war chest will come from the Republican Party in general, which has more money to spend than their Democratic counterparts.  McCain’s campaign raised $47 million in August, a very sizable figure for him so far and a personal record, but not as strong as Obama’s best months. In the same time period, Obama set a record with $66 million. Obama, still having an edge in fundraising that has continued throughout his run for the Presidency, saw $10 million collected the day after Sarah Palin’s strongly received convention speech, a new one day record.<ref>[http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/04/after-palin-speech-obama-has-record-10-million-day/ After Palin speech, Obama has record $10 million day]</ref>  The Palin announcement has been good for John McCain's fundraising as well.

Barack Obama had a significant edge over Hillary Clinton in the fundraising department during their contest for the Democratic nomination, but both actually set records for raising money and both raised far more money than John McCain.  McCain didn’t have to spend as much since he locked up the Republican nomination much earlier than Obama locked up the Democratic.  Both Obama and McCain said they would accept government funds—which would also cap how much the candidates could raise on their own—but Obama, who could presumably raise more through his own sources, changed his mind and later declined.  Much of McCain’s war chest will come from the Republican Party in general, which has more money to spend than their Democratic counterparts.  McCain’s campaign raised $47 million in August, a very sizable figure for him so far and a personal record, but not as strong as Obama’s best months. In the same time period, Obama set a record with $66 million. Obama, still having an edge in fundraising that has continued throughout his run for the Presidency, saw $10 million collected the day after Sarah Palin’s strongly received convention speech, a new one day record.<ref>[http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/04/after-palin-speech-obama-has-record-10-million-day/ After Palin speech, Obama has record $10 million day]</ref>  The Palin announcement has been good for John McCain's fundraising as well.

Obama set a new record of $150 million raised in September and over $600 million overall.<ref>http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/20/obama-raises-record-breaking-m/</ref>  Obama's camp does not release information on who contributes to the campaign.

Obama set a new record of $150 million raised in September and over $600 million overall.<ref>http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/20/obama-raises-record-breaking-m/</ref>  Obama's camp does not release information on who contributes to the campaign.

==Conventions==

==Conventions==

 

===Democratic National Convention===

===Democratic National Convention===

''Main article: [[2008 Democratic National Convention]]''

{{Main|2008 Democratic National Convention}}

The 2008 Democratic National Convention was held in [[Denver]], [[Colorado]], from August 25 to August 27 at Pepsi Center. There, Senator Obama and his running mate were selected to be the party nominee's. Barack Obama will accepted the party's nomination in front of a crowd of more than 75,000 in a free, open event held at INVESCO Field at Mile High, in a platform resemblant to a Greek temple. House Speaker [[Nancy Pelosi]] is the Permanent Chair of the Convention.

The 2008 Democratic National Convention was held in [[Denver]], [[Colorado]], from August 25 to August 27 at Pepsi Center. There, Senator Obama and his running mate were selected to be the party nominee's. Barack Obama will accepted the party's nomination in front of a crowd of more than 75,000 in a free, open event held at INVESCO Field at Mile High, in a platform resemblant to a Greek temple. House Speaker [[Nancy Pelosi]] is the Permanent Chair of the Convention.

===Republican National Convention===

===Republican National Convention===

''Main article: [[2008 Republican National Convention]]''

{{Main|2008 Republican National Convention}}

The 2008 Republican National Convention was held in [[Saint Paul]], [[Minnesota]] from September 1 ([[Labor Day]]) until September 4. The presumptive nominee was Senator McCain. The location has political significance in that [[Minnesota]] will likely be a close state during the general election, as will its neighboring states [[Wisconsin]] and [[Iowa]].

The 2008 Republican National Convention was held in [[Saint Paul]], [[Minnesota]] from September 1 ([[Labor Day]]) until September 4. The presumptive nominee was Senator McCain. The location has political significance in that [[Minnesota]] will likely be a close state during the general election, as will its neighboring states [[Wisconsin]] and [[Iowa]].

[[File:SDS at the RNC.jpg|left|thumb|290px|Poster circulated by [[community organizer]]s. Other posters depicted rock throwers with the caption, "Shut Down the RNC!," dead elephants, and derogatory and demeaning comments about gay Republicans. [http://www.facebook.com/photo_search.php?oid=4893988286&view=all] ]]  

[[File:SDS at the RNC.jpg|left|thumb|290px|Poster circulated by [[community organizer]]s. Other posters depicted rock throwers with the caption, "Shut Down the RNC!," dead elephants, and derogatory and demeaning comments about gay Republicans. [http://www.facebook.com/photo_search.php?oid=4893988286&view=all] ]]  

[[Progressives for Obama]] shares a huge membership overlap with the Movement for a Democratic Society (MDS), a group of former [[Students for a Democratic Society]] (SDS) members and sympathisers. MDS re-founded SDS in 2006 for a new generation of college students and functions as a support group for SDS's 130 college chapters. Independent researcher Trevor Louden refers to MDS as "the brains behind the SDS brawn."  The reconstituted SDS was very prominent in the violence at the Republican National Convention at St Paul.<ref>[http://newzeal.blogspot.com/2008/09/obama-file-30-former-terrorists-bill.html Obama File 30: Former Terrorists [[Bill Ayers]] and [[Bernardine Dohrn]] Involved in Key Pro-Obama Organisation,] Trevor Louden, New Zeal blog, September 21, 2008.</ref> The founder of [[ACORN]], Wade Rathke, denouncd<ref>[http://chieforganizer.org/2009/01/31/common-ground-infiltrator/ Common Ground Infiltrator,] Wade Rathke: Chief Organizer Blog, January 31, 2009. Retrieved March 14, 2010.</ref> an FBI informer who foiled a [[terrorist]] plot to kill delegates at the Republican Convention.<ref>[http://spectator.org/blog/2009/09/13/acorn-founder-wade-rathke-want ACORN Founder Wade Rathke Wanted Terrorist Attack on Republican Convention to Succeed,] Matthew Vadum, American Spectator, 9.13.09 </ref>

[[Progressives for Obama]] shares a huge membership overlap with the Movement for a Democratic Society (MDS), a group of former [[Students for a Democratic Society]] (SDS) members and sympathisers. MDS re-founded SDS in 2006 for a new generation of college students and functions as a support group for SDS's 130 college chapters. Independent researcher Trevor Louden refers to MDS as "the brains behind the SDS brawn."  The reconstituted SDS was very prominent in the violence at the Republican National Convention at St Paul.<ref>[http://newzeal.blogspot.com/2008/09/obama-file-30-former-terrorists-bill.html Obama File 30: Former Terrorists [[Bill Ayers]] and [[Bernardine Dohrn]] Involved in Key Pro-Obama Organisation,] Trevor Louden, New Zeal blog, September 21, 2008.</ref> The founder of [[ACORN]], Wade Rathke, denouncd<ref>[http://chieforganizer.org/2009/01/31/common-ground-infiltrator/ Common Ground Infiltrator,] Wade Rathke: Chief Organizer Blog, January 31, 2009. Retrieved March 14, 2010.</ref> an FBI informer who foiled a [[terrorist]] plot to kill delegates at the Republican Convention.<ref>[http://spectator.org/blog/2009/09/13/acorn-founder-wade-rathke-want ACORN Founder Wade Rathke Wanted Terrorist Attack on Republican Convention to Succeed,] Matthew Vadum, American Spectator, 9.13.09</ref>

==Vice Presidential Candidates==

==Vice Presidential Candidates==

===Democratic Vice-Presidential Candidate===

===Democratic Vice-Presidential Candidate===

On August 23rd, Senator Barack Obama announced, via text message to 3 million cell phone numbers of his supporters, his nomination of Joseph Biden to Vice President.  Biden's selection was considered to be a prudent move by Obama, filling a hole in his own foreign policy experience that McCain could exploit.  With the implosion of [[John Edwards]], Biden was widely expected to be the choice.  In order to help build up suspense, Biden said he was not chosen when he spoke to the press the day before, only to be shown as the Vice Presidential candidate the next day.  A long-term senator and Washington insider with over two decades of service in the Senate, his earlier 1988 plagiarism scandal and frequent gaffes (including one in which he insulted Obama in a racist manner during the 2008 election) were deemed to be less negative than the positive that his strong experience credentials could bring to the race.   

On August 23, Senator Barack Obama announced, via text message to 3 million cell phone numbers of his supporters, his nomination of Joseph Biden to Vice President.  Biden's selection was considered to be a prudent move by Obama, filling a hole in his own foreign policy experience that McCain could exploit.  With the implosion of [[John Edwards]], Biden was widely expected to be the choice.  In order to help build up suspense, Biden said he was not chosen when he spoke to the press the day before, only to be shown as the Vice Presidential candidate the next day.  A long-term senator and Washington insider with over two decades of service in the Senate, his earlier 1988 plagiarism scandal and frequent gaffes (including one in which he insulted Obama in a racist manner during the 2008 election) were deemed to be less negative than the positive that his strong experience credentials could bring to the race.   

[[Image:06 biden.gif|thumb|left|100px|Joseph Biden]]

[[Image:06 biden.gif|thumb|left|100px|Joseph Biden]]

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===Republican Vice-Presidential Candidate===

===Republican Vice-Presidential Candidate===

[[Image:Sarah Palin.jpg|thumb|left|100px|thumb]]

[[Image:Sarah Palin.jpg|thumb|left|100px|thumb]]

*Governor [[Sarah Palin]] of [[Alaska]] was announced as John McCain's choice early on Friday, August 29th, the day after the Democratic convention ended.  A surprise choice not even considered by the press to be on McCain's short list, her selection caught the political world off guard.  It had been expected that [[Mitt Romney]] would earn the honor, but McCain had other ideas.  At first denigrated by the people in the Obama campaign, Obama's own statement was one of cautious neutrality to feel out what impact her selection would have on the race.

*Governor [[Sarah Palin]] of [[Alaska]] was announced as John McCain's choice early on Friday, August 29, the day after the Democratic convention ended.  A surprise choice not even considered by the press to be on McCain's short list, her selection caught the political world off guard.  It had been expected that [[Mitt Romney]] would earn the honor, but McCain had other ideas.  At first denigrated by the people in the Obama campaign, Obama's own statement was one of cautious neutrality to feel out what impact her selection would have on the race.

 

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In an interesting twist, the selection of the Vice Presidential candidates changed the dynamics of the race.  By Obama picking Biden, he helped to fill the hole that McCain had been attacking dealing with a lack of foreign policy experience.  McCain's strongest point, experience, would lose some of its luster.  But the selection of Biden, and the passing over of Hillary Clinton, left another opening.  By aligning himself with someone who has been a Democratic stalwart, Obama's claim to change became less pronounced.  McCain seized upon that to select a Vice President that no one expected, and a woman, and steal some of the Democratic thunder.  Her lack of foreign policy experience would cut into the experience angle that had been in play earlier, but her own maverick streak in becoming governor by ousting another Republican, combined with John McCain's maverick choice in selecting her led to a new emphasis on McCain's own maverick past. Palin arguably had more "executive" / managerial experience than either McCain, Biden or, notably, Obama.  Suddenly he saw an opportunity to steal the moniker of change that Obama had been wearing, and he went for it.  Such a change in position occurring from the Vice Presidential selection is rare in Presidential politics.

In an interesting twist, the selection of the Vice Presidential candidates changed the dynamics of the race.  By Obama picking Biden, he helped to fill the hole that McCain had been attacking dealing with a lack of foreign policy experience.  McCain's strongest point, experience, would lose some of its luster.  But the selection of Biden, and the passing over of Hillary Clinton, left another opening.  By aligning himself with someone who has been a Democratic stalwart, Obama's claim to change became less pronounced.  McCain seized upon that to select a Vice President that no one expected, and a woman, and steal some of the Democratic thunder.  Her lack of foreign policy experience would cut into the experience angle that had been in play earlier, but her own maverick streak in becoming governor by ousting another Republican, combined with John McCain's maverick choice in selecting her led to a new emphasis on McCain's own maverick past. Palin arguably had more "executive" / managerial experience than either McCain, Biden or, notably, Obama.  Suddenly he saw an opportunity to steal the moniker of change that Obama had been wearing, and he went for it.  Such a change in position occurring from the Vice Presidential selection is rare in Presidential politics.

==Debates==

==Debates==

===Presidential Debates===

===Presidential Debates===

''Main Article: [[2008 Presidential Debates]]''

{{Main|2008 Presidential Debates}}

There have been three [[Presidential Debates|presidential debates]] for the 2008 election season.  The first debate on September 26th discussed "Foreign Policy & National Security" and also dealt at length with the economic crisis. The result was a statistical draw where both candidates did better than expected in the eyes of the public.  The longer term impact worked out well for Obama who already had a lead going in, and benefited from solidifying that position.

There have been three [[Presidential Debates|presidential debates]] for the 2008 election season.  The first debate on September 26 discussed "Foreign Policy & National Security" and also dealt at length with the economic crisis. The result was a statistical draw where both candidates did better than expected in the eyes of the public.  The longer term impact worked out well for Obama who already had a lead going in, and benefited from solidifying that position.

The second debate on October 7th, followed a town hall-style.  The questions came from audience members and the Internet, as chosen by the moderator.  Again the result was a statistical draw as far as who was considered to be the winner.  But with time running out for McCain, he needed something to make the people move his way, and that required a clear breakthrough that never happened

The second debate on October 7, followed a town hall-style.  The questions came from audience members and the Internet, as chosen by the moderator.  Again the result was a statistical draw as far as who was considered to be the winner.  But with time running out for McCain, he needed something to make the people move his way, and that required a clear breakthrough that never happened

The final debate was held on October 15th concerned "Domestic and Economic Policy." Both candidates were again viewed as having done well, which was a tactical defeat for McCain as the poll numbers showed only small changes.

The final debate was held on October 15 concerned "Domestic and Economic Policy." Both candidates were again viewed as having done well, which was a tactical defeat for McCain as the poll numbers showed only small changes.

===Vice Presidential Debate===

===Vice Presidential Debate===

There was one vice presidential debate held on October 2nd.  Palin did much better than expected, but Biden was also in top form.  No clear winner emerged and the poll numbers remained largely unchanged, a strategic win for the Democratic ticket that only had to maintain their lead to win the election.  The number of people who watched the debate was an alltime record for a Vice Presidential debate, and was viewed by more people than any of the three Presidential debates.

There was one vice presidential debate held on October 2.  Palin did much better than expected, but Biden was also in top form.  No clear winner emerged and the poll numbers remained largely unchanged, a strategic win for the Democratic ticket that only had to maintain their lead to win the election.  The number of people who watched the debate was an alltime record for a Vice Presidential debate, and was viewed by more people than any of the three Presidential debates.

==Third parties and Independents==

==Third parties and Independents==

John McCain had to get his footing at first, but was pretty much assured the Republican nomination after [[Super Tuesday]].  Barack Obama had a much tougher road, but rode out a string of victories in February to eventually outlast Clinton and take the nomination.  During that time he had raised more money than any other candidate in history giving him a huge boost, a trend that would continue into the general election.

John McCain had to get his footing at first, but was pretty much assured the Republican nomination after [[Super Tuesday]].  Barack Obama had a much tougher road, but rode out a string of victories in February to eventually outlast Clinton and take the nomination.  During that time he had raised more money than any other candidate in history giving him a huge boost, a trend that would continue into the general election.

==See Also==

==See also==

*[[Previous Breaking News/2008 Presidential Election|Articles about the '''2008 Presidential Election''' from previous "Breaking News"]]

*[[Previous Breaking News/2008 Presidential Election|Articles about the '''2008 Presidential Election''' from previous "Breaking News"]]

*[[Barack Hussein Obama 2008 Presidential campaign]]

*[[Barack Hussein Obama 2008 Presidential campaign]]

== References ==

== References ==

{{2008 presidential candidates}}

{{2008 presidential candidates}}