John Kerry defeats George W. Bush 2004

[BushKerry04]

Great job with your timeline! I wonder who George W. Bush will endorse. I also want to know what Trump is doing and who he supports since Obama and Hillary aren't running.

Well, you read my mind in one respect (please see below) in another respect, stay tuned.....

January 9, 2008 - Iowa Caucuses: Romney wins in a squeaker, Kerry crushes Clark; Rumsfeld withdrawals, endorses Bill Frist for President

GOP Iowa Caucuses
Mitt Romney 27%
Bill Frist 26%
Rick Santorum 18%
Rudy Giuliani 15%
Donald Rumsfeld 8%
Rick Perry 5%
Other 1%

DEM Iowa Caucuses
John Kerry 64%
Wesley Clark 34%
Other 2%

January 10, 2008 - Kerry launches first negative television ad against Wesley Clark


John Kerry: I'm John Kerry and I approved this message
Narrator 1: Did Wesley Clark really oppose the war in Iraq? Clark told the New York Times he'd "probably have voted for the war" and even testified before Congress in favor of invading Iraq. Now, Clark is trying to re-write history. The truth? Both Clark and President Kerry supported overthrowing Saddam Hussein's regime. The difference? Kerry has reduced violence and trained the Iraqis to care for their own security. Wesley Clark gave speeches. The choice is leadership. Re-elect President Kerry. Strong leadership. Now.

January 16, 2008 - New Hampshire Primary: Romney wins landslide victory; Kerry claims victory


GOP New Hampshire Primary
Mitt Romney 45%
Rudy Giuliani 25%
Bill Frist 15%
Rick Santorum 8%
Rick Perry 4%
Other 3%

DEM New Hampshire Primary
John Kerry 50%
Wesley Clark 48%
Other 2%

January 20, 2008 - Former President George W. Bush endorses Mitt Romney for President

CHARLESTON, SC - Former President George W. Bush surprised political pundits by endorsing Former Governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney for the GOP nomination for President. "Mitt Romney has the executive experience to lead our nation to safety and prosperity as President" the 43rd President of the United declared.

January 21, 2008 - SOURCES: Why Bush went for Romney, Frist feels betrayed

WASHINGTON, DC - Sources close to both Former President George W. Bush and Republican Presidential Hopeful Mitt Romney told the Washington Post that initially, the 43rd President of the United States was reluctant to endorse any candidate in the GOP primary. Bush considers Romney and candidates Rudy Giuliani and Bill Frist friends. It was Former Governor of Florida Jeb Bush, who has become a leading Romney surrogate and adviser, lobbied his brother to make the endorsement. The sources say Jeb Bush believes his brother's endorsement could put Mitt Romney over the top in South Carolina's upcoming GOP primary. The ex-Governor of Florida told convinced his brother that Romney is the only Republican who can beat John Kerry in the fall and that stopping his early momentum would cause the Republican primary to be dragged-out. The ex-President agreed to endorse Romney and personally called both Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Former Senator Frist the night prior to the endorsement. Sources close to Bill Frist's campaign tell the paper that the ex-Senate Majority Leader feels betrayed by Bush, whom he was a loyal supporter of during his term as President.


January 23, 2008 - Romney upsets Frist, Clark upsets Kerry in South Carolina; Perry withdrawals and backs Romney


GOP South Carolina Primary
Mitt Romney 31%
Bill Frist 29%
Rudy Giuliani 18%
Rick Perry 12%
Rick Santorum 9%
Other 1%

DEM South Carolina Primary
Wesley Clark 55%
John Kerry 44%
Other 1%

January 25, 2008 - Early state exit poll data: Economy top issue; Romney wins with conservatives, Giuliani with independents & moderate Reps, Clark & Kerry split liberals as Kerry decisively wins moderate Dems


Most important issue

REP:
Economy 50%
War in Iraq 30%
Debt 12%
National Security 4%
Immigration 1%
Social Issues 1%
Safety Net 1%
Other 1%

DEM:
Economy 33%
War in Iraq 33%
Safety Net 25%
National Security 4%
Debt 1%
Social Issues 1%
Immigration 1%
Other 1%

REP - Economy top issue vote preference
Mitt Romney 50%
Bill Frist 20%
Rudy Giuliani 20%
Other 10%

REP - Should the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq?
No 52%
Yes 45%

REP - War in Iraq top issue voter preference
Rudy Giuliani 40%
Mitt Romney 28%
Bill Frist 22%
Other 10%

DEM - Should the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq?
Yes 55%
No 44%

DEM - Economy top issue vote preference
John Kerry 67%
Wesley Clark 32%
Other 1%

DEM - War in Iraq top issue vote preference
Wesley Clark 53%
John Kerry 46%
Other 1%

REP - Ideology
Conservative 60%
Moderate 22%
Independent 18%

DEM - Ideology
Liberal 70%
Moderate 20%
Independent 10%

REP - Conservative Vote Preference
Mitt Romney 40%
Bill Frist 30%
Rudy Giuliani 18%
Other 12%

REP - Moderate Vote Preference
Rudy Giuliani 30%
Bill Frist 28%
Mitt Romney 28%
Other 14%

REP - Independent Vote Preference
Rudy Giuliani 42%
Mitt Romney 39%
Bill Frist 15%
Other 4%

DEM - Liberal Vote Preference
John Kerry 50%
Wesley Clark 49%
Other 1%

DEM - Moderate Vote Preference
John Kerry 71%
Wesley Clark 28%
Other 1%

DEM- Independent Vote Preference
Wesley Clark 53%
John Kerry 46%
Other 1%

REP-What kind of Rep?
Fiscal/Economic Conservative 50%
National Security Conservative 30%
Social Conservative 20%


REP- Social Conservative Vote Preference
Bill Frist 50%
Mitt Romney 35%
Rudy Giuliani 8%
Other 7%

REP-Fiscal/Economic Conservative Vote Preference
Mitt Romney 50%
Rudy Giuliani 20%
Bill Frist 20%
Other 10%

REP- National Security Conservative Vote Preference
Rudy Giuliani 40%
Bill Frist 27%
Mitt Romney 25%
Other 8%

REP - Who is the most electable Republican running?
Mitt Romney 60%
Rudy Giuliani 30%
Bill Frist 5%
Other 5%

DEM - Who is the most electable Democrat running?
John Kerry 55%
Wesley Clark 44%
Other 1%

REP - Geographic
Suburban 60%
Rural 30%
Urban 10%


REP-Suburban Vote Preference
Mitt Romney 40%
Rudy Giuliani 32%
Bill Frist 20%
Other 8%

REP-Rural Vote Preference
Bill Frist 40%
Mitt Romney 37%
Rudy Giuliani 15%
Other 8%

REP-Urban Vote Preference
Rudy Giuliani 42%
Mitt Romney 40%
Bill Frist 12%
Other 5%

DEM - Geographic
Urban 62%
Suburban 35%
Rural 3%


DEM-Suburban Vote Preference
John Kerry 54%
Wesley Clark 45%
Other 1%

DEM-Rural Vote Preference
Wesley Clark 77%
John Kerry 22%
Other 1%

DEM-Urban Vote Preference
John Kerry 57%
Wesley Clark 42%
Other 1%

[NHI]

Great TL!

[BushKerry04]

Great TL!

Thank you very much for your kind words!

February 1, 2008 - Michigan Votes: Romney wins landslide victory, Kerry narrowly defeats Clark


Michigan GOP Primary
Mitt Romney 52%
Bill Frist 30%
Rudy Giuliani 15%
Rick Santorum 2%
Other 1%

Michigan DEM Primary
John Kerry 53%
Wesley Clark 46%
Other 1%

February 3, 2008 - BREAKING: Santorum exits Presidential Race, backs Romney for President

READING, PA - U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) announced he would end his campaign for President and endorse Mitt Romney for President at a press conference in Reading, Pennsylvania. "Mitt Romney is the Republican who can beat John Kerry and defend our values as President," Santorum said of his former rival.

February 5, 2008 - Current Television Ads in Florida, Nevada, Arizona


"Jeb" (Florida Only)
Jeb Bush: I'm Governor Jeb Bush. I'm supporting Mitt Romney for President because we need real change in Washington. In business, Mitt Romney balanced budgets, made payroll, turned companies around, and created jobs. As Governor of Massachusetts, Mitt cut taxes 19 times, turned deficits into surpluses, and worked to expand school choice just like we did here in Florida. Mitt's economic plan will cut taxes and regulations so we can again create jobs here in America. On February 8, vote Mitt Romney for President.
Mitt Romney: I'm Mitt Romney, I'm running for President, and I humbly ask for your vote.

"Plan"
Narrator: In business, he turned companies around and create jobs. As Governor, he cut taxes 19 times and turned deficits into surpluses. He's Mitt Romney. The Republican candidate with a tax cut plan that provides over $4,000 in savings for the average American taxpayer. The only candidate in both parties with a comprehensive health care reform plan to reduce insurance premiums. And only Mitt Romney has committed to reversing John Kerry's regulations on business. Real Change for America. Mitt Romney for President.
Mitt Romney: I'm Mitt Romney, I'm running for President, and I humbly ask for your vote.

"Win"
Rudy Giuliani: I'm Rudy Giuliani. In 1993, I became the first Republican to be elected Mayor of New York City for the first time in more than a generation. I campaigned in places few Republicans had gone to in decades. During my eight years as Mayor, I cut taxes, reduced crime, and reduced welfare rolls by more than half. That's why voters overwhelmingly re-elected me, and it's why the Republican Party won two more elections for Mayor after I left office. I'm the Republican in the race for President with a proven record of winning elections and reforming government. So please, join me in the fight to stop John Kerry so we can win as Republicans. I'm Rudy Giuliani and I approved this message.

"Choice" (Florida only)
Narrator 1: In Massachusetts, Mitt Romney forced employers to provide health insurance to their employees. The cost of health care increased by 7%. Romney also raised taxes and fees by $700 million as Massachusetts lagged in job growth.
Narrator 2: Republicans have another choice. Rudy Giuliani cut taxes, reduced welfare rolls by half, and reduced crime by 60%. Giuliani will sign the largest tax cut in history and he'll rebuild our military. Rudy Giuliani. President.
Rudy Giuliani: I'm Rudy Giuliani and I approved this message.

"Consistent"
Narrator: In the race for President, only one candidate has been consistently pro-life. Only one has consistently opposed restrictions on our second amendment rights. Only one has fought for welfare reform, the first tax relief in a generation, and to ban partial-birth abortion. Only Bill Frist. The only one who's been consistent.
Bill Frist: I'm Bill Frist, I'm running for President to reclaim America for this generation and the next, and that's why I approved this ad.

"War"
John Kerry: I will end the war in Iraq safely and soon
Narrator: That was John Kerry four years ago
John Kerry: After consulting with my national security team, I have determined that the timeline for withdrawal from Iraq I laid out in 2005 is not the right policy for America.
Narrator: John Kerry broke his promise to America.
Wesley Clark: I opposed the war from the start and believe that it's time to bring our troops home. As President, instead of nation building in Iraq, I'll end this war and rebuild our nation here at home. I'm Wesley Clark, and I approved this message.

"Cohen"
William Cohen: I'm William Cohen, Former Secretary of Defense and a Former U.S. Senator. For four years, I served as Secretary of Defense under President Bill Clinton. During my service, I had the opportunity to work with Wesley Clark when he was NATO Supreme Allied Commander. I was impressed with General Clark's knowledge of the world and compassion for the less fortunate. Today, America needs leadership with an understanding of this complex world and the heart to do what's right. I believe Wesley Clark is that kind of leader. He's ready to lead on day one.
Wesley Clark: I'm Wesley Clark and I approved this ad.

"Mission"
John Kerry: When I announced I was running for President four years ago, I told you I wanted to use my experience to build an America that was safer here at home and respected in the world. While we have our share of challenges and we have a lot of work to do, we are safer here at home and more respected in the world. Now, the question is, where do we go from here? I want to lead America out of Iraq so we can work with our allies to bring greater peace and security to the world as we continue to rebuild our middle class here at home. That's why I've called for investing in higher education, our infrastructure, and to require large corporations to provide health insurance to their employees. Together, there is nothing we can't accomplish.
Narrator: Re-elect President Kerry. Strong Leadership. Now.
John Kerry: I'm John Kerry and I approve this message.

"Clinton"
Bill Clinton: As President, John Kerry is fighting to rebuild America's middle class. That's why he raised the minimum wage for the first time in nearly a decade, invested more in public schools than any other President, and opposed tax breaks for the very wealthy at the expense of priorities like health care and the environment. If given the chance, the Republicans will reverse everything the President has fought for. They believe in tax breaks for the very wealthy, gutting environmental protections, and cutting funding for women's health care. When you vote in your local primary or caucus, please join me in supporting President Kerry.
John Kerry: I'm John Kerry and I approve this message.

February 8, 2008 - Romney carries Florida, Nevada, Arizona; Kerry takes Arizona and Nevada as Clark takes Florida


Florida GOP Primary
Mitt Romney 51%
Bill Frist 25%
Rudy Giuliani 23%
Other 1%

Florida DEM Primary
Wesley Clark 55%
John Kerry 44%
Other 1%

Nevada GOP Caucuses
Mitt Romney 49%
Rudy Giuliani 40%
Bill Frist 10%
Other 1%

Nevada DEM Caucuses
John Kerry 50%
Wesley Clark 49%
Other 1%

Arizona GOP Primary
Mitt Romney 45%
Bill Frist 30%
Rudy Giuliani 24%
Other 1%

Arizona DEM Primary
John Kerry 56%
Wesley Clark 43%
Other 1%

[erſatz-york]

Romney '08!

[BushKerry04]

February 10, 2008 - BREAKING: Giuliani ends Presidential bid, endorses Mitt Romney at Manhattan Press Conference

NEW YORK, NY - Former Mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani ended his campaign for President and endorsed fellow candidate Mitt Romney at a press conference in New York City. "Mitt Romney has the right experience and the right vision for the future of our country. Today, I end my campaign for President and endorse Mitt Romney for the Republican Presidential Nomination," Giuliani stated.

February 15, 2008 - McCain endorses Romney for President ahead of contests in Colorado, Missouri, and Minnesota

DENVER, CO - U.S. Senator John McCain of Arizona endorsed Mitt Romney for the Republican Presidential Nomination at a Romney for President rally in Denver, Colorado. "Mitt Romney has proven he has what it takes to unite our party and carry us to victory in the fall. I fully support Governor Romney and look forward to him leading our nation during a time of great challenge for our economy and chaos abroad. Mitt is a strong leader who we can trust," McCain stated.

February 16, 2008 - Romney, Kerry win Colorado and Minnesota as Frist, Clark carry Missouri


Colorado GOP Caucuses
Mitt Romney 72%
Bill Frist 27%
Other 1%

Colorado Democratic Caucuses
John Kerry 60%
Wesley Clark 39%
Other 1%

Minnesota GOP Caucuses
Mitt Romney 67%
Bill Frist 30%
Other 3%

Minnesota Democratic Caucuses
John Kerry 55%
Wesley Clark 44%
Other 1%

Missouri GOP Caucuses
Bill Frist 53%
Mitt Romney 46%
Other 1%

Missouri Democratic Primary
Wesley Clark 50%
John Kerry 49%
Other 1%

February 20, 2008 - With just over two weeks until Super Tuesday, Former President Bush campaigns with Romney in south, mid-west

ATLANTA, GA - Former President George W. Bush joined Former Governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney on the campaign trail for Romney's presidential campaign ahead of a dozen states voting on Super Tuesday. Bush, who narrowly lost re-election in 2004 to President John Kerry, remains popular with the conservative base of the GOP. Bush joined Romney on the campaign trail in Georgia and is scheduled to campaign for Romney in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Ohio, and Indiana before Super Tuesday.

February 21, 2008 - Strategy Update

Mitt Romney: Mitt Romney's strategy of bringing out the conservative base, making the campaign about the economy, and playing to the candidate's strength as a Washington D.C. outsider has enabled Romney to win all but one state in the race for the Republican Presidential Nomination. Romney aides confirm the candidate has internal polling data showing that Rudy Giuliani's exit from the Presidential Race primarily befitted Romney. Another source told Fox News that one poll showed 75% of Giuliani supporters now back Romney over Bill Frist. Romney plans to campaign in every Super Tuesday state, but plans to especially focus on winning delegate-rich states. Most of Romney's campaign activity will therefore be in Ohio, New York, and Georgia.
Bill Frist: Bill Frist is in a relatively weak position as the campaign heads into Super Tuesday. The candidate has one just one contest and is struggling for campaign cash. While there are 12 states voting on Super Tuesday, Frist only has staff on the ground in 7 of them - the campaign can't afford to compete in all 12. Frist is focused on winning southern states and believes if he can deny Romney wins in the south, he can halt Romney's momentum. Ultimately, the Frist campaign insists they can carry the entire south, California, Illinois, and Wisconsin to deny Romney the 1,182 delegates needed to secure the GOP Presidential Nomination.
John Kerry: After Wesley Clark's surprise win in South Carolina, the Kerry campaign has begun to attack the Retired General as inconsistent on the combat mission in Iraq and untested at home. Kerry's primary focus seems to be damage control, while he has won a majority of the contests thus far, Wesley Clark has defeated him multiple times and had strong showings where he wasn't expected to. Kerry spent the first three months of his campaign attacking the GOP candidates, now he has switched to attacking Clark. Sources told the New York Times that while the President believes he will win the Democratic nomination, Clark's stronger than expected showing could cost him support in the general election.
Wesley Clark: Following early wins in South Carolina, Florida, and Missouri, the Clark campaign feels confident they can continue to compete with John Kerry. Clark has begun to emphasize his economic message about as much as his anti-war message. The Clark campaign believes the Democratic nomination process will be drawn out until June. Clark's fundraising has picked-up following the candidate's win in South Carolina. Clark aides say this has enabled them to compete and win. Sources close to the Retired General say the Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander believes that while a long Democratic primary does hurt the party long-term, he can win the general election while the President can not. Clark plans to focus his energy on winning southern states on Super Tuesday before the contest moves west.

February 25, 2008 - Poll: Romney holds comfortable lead nationally, Kerry leads Clark; Super Tuesday state polls show advantage for Romney and Kerry


National:
GOP - Romney 51% Frist 38%
DEM - Kerry 47% Clark 41%

Georgia:
GOP - Romney 45% Frist 44%
DEM - Clark 49% Kerry 38%

Tennessee:
GOP - Frist 65% Romney 22%
DEM - Clark 49% Kerry 40%

Oklahoma:
GOP - Romney 42% Frist 40%
DEM - Clark 50% Kerry 39%

Arkansas:
GOP - Romney 46% Frist 44%
DEM - Clark 70% Kerry 21%

Massachusetts:
GOP - Romney 72% Frist 12%
DEM - Kerry 65% Clark 30%

New York:
GOP - Romney 55% Frist 29%
DEM - Kerry 49% Clark 42%

Maine:
GOP - Romney 50% Frist 27%
DEM - Kerry 52% Clark 38%

Idaho:
GOP - Romney 87% Frist 5%
DEM - Clark 48% Kerry 44%

Montana:
GOP - Romney 49% Frist 40%
DEM - Kerry 45% Clark 45%

Ohio:
GOP - Romney 47% Frist 41%
DEM - Kerry 48% Clark 44%

Indiana:
GOP - Romney 48% Frist 40%
DEM - Kerry 49% Clark 40%

Alaska:
GOP - Romney 45% Frist 44%
DEM - Clark 47% Kerry 44%

February 27, 2008 - Bill Clinton campaigns with John Kerry in Georgia, Tennessee

NASHVILLE, TN - Former U.S. President Bill Clinton joined President John Kerry on the campaign trail in Tennessee and Georgia as the incumbent President faces a tough primary challenge from Wesley Clark, a Retired General and Bill Clinton ally. On the campaign trail, President Clinton told Democrats that President Kerry has been "successful in fighting for what Democrats believe in" and urged his re-election.

February 28, 2008 - Jackson endorses Clark for President

ATLANTA, GA - Civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson endorsed Wesley Clark for President, calling Clark "someone who has demonstrated a willingness to stand up for the rights of all people." Jackson praised Clark for his leadership on civil rights in the U.S. military and as a candidate for President.

[erſatz-york]

Looks like Kerry may have a rocky road ahead of him, at least based on the polls.

[morgankingsley]

This is a good one so far. I always wondered what it would be like if Kerry won. I will check back every couple hours

[TheSaint250]

Amazing job!

Also, could we get a map of the two primary contests?

[BushKerry04]

Thank you all for the feedback! I have included a map per TheSaint250's request in this next post.

Amazing job!

Also, could we get a map of the two primary contests?

Thank you! You bet.

Looks like Kerry may have a rocky road ahead of him, at least based on the polls.

Looks that way but you never know. Stay tuned.

March 5, 2008 - Super Tuesday: Romney wins 10 of 12 contests, Kerry and Clark each take 6


[/img]



Georgia:
GOP - Romney 53% Frist 46%
DEM - Clark 52% Kerry 47%

Tennessee:
GOP - Frist 71% Romney 28%
DEM - Clark 57% Kerry 42%

Oklahoma:
GOP - Romney 50% Frist 49%
DEM - Clark 60% Kerry 39%

Arkansas:
GOP -Frist 51% Romney 48%
DEM - Clark 70% Kerry 29%

Massachusetts:
GOP - Romney 72% Frist 27%
DEM - Kerry 68% Clark 31%

New York:
GOP - Romney 65% Frist 34%
DEM - Kerry 52% Clark 47%

Maine:
GOP - Romney 60% Frist 39%
DEM - Kerry 55% Clark 44%

Idaho:
GOP - Romney 85% Frist 14%
DEM - Clark 50% Kerry 49%

Montana:
GOP - Romney 62% Frist 37%
DEM - Kerry 51% Clark 48%

Ohio:
GOP - Romney 64% Frist 35%
DEM - Kerry 49.5% Clark 49.4%

Indiana:
GOP - Romney 60% Frist 39%
DEM - Kerry 50% Clark 49%

Alaska:
GOP - Romney 55% Frist 44%
DEM -Clark 50% Kerry 49%

Primary Map Thus Far

GOP
Red = Romney
Blue = Frist

[/img]

Democratic
Red = Kerry
Blue = Clark

Exit Poll Data from Super Tuesday

Top Issue

REP:
Economy 47%
War in Iraq 20%
National Debt 20%
National Security 6%
Immigration 4%
Social Issues 2%
Safety Net 1%
Other 1%

DEM:
Economy 30%
War in Iraq 30%
Safety Net 21%
Social Issues 9%
Safety Net 5%
National Security 2%
National Debt 1%
Immigration 1%
Other 1%

REP - Economy top issue vote preference
Mitt Romney 60%
Bill Frist 39%

REP - Should the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq?
No 48%
Yes 49%

REP - War in Iraq top issue voter preference
Mitt Romney 53%
Bill Frist 46%

DEM - Should the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq?
Yes 60%
No 39%

DEM - Economy top issue vote preference
John Kerry 65%
Wesley Clark 34%

DEM - War in Iraq top issue vote preference
Wesley Clark 55%
John Kerry 44%

REP - Ideology
Conservative 60%
Moderate 22%
Independent 18%

DEM - Ideology
Liberal 70%
Moderate 20%
Independent 10%

REP - Conservative Vote Preference
Mitt Romney 65%
Bill Frist 34%

REP - Moderate Vote Preference
Mitt Romney 53%
Bill Frist 46%

REP - Independent Vote Preference
Mitt Romney 57%
Bill Frist 42%

DEM - Liberal Vote Preference
John Kerry 51%
Wesley Clark 48%
Other 1%

DEM - Moderate Vote Preference
John Kerry 62%
Wesley Clark 37%
Other 1%

DEM- Independent Vote Preference
Wesley Clark 59%
John Kerry 40%

REP-What kind of Rep?
Fiscal/Economic Conservative 50%
National Security Conservative 30%
Social Conservative 20%

REP- Social Conservative Vote Preference
Bill Frist 49%
Mitt Romney 49%

REP-Fiscal/Economic Conservative Vote Preference
Mitt Romney 67%
Bill Frist 32%

REP- National Security Conservative Vote Preference
Mitt Romney 51%
Bill Frist 48%

REP - Who is the most electable Republican running?
Mitt Romney 72%
Bill Frist 17%

DEM - Who is the most electable Democrat running?
Wesley Clark 50%
John Kerry 49%

REP - Geographic
Suburban 60%
Rural 30%
Urban 10%

REP-Suburban Vote Preference
Mitt Romney  68%
Bill Frist 31%

REP-Rural Vote Preference
Bill Frist 52%
Mitt Romney 47%

REP-Urban Vote Preference
Mitt Romney 84%
Bill Frist 15%

DEM - Geographic
Urban 62%
Suburban 35%
Rural 3%


DEM-Suburban Vote Preference
John Kerry 52%
Wesley Clark 47%

DEM-Rural Vote Preference
Wesley Clark 79%
John Kerry 20%

DEM-Urban Vote Preference
John Kerry 60%
Wesley Clark 39%

All Voters:

General-election Match-Ups

Mitt Romney 47% John Kerry 32%
Mitt Romney 45% Wesley Clark 42%
Bill Frist 47% John Kerry 42%
Wesley Clark 46% Bill Frist 45%

March 7, 2008 - Bill Frist concedes defeat, offers support for Mitt Romney

NASHVILLE, TN - Surrounded by family and friends, Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist conceded the GOP Presidential Nomination to Former Governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney. "Moments ago, I spoke with Governor Mitt Romney and offered him my concession. I also offered my support because it's critical the Republican Party win this election," Frist told reporters and his campaign team.

Mitt Romney becomes Presumptive GOP Presidential Nomination, accepts victory in Pennsylvania speech


"Our victory in this primary is not about one candidate, one party, or one election. It's about the future of America and the need to change Washington now. It's about a President who let us down, an economy facing great challenge, unsustainable national debt, and a world that is becoming more complex by the moment. I'm honored to lead our movement for real change and tonight, we can claim that I will be the Republican nominee for President of the United States. I fully recognize the responsibility you have given me. Let me be very clear. This campaign will offer the American people two visions and two different sets of experiences. I will go to every corner of this country and fight for every vote. My message is our message. It's about embracing free enterprise and implementing policies aimed at getting government off the backs of hard working men and women in this country. It's a message about fiscal responsibility and limited government. It's a message about how to best make this world more peaceful and make America safer. I look forward to the opportunity to take our case to the American people and I am confident we will win this election" - Mitt Romney, Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee  

March 10, 2008 - SOURCES: Who's in, who's out of Romney V.P. game?

BOSTON, MA - Sources close to both Mitt Romney's presidential campaign and the Republican National Committee spoke to the Boston Globe about Romney's thought process as to who to name his running-mate. The sources said Romney already has a list of about a dozen names, but won't announce a running-mate until the vetting process is over. Some of the sources said Romney would name his running-mate in early August prior to the Republican National Convention. One source told the Globe that Romney's campaign manager, Beth Myers, had advised the candidate to either pick Former Governor of Florida Jeb Bush, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, or Former National Security Adviser Condi Rice as his running-mate. The sources also indicated that while both Bush and U.S. Senator Judd Gregg of New Hampshire had become Romney's most active surrogates and campaign advisers, neither one of them were jockeying for the position. The campaign and RNC staffers also discussed Senator John McCain of Arizona, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Virginia, Former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, and House Speaker John Boehner as other possible Romney V.P. picks, one source stated. According to the sources, only three elected officials told Romney they'd be interested in the position. They are Governor of Alaska Sarah Palin, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas, Former Romney opponent Rudy Giuliani, and U.S. Senator Norm Coleman of Minnesota. Romney campaign manager Beth Myers told aides to keep Hutchison and Coleman in mind, but that Palin wasn't a credible candidate, according to at least three sources.

[erſatz-york]

Romney has many good choices available to him. I would go for Rice if I were him, as her foreign policy gravitas would be a good companion to Romney's domestic focus and record. She will also be a strong candidate to secure a third term for the GOP in 2016 (if Romney is elected and then re-elected).

[morgankingsley]

It looks like Romney might win with at least a 5 percent popular vote victory. I for one think that Romney was so much better than Obama and wished that he would have won. So it will be nice to see (as it looks so far) him getting the victory that he deserved

[BushKerry04]

March 12, 2008 - Clarks takes Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama Democratic Primaries


Louisiana Democratic Primary
Wesley Clark 57%
John Kerry 42%
Other 1%

Mississippi Democratic Primary
Wesley Clark 61%
John Kerry 38%
Other 1%

Alabama Democratic Primary
Wesley Clark 53%
John Kerry 46%
Other 1%

March 15, 2008 - Romney tours four blue states

PARSIPPANY, NJ - Presumptive GOP Presidential Nominee Mitt Romney started his general election campaign by going to four blue states. Romney held events in New Jersey, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota. Former Governor of Florida Jeb Bush, Former Mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani, and U.S. Senator Joe Liberman of Connecticut, an independent who caucuses with the Democrats, joined Romney on the trail. Romney's has continued to tout his experience as a Washington outsider and his economic plan, which he says will create 10 million new jobs.

March 19, 2008 - President Kerry wins Illinois, Delaware, and Maryland Democratic Primaries


Illinois Democratic Primary
John Kerry 52%
Wesley Clark 47%
Other 1%

Delaware Democratic Primary
John Kerry 62%
Wesley Clark 37%
Other 1%

Maryland Democratic Primary
John Kerry 55%
Wesley Clark 44%
Other 1%

March 23, 2008 - Trump: I won't support Romney or the Democrats, people "asking me" to run third party if Kerry won the Democratic Nomination

WASHINGTON, DC - Billionaire Donald J. Trump, who had supported Rudy Giuliani for President, told NBC News that people were urging him to run for President as an independent if President John Kerry won his party's nomination for a second term. "Personally, I can't support Mitt Romney or either of the Democratic candidates. I think both Mitt Romney and the President will keep us in Iraq. Iraq is a disaster and it's time to end the war. All three of the candidates support the kind of trade agreements that have shipped jobs overseas. So I'm going to consider running third party, people are trying to get me to do it if Kerry wins the primary because you have Republicans who oppose these silly trade agreements and Democrats who oppose the war that want me to run," Trump said.

[TheSaint250]

Thanks for the maps.

If I were Romney, I'd pick Coleman. It could alienate conservatives, but it seems like he really wants to win some blue states. A moderate Republican could do the job.

[BushKerry04]

March 23, 2008 - Kerry wins Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Washington primaries

March 23, 2008 Democratic Primary Results
Pennsylvania - Kerry 51% Clark 48%
Vermont - Kerry 57% Clark 42%
Washington - Kerry 60% Clark 39%

April 1, 2008 - Kerry takes DC, Delaware, and Rhode Island; Clark wins Kentucky

April 1, 2008 Democratic Primary Results
DC - Kerry 82% Clark 17%
Delaware - Kerry 59% Clark 40%
Rhode Island - Kerry 67% Clark 32%
Kentucky - Clark 55% Kerry 44%

April 15, 2008 - Kerry wins Connecticut, Oregon primaries as Clark wins Texas

April 15, 2008 Democratic Primary Results
Connecticut - Kerry 71% Clark 28%
Oregon - Kerry 53% Clark 46%
Texas - Clark 60% Kerry 39%

April 23, 2008 - Kerry secures victory in Utah, Wisconsin

April 23, 2008 Democratic Primary Results
Utah - Kerry 65% Clark 34%
Wisconsin - Kerry 49.7% Clark 49.5%

April 25, 2008 - Romney takes second four day bus tour of blue states

SACRAMENTO, CA - Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee Mitt Romney took a second four-day, three-state bus tour of California, Oregon, and Washington. Romney went to the three blue states and committed to "fighting for every vote" in those states. He was joined on the campaign trail by U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT) and U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ)

May 12, 2008 - Kerry takes Hawaii, Clark takes West Virginia

May 12, 2008 Democratic Primary Results
Hawaii - Kerry 92% Clark 7%
West Virginia - Clark 60% Kerry 39%

May 20, 2008 - President Kerry wins North Carolina primary

John Kerry 50%
Wesley Clark 49%

May 27, 2008 - Clark wins Wyoming Caucuses

Wesley Clark 57%
John Kerry 42%

June 5, 2008 - BREAKING: With wins in California, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Virginia, Kerry secures Democratic nomination; Clark wins Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota


June 5, 2008 Democratic Primary Results
California - Kerry 55% Clark 44%
New Jersey - Kerry 61% Clark 38%
New Mexico - Kerry 51% Clark 48%
Virginia - Kerry 49.7% Clark 49.5%
Kansas - Clark 57% Kerry 42%
Nebraska - Clark 54% Kerry 45%
South Dakota - Clark 67% Kerry 32%
North Dakota - Clark 65% Kerry 34%


Primary Results

DEM Nomination
John F. Kerry 53% 2,204 delegates (2,105 needed to win)
Wesley Clark 46% 1,575 delegates (2,105 needed to win)

Red = Kerry
Blue = Clark

GOP Nomination
Mitt Romney 53% 1,477 delegates (1,082 needed to win)
Bill Frist 25% 402 delegates (1,082 needed to win)
Rudy Giuliani 20% 265 delegates (1,082 needed to win)
Other 2% 25 delegates (1,082 needed to win)

Red = Romney
Blue = Frist

June 6, 2008 - Kerry accepts victory in Ohio speech, Clark concedes defeat at Arkansas Press Conference

LITTLE ROCK, AR - Retired General Wesley Clark ended his campaign for the Democratic Presidential Nomination at a press conference at his campaign headquarters in Little Rock, Arkansas. Clark thanked his supporters and congratulated President John Kerry on securing the Democratic Presidential Nomination. Clark didn't offer Kerry his support or endorsement.


"Thank you, Ohio, and thank you to my fellow Democrats for once again giving me the honor of allowing me to represent our party in the fall election. Thanks to your support, encouragement, and enthusiasm, we have secured victory. I want to thank General Wesley Clark for his gracious phone call congratulating us on our victory. The General has served our country with honor and distinction for a long time. He and his supporters can be proud of the campaign they ran. I understand the challenges America faces at this moment in history. I heard the voices of General Clark's supporters who want to end the war in Iraq. All of us here today also want to end the war in Iraq. Let me be frank with the American people. I can't promise that all of our troops will be home within my second term, but I can promise that the war will be over in a second term. I'm running for re-election as President on my record, our record of building a stronger America. We've passed bi-partisan immigration reform that's made us safer while bringing hard working people seeking a better life out of the shadows. We've raised the minimum wage for the first time in nearly a decade for the working poor while asking the wealthy to pay their fair share of taxes. We've stabilized Iraq and enforced the previous administration's sanctions on Iran. While America is safer and stronger today than we were four years ago, we have work to do. This campaign is about fighting to bridge the income gap, making our election process more transparent, and investing in health care and education so our economy can prosper. It's about strong leadership now. Our campaign is about fighting for those who've been left behind" - President John Kerry

June 10, 2008 - Donald J. Trump launches independent bid for President

NEW YORK, NY - Billionaire Donald J. Trump announced his candidacy for President of the United States. "I am running for President because we have a Democratic President who won't end this war in Iraq and who gave amnesty to illegal aliens here at home, and we have a Republican challenger who supports all these trade agreements that ship jobs overseas and who opposes health care for the American worker. I know America can do better and I think I'd be a far better President than either of them, so I'll run as an independent," Trump stated.

June 15, 2008 - Romney starts general election with strong advantage over Kerry, Trump nationally, in key states


National
Mitt Romney (R) 45%
John Kerry (D) 38%
Donald Trump (I) 12%
Undecided/Other 5%

Ohio
Mitt Romney (R) 40%
John Kerry (D) 32%
Donald Trump (I) 23%
Undecided/Other 5%

Florida
Mitt Romney (R) 47%
John Kerry (D) 40%
Donald Trump (I) 5%
Undecided/Other 8%

Colorado
Mitt Romney (R) 46%
John Kerry (D) 40%
Donald Trump (I) 6%
Undecided/Other 8%

Virginia
Mitt Romney (R) 42%
John Kerry (D) 41%
Donald Trump (I) 10%
Undecided/Other 7%

Pennsylvania
Mitt Romney (R) 40%
John Kerry (D) 40%
Donald Trump (I) 17%
Undecided/Other 3%

[morgankingsley]

I half cheered when Trump announced his campaign. I can't decide between him and Romney now.

Let's not forget this was before 2016, so none of his campaign messages would apply here I assume since we are dealing with IRAQ now and Trump was still looked like as a moderate US hero back then

Plus without Twitter or the birther controversy, he will look even more favorably among polls. I have a feeling he will win at least one or two states

[BushKerry04]

I half cheered when Trump announced his campaign. I can't decide between him and Romney now.

Let's not forget this was before 2016, so none of his campaign messages would apply here I assume since we are dealing with IRAQ now and Trump was still looked like as a moderate US hero back then

Plus without Twitter or the birther controversy, he will look even more favorably among polls. I have a feeling he will win at least one or two states

He's running as the anti-war candidate, yes. But his populist message still applies.

June 20, 2008 - Current Political Television Ads on the air


"Kerry's record" (running in Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Florida, North Carolina, and New Hampshire only)
Narrator: John Kerry's record? 3.7 million jobs lost. Unemployment the highest in a generation. More poverty than at anytime since the 60s. Median income down $2,800. The largest tax increase in history. National debt nearly double. It's time for real change.
Mitt Romney: If we want real change in Washington, we'll have to start by changing who's in Washington. I come from the business world and have a plan to get our economy moving again. It starts with a 30% tax cut for everyone, a lower corporate tax, reversing regulations that hurt job growth, investing in job training programs, and reducing the cost of health insurance by encouraging competition. I'm Mitt Romney, I'm running for President, and I approve this message because it's time for real change in Washington.

"Lieberman" (running in Connecticut, Maine, Washington, and Oregon only)
Joe Lieberman: I'm Senator Joe Lieberman. In 2000, I had the honor of being the Democratic nominee for Vice President. But today, I'm supporting Republican Mitt Romney for President. Mitt wants to work with both parties to invest in vocational training for workers who've lost their jobs in the Kerry economy, to improve our nation's infrastructure, and to ensure more Americans can afford health insurance. For real change in Washington, vote Mitt Romney for President.
Mitt Romney: I'm Mitt Romney, I'm running for President, and I approve this message.

"Second Term" (running in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan)
John Kerry: Over the last four years, we've worked together to secure our border, help more people come to America legally, increase the minimum wage while asking the wealthy to pay their fair share, and combat global warming. A second term affords us the opportunity to continue to build a stronger America. That means ending the war in Iraq, investing in health care for more Americans, and making government more effective and transparent. Together, I know there's nothing we can't accomplish. I'm John Kerry and I approved this ad.


"Fighter" (running in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan)
Donald Trump: Mitt Romney believes that health care access should be limited to his donors and that trade agreements like NAFTA that have ruined beautiful parts of the midwest thanks to a loss in manufacturing jobs should stay in place. Our President believes that America should stay in Iraq indefinitely and he just gave amnesty to illegal aliens. I want to stand up for those who don't have a voice and those who have been victims of crime. I want to stop shipping our wealth and jobs overseas. I will be the President who isn't bought and paid for by special interests. I'll be the President who makes us safe, brings our jobs back, and ends this war. I'm Donald Trump and I approved this ad.

July 10, 2008 - Trump announces selection of Buddy Roemer as running-mate

CLEVELAND, OH - Independent Presidential Hopeful Donald J. Trump announced his selection of Former Governor of Louisiana Buddy Roemer to be his running-mate in the 2008 presidential election. "On the border, on getting us out of Iraq, and on bringing our jobs back, Buddy Roemer is the best there is," Trump said.

July 20, 2008 - Clark endorses Kerry, blasts Trump at Michigan event

LANSING, MI - Former Democratic Presidential Candidate Wesley Clark endorsed President John Kerry's re-election campaign and attacked Independent Presidential Candidate Wesley Clark at an event in Lansing, Michigan. "The President and I have our differences, but we agree on more than we disagree on. The President gave me his word that he will end this war in Iraq as soon as possible. I said when I announced my campaign for President that I wanted to end the war with a plan, John Kerry has a plan. Now, there is another candidate in this race who wants to win over my supporters. He's trying to tell you he will end this war, he doesn't know how to. Make no mistake about it, Donald Trump is not prepared to lead our military. I'm here today to endorse the President because he will end this war and rebuild our nation here at home," Clark stated.

July 21, 2008 - Trump creates contraversey, says Wesley Clark is a "political General, not a real general."

WASHINGTON, DC - In response to Retired General Wesley Clark's comments about him, Independent Presidential Hopeful Donald J. Trump said that Clark was not really a general. "Look, the truth is I don't care what some political general, and he's a political general not a real general, has to say about me. He is right on Iraq but this guy really got us into some other wars when his buddy Bill Clinton gave him the title of NATO Supreme Allied Commander for political reasons," Trump said.

July 22, 2008 - Romney, Kerry, Clinton, Bush defend Clark

WASHINGTON, DC - President John Kerry, Republican Presidential Hopeful Mitt Romney, Former President George W. Bush, and Former President Bill Clinton all defended Retired General and Former Democratic Presidential Hopeful Wesley Clark after Independent Presidential Hopeful Donald J. Trump called him a "political general." "Donald Trump has once again showed his true colors by attacking one of our military's most honorable heroes in history," President Kerry told reporters at a White House briefing. At a Clinton Foundation event, Former President of the United States Bill Clinton also came to Clark's defense. "General Clark is amongst the most intelligent people I know. He also is known universally as a courageous patriot and I am honored to have had the opportunity to meet him during my time as President and have been honored to call him a friend," Clinton stated. Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney demanded Trump apologize to Clark. "There is no question but that General Wesley Clark served our nation well. He is amongst the bravest and brightest amongst us. Donald Trump should immediately apologize to Wesley Clark for his inappropriate comments," Romney told reporters on the campaign trail in Michigan. Former President of the United States George W. Bush, speaking at the University of Texas, also defended Clark and criticized Trump. "No one that I know has ever questioned a General's commitment to service or country. Wesley Clark ran for the Democratic nomination in 2004 and was critical of me, I never took it personally and neither should Mr. Trump. I've met General Clark and have nothing but respect for him, I think Donald Trump should show respect for our veterans whether or not he agrees with their politics," Bush declared.

August 1, 2008 - SOURCES: Romney to announce running-mate on August 10, list down to five names

NEW YORK, NY - Multiple sources told the New York Times that Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee Mitt Romney will announce his running-mate at an event in Miami Beach, Florida on August 10th. Sources with knowledge of the campaign's Vice Presidential vetting process told the Times that the campaign had narrowed their list down to seven names in recent days, but that two of the vetted candidates, House Speaker John Boehner and Governor of Minnesota Tim Pawlenty, were told by Romney aides that the candidate decided to go in a different direction. Two sources confirmed that the five finalists are U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Virginia, Former Governor of Florida Jeb Bush, Former Mayor of New York City & GOP Presidential Hopeful Rudy Giuliani, and Businessman Morry Taylor, a 1996 GOP Presidential Hopeful. Romney campaign manager Beth Myers, Communications Director Matt Rhoades, and Romney's eldest son, Tagg Romney, have advised the candidate to select Bush. However, Romney pollster Neil Newhouse and the candidate's Former business partner Bob White have advised the candidate to select Giuliani.

[Jaguar4life]

I'm going to say prob Bush or Giuliani

[BushKerry04]

I'm going to say prob Bush or Giuliani

You are right....

August 10, 2008 - BREAKING: Romney taps Bush as running-mate at Miami Beach, Florida rally

MIAMI BEACH, FL - At a campaign rally with over 2,500 supporters, Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee Mitt Romney announced that Former Governor of Florida Jeb Bush would be his running-mate in the 2008 presidential election. "Jeb Bush's experience in the private sector, in education, and as a Governor who drastically cut taxes, defended the second amendment, and improved education through charters and choice is the kind of experience America needs in a Vice President," Romney said.

August 15, 2008 - "Democrats for Romney" coalition formed

DOVER, NH - The campaign of Presumptive GOP Presidential Nominee Mitt Romney announced the formation of a coalition, Democrats for Romney, aimed at garnering Democratic support for the Republican candidate. U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and Former Governor of Virginia Douglas Wilder will co-chair the coalition.

August 20, 2008 - Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT) gives RNC Keynote Address


"The election in November is about who can best protect the American people and who can best restore our economy to prosperity. Eight years ago, I ran for Vice President of the United States on the Democratic ticket. Two years ago, the voters of Connecticut re-elected me as a Democrat. But today, I put country before party and support Mitt Romney and Jeb Bush. Mitt Romney wants to help us reduce regulations that hurt small businesses, invest in job training to help workers across America who've seen their jobs shipped overseas find new ones, improve our nation's infrastructure, and cut taxes for middle and lower income Americans. Great Presidents of both political parties, from John F. Kennedy to Ronald Reagan, agreed with these kinds of policies to help put Americans back to work. John Kerry has proven over the past four years that he's not capable of restoring our economy to prosperity. He told us he'd move America in a new direction. He promised us he'd fight to lower the cost of health care, assist small businesses trying to expand and grow, improve the quality of education, and invest in strengthening our military. He's broken every one of those promises, plus countless more. This is not a time for failed leadership, it's a time for real change" - Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-CT)

August 22, 2008 - Former Governor Jeb Bush (R-FL) accepts Republican Vice Presidential Nomination


"My family is no stranger to the office I seek, nor the office Mitt Romney seeks. Both Governor Romney and I come from families with a tradition of public service. Yet, neither of us is a career Washington politician. Mitt spent his career turning businesses around, I spent my career in real estate development and as a leader in Florida's education system. Both of us served as Governors, where we both cut taxes, balanced budgets, promoted school choice, and defended the constitutional rights of those we served. Our experience in the private sector and as successful Governors prepares us to lead the fight to turn our economy around. Under President Kerry, nearly 4 million Americans have lost their jobs. Poverty has hit it's highest level in five decades. The national debt has nearly doubled. Median incomes have fallen as the cost of health care and education has risen. In this era of great challenge to our economy, it's going to take new leadership to turn things around. John Kerry had his chance, he let us down, and now it's time for real change in Washington. Mitt Romney and I want to work with Congress and the American people to pass tax relief, regulatory reform, health care reform, legislation to increase funding for job training programs at local community colleges, and legislation to increase the number of free trade agreements so we can create jobs and see wages rise again. John Kerry believes that central planning in Washington and more government regulation creates jobs. We believe that free enterprise is the best tool to grow our economy" - Jeb Bush, Republican Vice Presidential Nominee

August 23, 2008 - Former Governor Mitt Romney (R-MA) accepts Republican Presidential Nomination


"My fellow citizens, I accept your nomination for President of the United States. Over the course of this campaign, we've gone across the nation bringing our message of real change for the American people. Our message is one of hope and optimism about our nation's future. I am honored to lead our movement. I believe my experience in the private sector creating jobs, balancing budgets, and turning companies around will serve me well should I be given the honor to serve as President. Today, Americans face great challenges. Millions of Americans struggle to find work, make ends meet, and care for themselves and their families. Unfortunately, the career politicians in Washington have failed us. But together, we believe in America. We believe in free enterprise, family, and country. Our agenda for the future of this great land is about restoring economic prosperity so every American can find a good paying job. My economic plan cuts taxes on every American business and taxpayer, eliminates burdensome regulations that stop businesses from growing and expanding, creates competition in health care to lower the cost of insurance so your hard-earned money goes further, allows American companies to compete in new markets through free trade, and invests in job training and placement programs at our community colleges because it's our communities, not the federal government, that best assist those who are struggling in the Kerry economy. The Wall Street Journal endorsed my plan and has said this is the path America needs to create 10 million new jobs, reduce the national debt, and increase wages for the American worker. Together, we can ensure the next decade and the next generation is a time of unprecedented economic growth and opportunity for all Americans" - Mitt Romney, Republican Presidential Nominee

[BushKerry04]

August 27, 2008 - Retired General Wesley Clark, Former Democratic Presidential Hopeful, gives keynote address to Democratic National Convention

"Mitt Romney and Donald Trump are the candidates of Wall Street, our President is the candidate of Main Street. They believe in tax breaks for the very rich, our President raised the minimum wage for the working poor. They support reducing regulations that have protected the American worker, the President has put in place new legal protections for the American worker. They believe in stripping environmental regulations, our President has taken on the climate crisis. They believe in ignoring education, our President has invested more in public education than any President in history. When you really think about it, the choice is clear." - Retired General Wesley Clark
August 29, 2008 - Vice President John Edwards accepts Democratic Vice Presidential Nomination

"Four years ago, we started on a journey together to build a stronger America for this generation and the next. We sought to bridge the gap between rich and poor, fight for the rights of every American, and create stability in Iraq while making America safer. Today, we've accomplished what we've set out to do. We asked the wealthy to pay their fair share of taxes, finally, while raising the minimum wage. We passed bi-partisan immigration reform that secures our border while bringing undocumented workers who want to realize the American dream out of the shadows. We've trained the Iraqis to care for their own security and now see the end of this war in Iraq in sight. Despite all of this work, our opponents still find room to try and mislead the American people. Governor Mitt Romney is trying to sell you a recycled Republican platform that gives tax breaks to the very rich while allowing large corporations to pollute our air and water. Donald Trump is playing on our fears and dividing Americans in ways we haven't seen in decades. John Kerry and I offer the American people strong leadership now" - Vice President John Edwards
August 30, 2008 - President John Kerry accepts Democratic Presidential Nomination

"Tonight my fellow citizens, honored with the chance to serve as your President and ready to lead our country for another four years, I accept our party's nomination for President of the United States. I do so recognizing the responsibility I have, to both unite our party and our country so that we can finish the job we started four years ago. There is no question but that America faces extraordinary challenges. However, we are better prepared to face those challenges today than we were just four short years ago. Another term gives us another opportunity to continue to strive for a stronger America here at home and abroad. My second term, much like my first term, will be dedicated to bridging the gap in opportunity between rich and poor, protecting the rights of every American, and building stability in the world to make America safer and bring our enemies to justice. I'm the only candidate in this race with the experience to ensure that happens. I'm also proud of the work we've done over the past four years raising the federal minimum wage, asking the wealthy to pay their fair share of taxes, investing more in public education than any previous administration, securing our border and helping hard working immigrants realize that they too can realize the American dream, and making sure that Iraq is a stable, young democracy. While we still face challenges and while our opponents continuously exaggerate those challenges, I know America's best days are ahead" - President John Kerry  
September 15, 2008 - Lehman Brother's in trouble, causes financial crisis

WASHINGTON, DC - Following the collapse of investment bank Lehman Brothers, the U.S. and world faces a financial crisis having to do with the banking and housing industries. Other industries will also be impacted as the U.S. economy was already predicted to go into recession.
September 23, 2008 - President Kerry, House Republicans announce $700 billion Wall Street bailout; Romney critical of bailout, Trump supportive

WASHINGTON, DC - President John Kerry and House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) announced a financial bailout plan that would cost the federal government $700 billion. Independent Presidential Hopeful Donald Trump immediately endorsed the plan as Republican Presidential Nominee Mitt Romney said that while he favored "some sort of measure to help bring stability to our financial markets," he opposed the Kerry-Boehner legislation because it "provided no protections for the American taxpayer".
September 27, 2008 - President Kerry calls for $600 billion stimulus package, Trump puts forth economic plan

CLEVELAND, OH - While on the campaign trail in Ohio, President John Kerry called for passage of a $600 billion economic stimulus package that would fund new infrastructure projects, invest in job training programs, increase green energy tax credits, and expanded health care coverage to 4.5 million Americans. Just miles away from the President, Independent Presidential Hopeful Donald Trump held an event of his own, where he called for a $2.5 trillion tax cut that would lower the corporate tax rate to 15%, eliminate the federal estate tax, and establish a 10% national luxury tax on consumer goods above $300 while also creating a 10% flat income tax. Trump also called to renegotiate or reverse free trade agreements, expand eligibility for SCHIP, and invest $1 trillion into the nation's infrastructure.

[BushKerry04]

October 5, 2008 - In first debate moderated by Anderson Cooper, candidates clash on domestic policy


Notable debate moments

COOPER: On the economy in general, what separates you from the other two candidates in the race?
ROMNEY: I think my experience and my vision for the future of this country is what separates me from President Kerry and Mr. Trump. President Kerry spent his entire career in Washington, Mr. Trump spent most of his career filing for bankruptcy. I have the experience of balancing budgets, making payroll, turning companies around, and creating jobs. Did I have failures? Of course I did, but I learned from them. I'm proud of my record in business helping to turn around companies like Staples and Dominos Pizza. As a candidate for President, I've been very specific about the kind of economic policies I'd fight for. My plan cuts taxes for every income taxpayer, business, and investor in America, reverses this President's burdensome regulations, helps local governments invest in job training and placement programs, allows our workers and businesses to compete in new markets through free trade, and lowers the cost of health insurance by promoting competition. President Kerry has no strategy for growing our economy other than raising taxes and increasing debt. Mr. Trump has no strategy to grow our economy other than isolating ourselves from the rest of the world, which would hurt trade with our allies in South America and Europe. The Wall Street Journal endorsed my plan and said it would create jobs and increase wages. That's what America needs right now
KERRY: I think what separates myself with both Governor Romney and Mr. Trump are our priorities. My priorities over the past four years have been raising the federal minimum wage while asking the wealthy to pay their fair share of taxes, investing in public education, and creating economic stability over the course of the past several weeks after the financial crisis happened. I've put forth an economic plan that invests in infrastructure, job training, and tax credits to encourage the green economy to grow and thrive. Governor Romney is running on a platform that includes cutting taxes for the very wealthy and gutting regulations that protect our air and water. Mr. Trump believes in an even larger tax cut for the rich. Their priorities are to help millionaires and billionaires, my priority is everyday Americans who are suffering because of failed policies out of Washington under the Republicans and reckless behavior by Wall Street.
TRUMP: First of all, my tax plan cuts everyone's taxes. But more to the point, I'll stop letting the American worker get screwed. Both Governor Romney and the President support NAFTA and all of these trade agreements that have caused millions of manufacturing jobs to be sent overseas. Mitt advocated for these jobs to be sent overseas and the President supported all these unfair trade agreements. You see, I'm a negotiator. These guys talk about policies they'll pass and I'll be great at passing policies, but I'll negotiate better trade agreements. I'd also add that you have Governor Romney who believes millions of people should go without health insurance, then you have the President who thinks we should have socialized medicine. I'm for universal health care coverage but we do it by covering everyone with health care who is too poor to afford it, yet we lower the cost for people who can afford it by allowing insurance to be purchased across state lines. This would help improve our economy because businesses would come back to America. Then of course my tax plan: we cut the corporate tax to 15% and create a 10% income tax and 10% national luxury tax. That'll create jobs for American workers.

COOPER: Today, the House of Representatives began debate on the President's $600 billion stimulus package, just weeks after the President signed into law the $700 billion Wall Street bailout package. Do you support or oppose these policies?
KERRY: I didn't see much of a choice with regards to the $700 billion we invested in protecting financial institutions in order to ensure the American economy remains stable. Sometimes when your President, you have to make tough decisions and that was a tough decision I made. I'm grateful that House Speaker John Boehner agreed with me. With regards to the stimulus package I've proposed, we are dealing with a very fragile economy right now as a result of the financial collapse. What my plan does is ensure that workers who are struggling today have a job to go to. Investing in infrastructure is a key component of the plan because there are many projects that are ready to go and have been for some time, but that have lacked the proper financing. The plan also ensures that the over 2 million Americans who've lost their health insurance over the past eight years have one less thing to worry about right now. I hope that the House Republicans will come to the table to work with me on reforming our health care system if I am re-elected this fall. So I stand by these policies and believe that while they might not be popular in some circles, they are the right policies for America
TRUMP: I supported the bank bailout because millions of Americans would've lost their homes and savings had we not spent that money. Shame on Governor Romney for opposing that money, this is the same Mitt Romney that forced thousands of workers to lose their jobs in manufacturing facilities in places like Indiana and Michigan. As far as the stimulus, I support the concept of investing in our infrastructure because our roads are falling apart in many cases. Unfortunately, George W. Bush and John Kerry spent trillions of dollars building roads in Iraq, but not in America. I will be the greatest jobs President this country has ever seen because I know how to negotiate, I know these trade deals haven't worked, and I want us to invest in infrastructure and stop declaring war on the coal industry and others.
ROMNEY: I oppose the President's $600 billion stimulus package because that policy is only a temporary solution, and an expensive one at that, to a problem that is going to impact us long-term. Government taxes too much, borrows too much, regulates too much, and spends too much. Until we recognize that and resolve to change things, our economy won't grow and the American people won't be able to find good paying jobs. What the President's stimulus package does is have government pick winners and losers, it does nothing to solve the broader economic challenges we face today. I do agree with both the President and Mr. Trump that we need to invest in our infrastructure. As far as the Wall Street bailout, the President and I agree that leadership is about making tough decisions. The right decision for the President would have been to ensure that when we bailed out Lehman brothers and others, those institutions would have to pay the American taxpayer back within two years. The President declined to ensure that and so I opposed the legislation that was passed, though I did support some sort of assistance for the firms who received funds.

October 8, 2008 - POLL: Romney in the lead, won first debate


Debate Winner
Mitt Romney 55%
John Kerry 30%
Donald Trump 10%

Presidential Preference
National - Romney 44% Kerry 36% Trump 17%
Ohio - Romney 38% Kerry 31% Trump 18%
Florida - Romney 45% Kerry 35% Trump 12%
Colorado - Romney 39% Kerry 32% Trump 12%
Pennsylvania - Kerry 36% Romney 34% Trump 19%
Iowa - Romney 37% Kerry 36% Trump 20%
New Hampshire - Romney 35% Kerry 35% Trump 15%
Wisconsin - Kerry 38% Romney 35% Trump 21%
Michigan - Kerry 37% Romney 35% Trump 20%
Nevada - Romney 45% Kerry 34% Trump 12%
North Carolina - Kerry 37% Romney 36% Trump 18%

[super6646]

The polls are giving me so much 1992 election deja-vu. Trump is Ross Perot 2.0, with Romney winning a plurality and Kerry behind by a large margin.

[BushKerry04]

The polls are giving me so much 1992 election deja-vu. Trump is Ross Perot 2.0, with Romney winning a plurality and Kerry behind by a large margin.

Interesting observation!

October 9, 2008 - Strategy Update

Mitt Romney - The GOP Presidential Nominee is considered by most pundits to be the favorite to win the election. Romney's polling numbers, both internal (according to sources) and external, show the candidate leading nationally and in swing-states. The candidate will spend most of his time in mid-western states where Donald Trump is the strongest. These are Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin. However, Romney also plans to spend some time campaigning in blue states he believes he can win. These are New Jersey, Connecticut, Washington, and Oregon. Jeb Bush will spend much of the next few weeks in swing states where Romney's lead is the weakest. These include North Carolina, Nevada, and Iowa. Sources say the Romney campaign believes their efforts to reach out to Hispanic, female, and independent voters has been quite successful. The only fear the campaign has is Donald Trump's strong polling numbers in a few southern states, according to at least one source.
John Kerry - The President's re-election campaign remains afraid that Donald Trump could take enough votes away from the President to cost him the election. According to sources, the campaign believes that the President must rally his base. The President will spend much of the final weeks of the campaign in urban areas of Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Ohio. One source said that the Kerry-Edwards campaign has already conceded Florida. The Vice President will focus much of his attention on rallying support in blue states. The campaign believes their path to victory is to drive-up turnout in urban centers, where the President is still popular. Furthermore, the Kerry team believes they can win by replicating 2004.
Donald Trump - The Trump campaign believes their candidate is in contention in several states in the deep south and mid-west. The campaign has invested heavily in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Sources say that the billionaire's campaign believes the candidate must appeal to Republicans in the south and Democrats in the mid-west in order to win. Donald Trump plans on spending a lot of time in the mid-west while his running-mate works the south between now and the election, sources say.

October 14, 2008 - Jim Lehrer moderates second presidential debate on foreign policy, candidates show contrast

Memorable Debate Moments
LEHRER: What role do you envision the United States having globally?
ROMNEY: The United States should lead by example and seek to lead the world towards peace and prosperity. We must always ensure that our military is second to none, that our borders are secure, and that we stay true to our values. I believe that the United States should be a leader in the world without policing the world. As President, I'll fight to ensure our military is second to none and that we trade freely with our allies, especially those in central and south America, Asia, and Europe.
TRUMP: The problem we have right now is our President would rather keep us bogged down in a useless and stupid war in Iraq rather than invest in strengthening the American military. We shouldn't police the world, but we should be the leader in the fight against radical islam. Governor Romney says he wants to build a strong military, but he hasn't committed to investing an additional $300 billion to do so the way I have. We need a strong military and a strong border.
KERRY: I agree with Governor Romney that the United States should be a leader in the world. Under my watch, we've taken a leadership role working with our allies at the United Nations in combating global warming, standing up for the rights of every human, and cracking down on human trafficking. We've also been tough towards our adversaries such as North Korea and Iran. America must lead, but we must also work with the international community on important issues.

LEHRER: What separates you from your fellow candidates on foreign policy?
KERRY: Governor Romney and Mr. Trump have no real foreign policy experience. I've been involved in every foreign policy issue that has faced America going back to the Reagan administration. As President, I've presided over Iraq becoming a stable democracy and new sanctions against North Korea. But while I've been tough when necessary, I also know how to build alliances and that's what we've done in the past four years
ROMNEY: I believe what separates myself from the President on foreign policy is that I am fully committed to both strengthening our military and to trading freely with our allies. I want us to lead the world in innovation and entrepreneurship. I also want to ensure that our military is properly funded. The President slashed our defense budget by $75 billion, I will oppose cutting the defense budget and instead want to invest in increasing the size of our military. That said, I am not interested in nation building and policing the world like this President is.
TRUMP: Iraq is the biggest difference between us on foreign policy, though there are a lot of differences. I'm the only one up here who opposed the war in Iraq back in 2003, I'm the only one up here who has pledged $300 billion to rebuild our military, and I'm the only one up here who will stop Iran because I'm tough and a great negotiator, I'll be very tough on Iran and I'll get them to stop what they are doing.

October 17, 2008 - POLL: Kerry won the second Presidential Debate

Who won the second presidential debate?
John Kerry 40%
Mitt Romney 37%
Donald Trump 10%
No one 13%

October 20, 2008 - Chuck Todd moderates Vice Presidential Debate


Notable Debate Moments
TODD: What do you believe separates you from the other two candidates running for Vice President?
BUSH: Governor Romney and I both have very different experiences from the other candidates in this race. I spent more than two decades in the private sector creating jobs and balancing budgets before I became a Governor who cut taxes, protecting the second amendment rights of every Floridian, and improved education by promoting charters, choice, and accountability in our public schools. Mitt Romney and I have real world experience as well as experience as successful, reform-minded Governors. I also believe our vision for the future is different than the others in this race. We have an economic plan that relies on competition in the free market to grow our economy, everyone else in this race believes in bigger and more expensive government.
ROEMER: Both Governor Bush and the Vice President have allegiances to their respective political parties. I was a Democrat in the 70s, a Reagan Democrat in the 80s, and a registered Republican for more than two decades. Unfortunately, these two political parties have become too extreme for my taste. The Democrats have embraced the failed spend & tax policies of the past while the Republicans have become the party of supporting unnecessary foreign wars. I simply don't identify with either political party and believe that having an independent President and Vice President will better serve the American people. Donald Trump and I will bring our jobs back to America and end this war in Iraq, those are our priorities, not raising money for the Democratic of Republican National Committee.
EDWARDS: President Kerry and I believe that the priorities we have versus the others in this race are what separates us. The President and I fought to raise the federal minimum wage while asking the wealthy to pay their fair share of taxes, invest in public education at the highest levels in history, secure our border while bringing undocumented workers out of the shadows so they can realize the American dream, and we've proposed a $600 billion plan to invest in health care and our infrastructure. The other candidates in this race support giving tax breaks to the wealthy, gutting environmental protections, and more military spending that the pentagon has not requested. 

TODD: How can you and your running-mate unite a divided nation?
EDWARDS: John Kerry and I are committed to uniting our country behind a bold agenda in a second term. Unfortunately, the Republicans in Congress have played politics with the challenges our country faces. John Kerry and I look forward to helping elect men and women who want to rebuild the middle class so that Democrats and Republicans can work together on health care, education, fixing our infrastructure, and the other issues that are crucial to the future success of our country.
BUSH: Mitt Romney and I have done something in this campaign that hasn't been done in a while. We've taken our message of real change and of economic growth to all corners of our country. Our ambition is that we win on November 4th and unite the country behind our economic plan. But more importantly, there is a lack of civility in politics today. Mitt Romney and I have committed to changing that by leading by example. Unfortunately, Mr. Trump is in large part responsible for that during the course of this campaign. Until those of us in leadership roles start acting like leaders, our country will continue to be divided.
ROEMER: First of all, the personal attacks are not necessary, Governor. I think you are seeing the problem here tonight. The career politicians are continuously bickering and calculating their next political move. Donald Trump and I will be focused on fulfilling the campaign promises we've made to the American people. During his career in business, Donald Trump brought people together. I did the same during my career in the private sector. Like I stated earlier, our focus will be on the American people, not raising money for a political party. So I believe Republicans and Democrats can unite behind our agenda since there will be some things Democrats agree with us on, and other things Republicans will agree with us on.

October 22, 2008 - POLL: Edwards, Bush won Vice Presidential Debate

Who won the Vice Presidential Debate?
John Edwards 45%
Jeb Bush 45%
Buddy Roemer 6%
None 4%

[BushKerry04]

October 23, 2008 - Candidates make final case in final Presidential Debate


"The question that we have to ask ourselves yet again is, are we better off today than we were four years ago? With 4 million jobs lost, median incomes falling, the cost of health care rising faster than it was just four years ago, and with record poverty and debt, the answer is no. I believe my experience in the private sector, rescuing the 2002 winter Olympic games, and as a fiscally conservative Governor prepares me to lead our nation to a time of prosperity and peace. My economic plan cuts taxes for everyone, eliminates regulations that harm our job creators, reduces the cost of health insurance, enables our workers and companies to compete in new markets, and helps local governments invest in job training and placement programs. The Wall Street Journal has said my plan would create 10 million new jobs while moving the federal budget towards balance. I believe in America, I believe that we can achieve anything if we put our minds to it. I'm Mitt Romney, I'm running for President to bring real change to Washington, and I humbly ask for your vote on November 4th. Thank you and may God bless America" - Mitt Romney

"For my entire adult life, I've had the honor to serve our country. When I ran for President four years ago, I asked for the opportunity to serve America yet again to strengthen the middle class and those struggling to make it into the middle class. I promised to bring stability to Iraq and an end to the war. Four years later, we've made great progress, but there is more work to do. Another term is another opportunity to fix our broken campaign finance system to make our election process more transparent, cut taxes for working families, invest in our infrastructure, and provide health insurance for more Americans. It's also the time to end this war in Iraq. We can't achieve these goals by electing someone without the experience to lead our country forward. I understand that some of the decisions I've made have not been popular, but I made them because they are what's in the best interests of America.  Leadership is about doing what's right, not what's easy. I'm asking you, the American people, to please cast your ballot for me this November so together, we can continue to build a stronger America" - John Kerry

"Thanks to the weak leadership of this President and the politicians in Washington, we have trade agreements that are sending jobs overseas, a war in Iraq that has no end in sight, a military that isn't being properly cared for, and high health insurance premiums that force working families to struggle to make ends meet. Governor Romney's answer is to essentially continue the Kerry foreign policy and have more trade agreements that ship our jobs here overseas. I'm not a politician, my campaign is not funded by special interests, and I'm not a member of one of these two political parties that only look out for themselves. I'm a businessman, an author, and a very successful negotiator. I will fight for the American worker by bringing our jobs and wealth back to this country and I'll fight for our troops and to make us safer by ending this war in Iraq, something Mitt Romney won't do and John Kerry has failed to do. Together, we will make America great again!" - Donald J. Trump

November 3, 2008 - Election Day Eve

After campaigning in swing states, Romney and Bush speak to crowd of 5,000 in New Jersey

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ - Republican Presidential Nominee Mitt Romney and Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Jeb Bush held their last campaign rally of the 2008 presidential campaign at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, where over 5,000 people cheered them on. The candidates were joined by their families, Former Mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani, U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT), and U.S. Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH). Romney had just finished a three-day bus tour through Ohio, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania; Bush just finished touring his home state of Florida.

President Kerry, Vice President Edwards hold rally in North Carolina, Bill Clinton speaks

CHAPEL HILL, NC - President John Kerry and Vice President John Edwards held their final campaign rally in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.They were joined by First Lady Theresa Heinz Kerry, Former President Bill Clinton, and U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL). Both Kerry and Edwards had spent much of the past three days in both North Carolina and Virginia.

Trump, Roemer hold campaign event in Birmingham, Alabama

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Independent Presidential Hopeful Donald Trump and his running-mate, Former Governor of Louisiana Buddy Roemer, held their final campaign event of the 2008 campaign in Birmingham, Alabama. The event drew approximately 2,000 attendees.

[OSR stands with Israel]

I'm going to say prob Bush or Giuliani

You are right....

August 10, 2008 - BREAKING: Romney taps Bush as running-mate at Miami Beach, Florida rally

MIAMI BEACH, FL - At a campaign rally with over 2,500 supporters, Presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee Mitt Romney announced that Former Governor of Florida Jeb Bush would be his running-mate in the 2008 presidential election. "Jeb Bush's experience in the private sector, in education, and as a Governor who drastically cut taxes, defended the second amendment, and improved education through charters and choice is the kind of experience America needs in a Vice President," Romney said.

August 15, 2008 - "Democrats for Romney" coalition formed

DOVER, NH - The campaign of Presumptive GOP Presidential Nominee Mitt Romney announced the formation of a coalition, Democrats for Romney, aimed at garnering Democratic support for the Republican candidate. U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and Former Governor of Virginia Douglas Wilder will co-chair the coalition.

August 20, 2008 - Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT) gives RNC Keynote Address


"The election in November is about who can best protect the American people and who can best restore our economy to prosperity. Eight years ago, I ran for Vice President of the United States on the Democratic ticket. Two years ago, the voters of Connecticut re-elected me as a Democrat. But today, I put country before party and support Mitt Romney and Jeb Bush. Mitt Romney wants to help us reduce regulations that hurt small businesses, invest in job training to help workers across America who've seen their jobs shipped overseas find new ones, improve our nation's infrastructure, and cut taxes for middle and lower income Americans. Great Presidents of both political parties, from John F. Kennedy to Ronald Reagan, agreed with these kinds of policies to help put Americans back to work. John Kerry has proven over the past four years that he's not capable of restoring our economy to prosperity. He told us he'd move America in a new direction. He promised us he'd fight to lower the cost of health care, assist small businesses trying to expand and grow, improve the quality of education, and invest in strengthening our military. He's broken every one of those promises, plus countless more. This is not a time for failed leadership, it's a time for real change" - Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-CT)

August 22, 2008 - Former Governor Jeb Bush (R-FL) accepts Republican Vice Presidential Nomination


"My family is no stranger to the office I seek, nor the office Mitt Romney seeks. Both Governor Romney and I come from families with a tradition of public service. Yet, neither of us is a career Washington politician. Mitt spent his career turning businesses around, I spent my career in real estate development and as a leader in Florida's education system. Both of us served as Governors, where we both cut taxes, balanced budgets, promoted school choice, and defended the constitutional rights of those we served. Our experience in the private sector and as successful Governors prepares us to lead the fight to turn our economy around. Under President Kerry, nearly 4 million Americans have lost their jobs. Poverty has hit it's highest level in five decades. The national debt has nearly doubled. Median incomes have fallen as the cost of health care and education has risen. In this era of great challenge to our economy, it's going to take new leadership to turn things around. John Kerry had his chance, he let us down, and now it's time for real change in Washington. Mitt Romney and I want to work with Congress and the American people to pass tax relief, regulatory reform, health care reform, legislation to increase funding for job training programs at local community colleges, and legislation to increase the number of free trade agreements so we can create jobs and see wages rise again. John Kerry believes that central planning in Washington and more government regulation creates jobs. We believe that free enterprise is the best tool to grow our economy" - Jeb Bush, Republican Vice Presidential Nominee

August 23, 2008 - Former Governor Mitt Romney (R-MA) accepts Republican Presidential Nomination


"My fellow citizens, I accept your nomination for President of the United States. Over the course of this campaign, we've gone across the nation bringing our message of real change for the American people. Our message is one of hope and optimism about our nation's future. I am honored to lead our movement. I believe my experience in the private sector creating jobs, balancing budgets, and turning companies around will serve me well should I be given the honor to serve as President. Today, Americans face great challenges. Millions of Americans struggle to find work, make ends meet, and care for themselves and their families. Unfortunately, the career politicians in Washington have failed us. But together, we believe in America. We believe in free enterprise, family, and country. Our agenda for the future of this great land is about restoring economic prosperity so every American can find a good paying job. My economic plan cuts taxes on every American business and taxpayer, eliminates burdensome regulations that stop businesses from growing and expanding, creates competition in health care to lower the cost of insurance so your hard-earned money goes further, allows American companies to compete in new markets through free trade, and invests in job training and placement programs at our community colleges because it's our communities, not the federal government, that best assist those who are struggling in the Kerry economy. The Wall Street Journal endorsed my plan and has said this is the path America needs to create 10 million new jobs, reduce the national debt, and increase wages for the American worker. Together, we can ensure the next decade and the next generation is a time of unprecedented economic growth and opportunity for all Americans" - Mitt Romney, Republican Presidential Nominee

2008 version of Reagan/Bush

[BushKerry04]

November 4, 2008 - Mitt Romney elected 45th President of the United States; GOP gains 20 House Seats, maintain control of U.S. Senate despite one loss

Electoral College Vote
Mitt Romney / Jeb Bush (R) 355
John Kerry / John Edwards (D) 154
Donald Trump / Buddy Roemer (I) 29

Popular Vote
Mitt Romney / Jeb Bush (R) 45%
John Kerry / John Edwards (D) 35%
Donald Trump / Buddy Roemer (I) 19%

10:45 P.M. - President Kerry concedes defeat


"Earlier tonight, I spoke with Governor Mitt Romney and congratulated him on an impressive victory. I told the President-elect that I will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition of power. The President-elect and I will meet soon to discuss how we can unite the country. Over the past four years, you gave me the honor just 43 other men in history were given. I am extremely grateful to the American people for the privilege of serving as your President. I remain proud of the things we accomplished together, but I also take responsibility for things that didn't work out. Over the course of this campaign, we've talked about important issues that will greatly impact the future of our country. While we came up short tonight, I have every intention of continuing to fight for our shared values of equality, justice, and a strong America. Despite our disappointment in this election, it is our responsibility to be a part of the process of having America come together behind our President-elect. I am optimistic about the future of our country because I know that Americans are a hard-working, honest, and patriotic people" - President John Kerry

11:25 P.M. - Trump concedes defeat


"When we began this campaign, the political pundits and Washington politicians said we couldn't even win a single state and we had no chance. Tonight, we have done better than any independent ticket in nearly a century. That's a credit to the hard working men and women who supported our campaign to make America great again. Unfortunately, despite us having the strongest message and winning several states, we didn't win the needed votes to win. I congratulate Governor Mitt Romney on his victory tonight and wish him well. Mitt is a good man and has a fantastic family, they can be proud of the campaign they ran. I'll go back to doing what I do best, real estate and the Apprentice. I thank you for your enthusiasm and hope you continue to fight to make America great again because this is a terrific country" - Donald J. Trump

12:15 A.M. - Mitt Romney accepts victory


"Our campaign was never about one candidate, one political party, or even one election. Our campaign has been about bringing real change in Washington so we can build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren. We brought this campaign to every corner of the nation, to many places where Republican candidates haven't gone for a very long time. Today, the American people have spoken. I am so very honored and humbled by the trust you have placed in me. As President of the United States, I will deliver on the promises I made during the course of this campaign. I will also seek to unite the nation because we are stronger as a country when we are united. I want to begin the process of uniting our country by thanking both the President of the United States and Mr. Trump for their gracious phone calls. They both ran energetic campaigns and their supporters should be proud of participating in what defines us as Americans. Now, we move forward as Americans, united and ready to change Washington" - President-elect Mitt Romney

Exit Polls

Exit Polls

By Ideology:
Conservative - Romney 87% Trump 10% Kerry 1%
Moderate - Romney 45% Kerry 33% Trump 21%
Liberal - Kerry 78% Trump 15% Romney 6%
 
By Political Party:
Republican - Romney 89% Trump 8% Kerry 2%
Independent - Romney 45% Kerry 35% Trump 19%
Democratic - Kerry 77% Romney 11% Trump 11%

By Race:
White - Romney 46% Kerry 31% Trump 22%
Hispanic/Latino - Kerry 50% Romney 44% Trump 5%
Black - Kerry 87% Romney 8% Trump 4%
Asian - Kerry 52% Romney 40% Trump 7%
Other - Kerry 85% Romney 12% Trump 2%
 
By Area:
Rural - Romney 42% Kerry 32% Trump 25%
Suburban - Romney 54% Kerry 30% Trump 15%
Urban - Kerry 70% Romney 25% Trump 4%
 
By Region:
Northeast - Kerry 43% Romney 41% Trump 15%
Midwest - Romney 46% Kerry 34% Trump 19%
Rocky Mountains - Romney 70% Kerry 21% Trump 8%
South - Romney 44% Kerry 34% Trump 21%
Southwest - Romney 47% Kerry 42% Trump 10%
 
By Income:
Under $40K - Kerry 48% Romney 40% Trump 11%
$40K-$60K - Kerry 42% Romney 36% Trump 21%
$60K-$85K - Romney 40% Kerry 40% Trump 19%
$85K-$150K - Romney 47% Kerry 35% Trump 17%
$150K-$500K - Romney 50% Kerry 35% Trump 14%
$500K-$1 million - Romney 62% Kerry 30% Trump 7%
Above $1 million - Romney 77% Kerry 20% Trump 2%
 
By Most Important Issue:
Economy - Romney 50% Kerry 30% Trump 19%
Debt - Romney 50% Kerry 40% Trump 9%
Iraq - Trump 34% Romney 31% Kerry 24%
National Security - Kerry 40% Romney 39% Trump 20%
Immigration - Kerry 36% Romney 34% Trump 29%
Health Care - Kerry 42% Romney 38% Trump 19%
Entitlement Programs - Romney 41% Kerry 41% Trump 17%
 
Should the U.S. Withdrawal from Iraq?
Yes 64%
No 30%
Unsure 6%
 
Is the U.S. economy better, worse, or the same today than it was in 2000?
Better 3%
Worse 62%
Same 35%
 
Candidate and running-mate favorability
John Kerry - Favorable 42% Unfavorable 40%
John Edwards - Favorable 45% Unfavorable 39%
Mitt Romney - Favorable 53% Unfavorable 29%
Jeb Bush - Favorable 48% Unfavorable 38%
Donald J. Trump - Favorable 25% Unfavorable 40%
Buddy Roemer - Favorable 41% Unfavorable 35%

Swing State Results
Ohio - Romney 46% Kerry 35% Trump 18%
Virginia - Romney 44% Kerry 40% Trump 15%
Pennsylvania - Romney 42% Kerry 40% Trump 17%
New Mexico - Romney 46% Kerry 41% Trump 12%
Colorado - Romney 50% Kerry 38% Trump 11%
Nevada - Romney 48% Kerry 40% Trump 11%
Iowa - Trump 33.7% Romney 33.2% Kerry 33.1%
New Hampshire - Romney 42% Kerry 41% Trump 16%
North Carolina - Romney 40% Kerry 39% Trump 20%
Florida - Romney 51% Kerry 40% Trump 8%
Michigan - Romney 39% Kerry 30% Trump 20%
Wisconsin - Romney 40.5% Kerry 40.4% Trump 18.5%

Biggest Landslides
Utah - Romney 91% Kerry 8% Trump 0.4%
Wyoming - Romney 82% Kerry 15% Trump 2%
Idaho - Romney 80% Kerry 17% Trump 2%
Hawaii - Kerry 77% Romney 20% Trump 2%
California - Kerry 67% Romney 25% Trump 7%
New York - Kerry 65% Trump 20% Romney 14%

Close States
Iowa - Trump 33.7% Romney 33.2% Kerry 33.1%
Washington- Romney 42.2% Kerry 42.1% Trump 15%
Wisconsin - Romney 40.5% Kerry 40.4% Trump 18.5%
Minnesota - Romney 40% Kerry 39% Trump 20%
Connecticut - Romney 42% Kerry 40% Trump 17%
New Jersey - Romney 44% Kerry 41% Trump 14%
Maine - Romney 44% Kerry 40% Trump 15%
Illinois - Kerry 45% Romney 42% Trump 12%
Louisiana - Trump 34% Romney 33% Kerry 32%
Alabama - Trump 38% Romney 36% Kerry 25%
Mississippi - Trump 40% Romney 39% Kerry 20%

Key U.S. Senate Race Results
North Carolina - Elizabeth Dole (R) 50% Kay Hagan (D) 49%
Virginia - Mark Warner (D) 53% Jim Gilmore (R) 46%
Oregon - Gordon Smith (R) 49.7% Jeff Merkley (D) 49.2%
Minnesota - Norm Coleman (R) 51% Al Franken (D) 48%
New Hampshire - John E. Sununu (R) 50% Jeanne Shaheen (D) 49%

December 10, 2008 - Meet the Leadership of Both Political Parties
 Speaker of the House John Boehner
 House Majority Leader Eric Cantor
 U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Cornyn
 U.S. Senate Majority Whip Lisa Murkowski
 RNC Chair Beth Myers
 House Minority Leader Steve Israel
 House Minority Leader Steny Hoyer
 U.S. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid
 U.S. Senate Minority Whip Barack Obama
 DNC Chair Phil Murphy