2008 Election

The 2008 Presidential Election was heralded as a historic moment in America as it produced America's first Black president. The Election was a matchup of two very different candidates with varying backgrounds and policy views. The 2008 election has been seen as a watershed moment in the history of race relations in America. During a time of economic instability, ongoing war, and threats of terror, the race for the White House offered Americans clear choices on how to address these issues. This article summarizes the results and examines the election's significance.

Important Events of the 2000s

After the contentious 2000 election, several events impacted the political landscape leading up to 2008. The 9/11 terrorist attacks resulted in unprecedented unity between the western superpowers such as Britain and America since World War Two. Military action in Afghanistan promptly occurred, and changes at home included increased airport security and reduced personal privacy. The War on Terror was broadened into Iraq by President George W. Bush in 2003 and the resulting casualties and scandals altered public opinion and Congressional actions. The Bush Administration's response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the mounting financial crisis in 2008 caused many voters to question the course of US policies.

Candidates of the 2008 Election

Who were the candidates for the 2008 election?

The Republican Candidate

John McCain was a Senator from Arizona with a reputation for being a political "maverick." Willing to work with Democrats and Republicans, he often embraced unpopular issues with fervor and vocal determination. McCain's tenacity stemmed from his military service and harrowing experience. During the Vietnam War, the Naval Academy-educated fighter pilot was shot down over North Vietnam. Famously imprisoned and brutally tortured for five and a half years, McCain resumed military service after his release.

After retiring as a Navy Captain with over 20 years of service, the war hero entered Arizona politics first as a Representative and then as a long-serving Senator. He notably fought for campaign finance reforms and social rights in his Senate career and challenged tobacco and gun businesses. McCain unsuccessfully ran for the Republican nomination for President in 2000 but was successful in 2008. John McCain chose Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his Vice-Presidential running mate.

Third-Party Candidates

Notable third-party candidates in the 2008 Presidential election included:

• Ralph Nader – Independent

• Bob Barr – Libertarian

• Chuck Baldwin – Constitution

• Cynthia McKinney – Green

Major 2008 Election Campaign Issues

• The continued war in Iraq and America's role was a significant issue. Obama's Senate vote against the war was seen as strengthening his opposition.

• The economy and government response to the financial crisis grew in concern as the economy moved toward recession.

• Bush's relative unpopularity in national polls gave voice to a Democratic alternative as McCain was seen as being closer in policy to the outgoing president.

• The age of candidates and potential for change was an undercurrent and one used by the Obama campaign to portray McCain's views as outdated successfully, which was used subtlely to attack the Republican candidate born in 1936.

• An increasing share of Americans viewed universal health care promoted by the Democrats as necessary.

Excerpts from the candidates' first presidential debate: