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George W. Bush
SNAPSHOT
President Bush had the power of incumbency on
his side as he sought re-election to office. He has traveled extensively around
the country, amassing a campaign war chest that allowed him to avoid the need
for public financing, and the campaign spending limits that accompany it.
It was a recipe that worked well in his first campaign, in which he raised
so much money, that many of his dispirited Republican challengers dropped
out of the race before the first primary was held. Bush's popularity soared
following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Although his favorable poll numbers often dipped below 50 percent, Bush was able to stay on his message during his entire campaign: the fight against terrorism. In the end, according to exit polling on Election Day, the election was as much about the war in Iraq and the fight against terrorism, as an affirmation of Bush's policies.
He won the election on November 2, 2004 with the largest popular vote in the nation's history, thanks in large measure to a huge turnout.
Campaign roundup: Bush, Kerry exchange long-distance jabs, race through Midwest
In a stinging exchange, President Bush criticized Democratic challenger John Kerry as "the wrong man for the wrong job at the wrong time" on Thursday while the Massachusetts senator accused his rival of constantly ducking responsibility for his own actions. For the fourth consecutive day, Kerry assailed Bush over the disclosure that nearly 400 tons of explosives were missing in Iraq. (10/28/2004)
Campaign roundup: Kerry and Bush spar over missing explosives
Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry brought his campaign to Rochester again Wednesday, six days out from the election. He continued to step up his attacks on President Bush, saying that Bush has failed the test of leadership on the economy and national security. (10/27/2004)
Rehnquist illness propels social issues back to campaign agenda
Neither President George W. Bush nor Sen. John Kerry spends much time talking about either abortion or same-sex marriage in speeches. But the next president is likely to appoint at least one member to an aging Supreme Court that's divided on abortion, gay rights and other issues. There hasn't been a Supreme Court vacancy in 10 years, and this week's announcement that Chief Justice William Rehnquist has thyroid cancer gives new prominence to the question. (10/27/2004)
Foreign policy is in unusual role as biggest issue in presidential election
If there is one defining issue in this year's presidential campaign, it's the war in Iraq. Democratic Sen. John Kerry charges President Bush's approach to the fight against terrorism is emblematic of a larger go-it-alone philosophy that's seriously damaged U.S. relations around the world. Bush accuses Kerry of underestimating demands of the war against terrorism and of taking numerous competing positions on Iraq. (10/27/2004)
Campaign Roundup: Kerry, Bush, Nader focus on the Midwest
President Bush campaigned in a small town near La Crosse, Wisconsin Tuesday, hoping to woo more voters in a part of the state which went for Democrat Al Gore in the 2000 election. As a result, Bush narrowly lost the state's electoral votes. This time around the president has made a deliberate effort to court western Wisconsin voters. (10/26/2004)
Bush visits Wisconsin
President Bush says Senator John Kerry has a limited vision of the war on terror that won't keep Americans safe. The president talks about foreign policy and his other plans for the country during a campaign stop near LaCrosse, Wisconsin. ( 10/26/2004)
Cheney says he's 'sensitive' to sugar issues
Vice President Dick Cheney campaigned in Moorhead, Monday. The vice president's visit is part of the Bush administration's attempt to win Minnesota in the presidential election. Minnesota is one of several battleground states in the midwest. Republicans believe the Bush-Cheney ticket, could be the first Republican presidential campaign to win Minnesota since the Nixon-Agnew ticket in 1972. (10/25/2004)
Palestinian-Israeli conflict not on the campaign radar screen
Middle East peace has hardly been mentioned in the presidential campaign. Neither George W. Bush nor John Kerry have talked much at all about their plans for a solution to the violence between Palestinians and Israelis. One likely reason the issue doesn't come up is there's very little to debate. Analysts say Bush and Kerry have virtually identical positions. They're both strong supporters of Israel. Even so, the issue's absence from the campaign dismays two Minnesotans with a personal stake in Middle East peace. (10/21/2004)
Bush rallies the base in Rochester airport stop
President Bush made a whistle-stop plea for votes in this traditionally conservative pocket of Minnesota on Wednesday, part of a frenetic campaign week that suggests the candidates are shifting from chasing undecideds to turning out the faithful. (10/20/2004)
Bush in Rochester
Minnesota has had more than its fair share of presidential visits this year. Both President George W. Bush and Sen. John Kerry are in town this week. Bush makes a campaign stop in Rochester Wednesday afternoon, and Minnesota Public Radio has live coverage and analysis. ( 10/20/2004)
Bush and Kerry's economic plans: Less difference than meets the eye
President George W. Bush and Sen. John Kerry have different ideas for improving the economy. Polls show the economy is an important issue for voters going into the presidential election. (10/20/2004)
Slicing the Spin: Jobs and the Economy
Both presidential candidates use the rhetoric of jobs to sell their economic plans. But economists dispute whether presidents really can improve the nation's economy within their terms. Midmorning's weekly series Slicing the Spin dissects the candidates' economic plans. ( 10/20/2004)
Domestic issues in spotlight during final debate
The presidential candidates wrap up their debate schedule with an event in Arizona focused on domestic issues. With Bush and Kerry so close in the polls, a strong showing in the debate is critical. ( 10/14/2004)
Bush, Kerry trade charges over jobs, health care, taxes
Sen. John Kerry said Wednesday night that President George W. Bush bears responsibility for a misguided war in Iraq, lost jobs at home and mounting millions without health care. The Republican incumbent tagged his rival in campaign debate as a lifelong liberal bent on raising taxes and government spending. (10/13/2004)
NRA chooses Duluth as site of Bush endorsement
The National Rifle Association today endorsed Republican President George Bush for re-election, and plans to target Democrat John Kerry in a multi-million dollar campaign. The NRA made its announcement in Duluth. (10/13/2004)
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