Remarks on the Outcome of the U.S. Presidential Elections |
Secretary Condoleezza Rice
Washington, DC
November 5, 2008 View Video SECRETARY RICE: Good morning. I asked Sean if I could open this briefing, and he said yes, that I could do that. I’m getting ready to leave for the Middle East, but I did not want this morning to pass without taking note of the extraordinary election last night. This was an exercise in American democracy, of which Americans across the political spectrum are justifiably proud. 
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Barack Obama’s Victory Speech
President-elect addresses supporters in Illinois |
| November 5, 2008 On November 4, Americans elected Illinois Senator Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States. At the end of a very long Election Day, he addressed supporters at a park in Chicago.
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John McCain’s Concession Speech
Republican presidential nominee addresses supporters in Arizona |
| November 5, 2008 On November 4, Americans elected Illinois Senator Barack Obama the 44th president of the United States. (See “Barack Obama Wins Historic Election Victory.”) In a concession speech that underscored the importance of the U.S. democratic process and the personal dignity and integrity of Senator John McCain, the defeated Republican nominee called on Americans to unite behind an Obama presidency in an address to supporters in Phoenix.
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Final McCain-Obama Debate Most Contentious of the Three
Candidates describe how their proposals would affect “Joe the plumber” |
October 15, 2008 By Michelle Austein
Staff Writer Washington — In their final and most contentious debate October 15, the presidential candidates made direct appeals to American voters. Illinois Senator Barack Obama and Arizona Senator John McCain frequently criticized each other in the debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. The debate dealt with not only domestic policy issues — the night’s designated topic — but also personal character.
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Economic Issues Dominate Second Presidential Debate
John McCain, Barack Obama differ on anti-terrorism strategies |
October 8, 2008 By Michelle Austein
Staff Writer Washington — With troubles in financial markets continuing to dominate world headlines, John McCain and Barack Obama spent more than half of their second presidential debate discussing economic issues October 7. The debate, at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, was held in a town-hall format. Members of the audience, who were uncommitted voters, posed questions directly to the candidates. |
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Joe Biden, Sarah Palin Highlight Their Political, Personal Roots
Vice presidential candidates use debate to make case for running mates |
October 3, 2008 By Michelle Austein
Staff Writer Washington — In their first meeting and only debate, vice presidential candidates Joe Biden and Sarah Palin described the roles each would play as the next in line to lead the United States. Palin, the Republican first-term governor of Alaska, said she and running mate John McCain “have had good conversations about where I would lead with his agenda. And that is energy independence in America and reform of government over all, and then working with families of children with special needs.”
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No Clear Winner in First Presidential Debate
John McCain and Barack Obama spar on Iraq, economic issues |
September 29, 2008 By Michelle Austein
Staff Writer Washington — Presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama outlined their visions for U.S. foreign policy and criticized each other’s positions on the Iraq war in their first debate, but neither candidate emerged from the exchange as a clear winner. The 90-minute debate, held September 26 at the University of Mississippi, was supposed to focus on foreign policy, but in light of recent financial problems in the United States, economic issues were a large part of the conversation. |
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Both U.S. Presidential Candidates “Profoundly Shaped” by Asia
Obama, McCain likely to have similar polices toward Asia as president
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September 24, 2008 By Jane Morse
Staff Writer
Washington – U.S.-Asian relations under the next U.S. administration are unlikely to vary much based on whether Democrat Barack Obama or Republican John McCain wins the U.S. presidential race in November, according to senior foreign policy advisers to both candidates. “We have two men running for president, both of whom have been profoundly shaped by Asia in very profoundly different ways,” says Frank Jannuzi, an East Asia specialist for the Democratic staff of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “I think that bodes well for our country, given the preponderance of Asia looming large economically [and] strategically.” |
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Large Audiences Expected for Televised Presidential Debates
McCain, Obama will participate in three debates, beginning September 26 |
September 23, 2008 By Michelle Austein
Staff Writer Washington – Polls show the presidential contest between John McCain and Barack Obama is extremely close, but upcoming debates could change that, political experts say. Debates give Americans a chance to compare the candidates as they respond to tough questions and react to unscripted moments on live television.
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Republicans Say John McCain Will Listen to American Allies
Party leaders tout presidential nominee’s foreign policy experience |
September 5, 2008 By Michelle Austein
Staff Writer St. Paul, Minnesota — Throughout the Republican National Convention, party leaders stopped by the State Department’s Foreign Press Center to describe presidential nominee John McCain as one who will listen to America’s allies when formulating foreign policy. To be a better leader, McCain believes the United States needs to “listen to the concerns and be responsive to the concerns of friends and allies,” Kori Schake, deputy foreign policy adviser for the McCain campaign, told journalists. |
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John McCain Tells Republican Convention “Change Is Coming”
Republican describes himself as bipartisan leader who serves his country |
September 5, 2008 By Michelle Austein
Staff Writer St. Paul, Minnesota — After serving in the Vietnam War and then in the U.S. Congress for 26 years, Arizona Senator John McCain, who formally accepted the Republican nomination for president September 4, describes himself as a proven leader who can bring change. “I have a privilege given few Americans, the privilege of accepting our party’s nomination for president of the United States,” McCain said over an energetic crowd shouting “U-S-A.” “I accept it with gratitude, humility and confidence.” |
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Republicans Nominate John McCain for President
Vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin gives first national speech |
September 4, 2008 By Michelle Austein
Staff Writer St. Paul, Minnesota – At the Republican National Convention September 3, delegates formally nominated Arizona Senator John McCain to be their candidate for the presidency of the United States. State by state, delegates verbally cast their votes, allowing the Arizona delegation to cast the ballots that gave McCain the majority vote count needed to earn the nomination. Delegates cheered as they named McCain their presidential nominee. |
Political Spirit Returns to Republican National Convention
Party leaders stress John McCain’s willingness to "put country first" |
September 3, 2008 By Michelle Austein
Staff Writer St. Paul, Minnesota -- The Republican National Convention began in earnest September 2, after the first day of convention activities were curtailed due to Hurricane Gustav. As political speeches and rallies resumed, party members focused on telling Americans that John McCain, if elected president, would put his country first. |
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Republican Party Quietly Opens National Convention
Political speeches, celebration postponed due to Hurricane Gustav |
September 2, 2008 By Michelle Austein
Staff Writer St. Paul, Minnesota -- With little fanfare, the Republican National Convention opened September 1 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Political speeches, a trademark of the modern convention, were called off as Americans turned their attention to a hurricane hitting the Gulf Coast. |
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John McCain Chooses Alaska Governor as Running Mate
Sarah Palin will be first woman on Republican national ballot |
August 29, 2008 By Jane Morse
Staff Writer Washington -- Republican presidential candidate John McCain has chosen Sarah Palin, currently the governor of Alaska, as his running mate. Palin, who would be the first woman to run on a Republican presidential ticket, also would be the first Alaskan to appear on a national ballot. In 2006 she became the first female governor of Alaska after serving six years as mayor of Wasilla City, Alaska. |
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Former President Helps Democratic Party Unite Behind Obama
Bill Clinton offers endorsement, pledges support for Democratic nominee |
August 28, 2008 Washington -- In the United States, political parties have long histories of raucous infighting, passionate arguments, bitter disagreements and, eventually, a coming together with renewed energy and sense of purpose. On the evening of August 27, former President Bill Clinton did his part to heal the divides in the Democratic Party left by a hard-fought primary season that saw a wide field of candidates narrow through the months to only two -- Illinois Senator Barack Obama and New York Senator Hillary Clinton, wife of the former president. |
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Democrats Formally Nominate Barack Obama for U.S. Presidency
Vice presidential nominee Joe Biden: “The choice in this election is clear” |
| August 28, 2008 By Michelle Austein
Staff Writer Denver -- Delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Denver, with the help of Hillary Clinton, on August 27 formally nominated Barack Obama to be the first African-American presidential nominee of a major party.
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Democrats Stress Barack Obama’s Willingness to Work with Allies
Improving international relations essential, Obama campaign adviser says |
| August 27, 2008 By Michelle Austein
Staff Writer Denver -- Party leaders and campaign surrogates for presumed Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama stress the candidate’s multilateral approach to foreign policy, saying that the Illinois senator would improve America’s image in the world. “Our standing in the world and influence in the world has diminished,” Joe Lockhart, a press secretary during President Bill Clinton’s administration, said during a State Department Foreign Press Center briefing August 26.
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Hillary Clinton Encourages Supporters to Back Barack Obama
Speakers at Democratic National Convention focus on future of America |
| August 27, 2008 By Michelle Austein
Staff Writer Denver – “It is time to take back the country we love,” former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said in a highly anticipated speech at the Democratic National Convention, telling her supporters and those of presumed Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama, “We are on the same team, and none of us can sit on the sidelines. “Whether you voted for me or for Barack, the time is now to unite as a single party with a single purpose. … This is a fight for the future and it is a fight we must win.” |
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Opening Night of Democratic Convention Celebrates Obama’s Story
Party leaders, delegates, reporters, lobbyists, onlookers gather in Denver |
| August 26, 2008 By Michelle Austein
Staff Writer Denver -- Thousands of Democratic leaders and delegates began the Democratic National Convention with a celebration for their party and Senator Barack Obama, the man they will nominate later this week as the first African-American presidential candidate of a major political party. “During our national convention, we will demonstrate to all Americans why we need Barack Obama and Joe Biden in the White House,” Howard Dean, chairman of the Democratic National Committee said as he called the convention to order the afternoon of August 25. |
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“Lion of the Senate” Calls Democratic Party to Action
Kennedy speaks on opening night in classic style of U.S. political oratory |
August 26, 2008
Washington -- In the American political process, the rhetoric of national conventions is focused on the future -- new ideas, new directions, new candidates. Yet invariably the success of those messages hinges on the ability of convention speakers to tap into the shared experiences and shared aspirations of the audience in the convention hall and in front of television screens across America. On Monday, on the opening night of the Democratic National Convention, Senator Edward (Ted) Kennedy of Massachusetts gave the sort of speech that has been the lifeblood of U.S. political conventions since the days before piped-in music, light shows and slick video presentations. |
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Barack Obama Selects Delaware Senator Joe Biden as Running Mate
Long-serving leader brings years of foreign policy experience to ticket |
August 25, 2008 By Michelle Austein
Staff Writer Washington -- Presumed Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama has selected Delaware Senator Joe Biden to be his running mate, saying, “Joe won't just make a good vice president -- he will make a great one.” In a presidential-campaign first, thousands of supporters learned of Obama’s selection via text message -- which was sent at 3 a.m. EDT August 23.
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Candidate McCain Aims to Revitalize U.S. Global Standing
Says foreign policy seeks better, more peaceful world |
 July 25, 2008
By Merle D. Kellerhals Jr.
Staff Writer
Washington -- The United States needs a foreign policy that can revitalize the country's unique purpose and standing in the world, defeat the terrorist threat and build an enduring peace, according to Republican Senator John McCain.
"Our next president will need to rally nations across the world around common causes as only America can," McCain said. He has stated he sees defeating terrorism as the national security challenge of our time and Iraq as the central front in this continuing struggle. |
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Obama Emphasizes Multilateral U.S. Foreign Policymaking
Illinois senator urges a responsible end to the Iraq war |
 July 25, 2008
By Merle D. Kellerhals Jr.
Staff Writer Washington -- The United States must bring the Iraq war to a responsible end and renew American leadership to meet new global challenges and capitalize on new opportunities, Democratic Senator Barack Obama says.
"America cannot meet this century's challenges alone; the world cannot meet them without America," Obama says. "Today, we are again called to provide visionary leadership." |
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Presidential Candidates’ Foreign Policy Advisers a Diverse Group
Teams reflect mix of philosophies, backgrounds, approaches |
 July 17, 2008
By Merle D. Kellerhals Jr.
Staff Writer Washington -- Foreign scholars, journalists and government officials closely monitor the latest foreign policy pronouncements of American presidential candidates, but they also pay close attention to the candidates’ foreign policy advisers, who can influence strongly the course of a new presidency.
During his presidential campaign, George W. Bush surrounded himself with people experienced in foreign policy and national security, many with a so-called neoconservative political philosophy. |
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Vice Presidential Candidate a Political and Personal Decision
Presidential candidates consider many factors when choosing a running mate |
 July 11, 2008
By Michelle Austein
Staff Writer Washington -- During the 2008 primaries and caucuses, record numbers of Americans cast ballots for the presidential nominees. But only one person’s vote matters when vice presidential candidates are being considered. U.S. vice presidential candidates are selected by the presidential nominees. The nominee might get help from others, but ultimately he makes a political and personal decision, Leonard Steinhorn, professor of communication at American University in Washington, told America.gov. |
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Presidential Spouses Play Important Role in American Politics
Will Cindy McCain or Michelle Obama be the next first lady of the United States? |
 July 10, 2008
By Kelly Bronk
Staff Writer Washington -- One of the highest-profile jobs in U.S. government comes with no official duties, no paycheck and is awarded based on family connections. But first lady of the United States is a job with almost limitless possibilities.
During their husband’s terms, Eleanor Roosevelt wrote a daily newspaper column and hosted a weekly radio program, and Claudia “Lady Bird” Johnson promoted environmental conservation. Current first lady Laura Bush has championed women’s rights and promoted reading programs. |
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Obama and Clinton Campaign Together To Unify Party
Presumed Republican nominee John McCain touts energy proposals |
 July 1, 2008
By Michelle Austein
Staff Writer Washington -- After months of competing for the presidential nomination, Democrats Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton campaigned together June 27 to display party unity in the town of Unity, New Hampshire. Clinton encouraged voters interested in seeing the country move in a new direction to support Obama, the presumed Democratic presidential nominee.
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Clinton Concedes, Encourages Supporters to Back Obama
McCain, Obama focus on how they will “change” the United States |
 June 9, 2008
By Michelle Austein
Staff Writer Washington -- New York Senator Hillary Clinton ended her campaign to become the first female U.S. president June 7, saying she fully supports her Democratic opponent Barack Obama.
In a speech in Washington, Clinton thanked her supporters and encouraged them to support Illinois Senator Obama, who has enough delegates to be his party's presumed presidential nominee. |
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 June 4, 2008
By Michelle Austein
Staff Writer Washington -- As the final Democratic primary voters cast ballots in South Dakota and Montana June 3, Illinois Senator Barack Obama told his supporters that, “because of you,” he is expected to become the first African-American presidential nominee of a major political party.
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How Will Candidates Explain Stances on Meeting Hostile Leaders?
Political analysts detail candidates’ likely strategies |
 June 4, 2008
By Eric Green
Staff Writer Washington -- Senator John McCain and the man he is expected to face in November for the presidency, Senator Barack Obama, are presenting contrasting philosophies on whether to negotiate with hostile foreign dictators and rogue leaders, with the question becoming which position will be more attractive to American voters, according to a leading political analyst. |
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Democrats Reach Compromise Plan for Michigan, Florida Delegates
Barack Obama still favored to win nomination despite defeat in Puerto Rico |
 June 2, 2008
By Michelle Austein
Staff Writer Washington -- After hours of debate in a Washington hotel May 31, members of the Democratic National Committee’s (DNC’s) bylaws and rules committee approved a plan to give Michigan and Florida’s delegates half a vote each.
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Barack Obama Says Democratic Nomination “Within Reach”
Each candidate wins a Democratic primary by a large margin |
 May 21, 2008
By Michelle Austein
Staff Writer
Washington -- Illinois Senator Barack Obama earned a majority of pledged delegates May 20, but this still leaves him about 370 delegates shy of securing the Democratic nomination.
As polls in recent days indicated, Obama won Oregon’s Democratic primary May 20. With 88 percent of the vote counted in the only U.S. state that conducts all voting by mail, Obama was leading by 16 percentage points. Oregon is a northwest state on the Pacific coast with one of the most liberal populations in the country. |
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Big Win in North Carolina Expands Obama’s Lead
Each candidate claims a Democratic primary victory May 6
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May 6, 2008 By Michelle Austein
Staff Writer Washington -- Primary voters in Indiana and North Carolina put Democrat Barack Obama closer to his party’s presidential nomination, despite a loss in the May 6 Indiana primary. With few nominating contests left and Obama’s lead growing, political experts predict it will be difficult for Hillary Clinton to earn the nomination. In a speech celebrating his victory in the North Carolina Democratic primary, Obama congratulated Clinton “on what appears to be her victory in the great state of Indiana,” |
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Clinton’s Pennsylvania Win Extends Democrats’ Nomination Race
Both Democratic candidates for U.S. presidency claim successes in primary |
| April 23, 2008 By Michelle Austein
Staff Writer Washington -- After spending more than six weeks crisscrossing Pennsylvania, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama each claimed success in the state’s Democratic primary April 22. New York Senator Hillary Clinton won the most votes and a majority of Pennsylvania’s 158 pledged delegates, but she still trails Illinois Senator Barack Obama in the overall delegate count. |
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Delegate System Aims to Give Nominating Power to the People
Rules for selecting delegates vary among states' political parties |
March 24, 2008
Washington -- U.S. voters may cast ballots for a presidential nominee in a primary or caucus, but they do not select their parties’ nominees directly. That power is given to delegates -- appointed party representatives -- who cast votes at the national conventions held in the summer before the general election. The system of appointing delegates to select party nominees is complex and has been revised over decades to ensure fairness. |
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John McCain Wins Enough Delegates To Become Republican Nominee
Democratic race continues as Clinton wins popular vote in three of four states |
05 March 2008 By Michelle Austein
Staff Writer Washington -- After Americans in Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island and Vermont voted in primaries March 4, Arizona Senator John McCain earned enough delegates to become the presumptive Republican nominee for president. McCain received the majority of the votes in all four states and now has more than the 1,191 delegates needed to secure the Republican nomination. He does not officially become the party’s nominee until delegates cast their votes at the Republican National Convention in September. |
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John McCain Wins Enough Delegates To Become Republican Nominee
Democratic race continues as Clinton wins popular vote in three of four states |
05 March 2008 By Michelle Austein
Staff Writer Washington -- After Americans in Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island and Vermont voted in primaries March 4, Arizona Senator John McCain earned enough delegates to become the presumptive Republican nominee for president. McCain received the majority of the votes in all four states and now has more than the 1,191 delegates needed to secure the Republican nomination. He does not officially become the party’s nominee until delegates cast their votes at the Republican National Convention in September. |
With Mitt Romney's Exit, John McCain Presumed Republican Nominee
Republican candidates Mike Huckabee, Ron Paul still in race but far behind |
08 February 2008
Washington – Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney ended his more than yearlong quest to become the Republican presidential nominee, clearing the way for Arizona Senator John McCain to claim the party’s nomination. "I entered this race because I love America," Romney told participants in the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington on February 7. "And because I love America, in this time of war, I feel I have to now stand aside, for our party and for our country."
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Democratic Race Could Continue for Weeks or Months, Experts Say
As Republican race nears end, Obama and Clinton remain in tight contest |
08 February 2008
Washington -- Although the delegates still are being counted across the country, it is clear that neither Barack Obama nor Hillary Clinton emerged from Super Tuesday as a clear front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination. Voters showed up in record numbers February 5 and handed important victories to both Illinois Senator Obama and New York Senator Clinton. Nationwide, Clinton narrowly earned more votes than Obama. But with the numbers so close -- with 14.6 million votes cast nationwide, Clinton earned about 53,000 more than Obama -- the Democrats' Super Tuesday race is being called a virtual tie by political experts. |
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With Mitt Romney's Exit, John McCain Presumed Republican Nominee
Republican candidates Mike Huckabee, Ron Paul still in race but far behind |
February 06, 2008
Washington – Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney ended his more than yearlong quest to become the Republican presidential nominee, clearing the way for Arizona Senator John McCain to claim the party’s nomination. "I entered this race because I love America," Romney told participants in the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington on February 7. "And because I love America, in this time of war, I feel I have to now stand aside, for our party and for our country." |
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Presidential Candidates Gear Up for Toughest Challenge Yet
Twenty-four states will hold primaries or caucuses on Tuesday, February 5 |
February 01, 2008 Washington -- Nearly 80 million registered voters will have the opportunity to cast their vote for a presidential nominee on February 5 -- the most ever on a single day in the history of primaries and caucuses.
With only a few days left to make their case to a diverse set of voters, candidates are crisscrossing the country hoping to pick up enough support to propel them to the nomination.
Traditionally "Super Tuesday" is a title used to describe the day on which the most states hold primaries or caucuses. But the 2008 Super Tuesday is different -- 24 states will hold nominating contests. This is significantly more states holding races on the same day than ever before. So many states are voting that some political pundits have nicknamed the day "Super-Duper Tuesday." |
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Recent Primaries Narrow Field of Presidential Candidates
John Edwards, Rudy Giuliani drop out after poor showing |
January 30, 2008
Washington -- Both Democrats and Republicans are closer to selecting a presidential nominee after primaries in South Carolina and Florida narrowed each contest to two-person races.Democrat Barack Obama won his party's South Carolina primary in a landslide January 26. Republican John McCain won the Florida Republican primary January 29, defeating Mitt Romney by five percentage points. |
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The Path to the 2008 Presidential Nomination
John Candidates collect delegates toward their party nominations |
January 28, 2008 Washington -- According to the Green Papers, an organization that tracks the awarding of delegates, Arizona Senator John McCain is leading the race for the Republican presidential nomination. McCain got a big boost January 29 from winning the Florida primary.
The Florida Republican Party is one of a few state parties that award all its delegates to the winner, giving McCain 57 delegates to achieve a new total of 98. Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is in second place with 59 delegates. |
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Mitt Romney, John McCain Win Big Republican Races
Clinton beats Obama narrowly in Nevada on Democratic side |
January 22, 2008 By Michelle Austein
Staff Writer Washington -- After a week with three nominating contests spread across the country, Republicans Mitt Romney and John McCain won their party's latest races. On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton came off with another narrow victory. Following his second-place finishes in Iowa and New Hampshire, most political experts believed former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney needed a win to stay competitive. He earned such a victory in the January 15 Michigan primary.
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Hillary Clinton, John McCain Score Victories in New Hampshire
With different winners in earliest races, neither party has a front-runner |
January 9, 2008 Washington -- New Hampshire voters showed up in record numbers and surprised many by casting their ballots for Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican John McCain in the first-in-the-nation presidential primary January 8. Despite nearly every poll predicting a Clinton loss and media reports of her campaign staff in disarray, the New York senator won the Democratic presidential primary by about two percentage points over Illinois Senator Barack Obama.
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Mike Huckabee, Barack Obama Win First 2008 Election Races
Voters turn out in record numbers to participate in Iowa caucuses |
January 4, 2008 Washington -- Nearly a year after the 2008 U.S. presidential race began, Republican Mike Huckabee and Democrat Barack Obama are the first campaign victors after winning the Iowa caucuses January 3. In their celebratory speeches, Huckabee and Obama thanked Iowa caucusgoers, who participated in record numbers. Both candidates emphasized their campaign themes of change, and their victories suggest that Americans are looking for a nominee who will bring fresh ideas to the presidency.
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