Elections

The presidential election of 2008 was between the Republican candidate John McCain and the Democratic candidate Barack Obama. This election in particular would make history as Barack Obama could be the first black president, or John McCain’s running mate Sarah Palin could be the first female Vice-President. Whoever won would change the White House. The election was decided over many key issues, but one issue stood out: change. Many Americans were disheartened by the recent events in the Bush administration. The approval for the Iraq war had plummeted and anti-war protests could be seen across the nation. Out of control spending and corporate bailouts created a sense that America could only be saved by a massive change in Washington. Barack Obama’s campaign ran under the slogan “Change you can believe in” and painted John McCain as George W. Bush two. They ran a get out to vote message that inspired record numbers of young Americans to vote and vote for the Democratic candidate. When election time came, the voters chose Obama to lead the country as President of the United States.
 * [[image:hope_and_change.jpg width="288" height="239" align="left"]]Elections **
 * Presidential Election of 2008 **

In Massachusetts, Democratic Senator Ted Kennedy died. This left his seat open to a special election. During this time, the Democratic Party had majorities in the both houses in Congress and controlled sixty votes, enough votes to pass bills without Republican support. The Democrats planned on using this majority to pass their healthcare bill, however they had trouble gathering votes within their own party. As time went on, public support for the bill dropped, and people grew dissatisfied by Congress. This was demonstrated in Massachusetts special election, where Democrats traditionally have won government elections. Scott Brown, the Republican candidate vowed that he would be the 41st vote to stop healthcare from passing and force the Democrats to work with the Republicans. With this message, a Republican won a traditionally Democratic state.
 * Scott Brown Election [[image:Scott_Brown.jpg width="368" height="230" align="right"]] **