The document summarizes the process of the U.S. presidential election system from the initial testing of candidacies around 2 years out, through campaigning, primaries and caucuses, national conventions, debates, election day voting, the electoral college vote, and culminating with the inauguration of the new president on January 20th. Key aspects include fundraising requirements, primary dates and locations, the roles of the media and campaign advertising, and the focus on swing states in the final months leading up to election day.

1. U.S. Presidential Elections

2. The election process

18. Primaries - a process

21. Democratic National Convention http://dems2004.org/

22. Speakers http://www.dems2004.org

23. Convention excitement

24. DNC Protesters

25. Republican National Convention

26. RNC Protesters

31. Media: These photos are from the same website – each taken from the candidate’s personal profile. Which do you think this site prefers? Bush-Cheney or Kerry-Edwards? From www.planet.nl/show/

32. All-important “ Photo ops ”

34. And by all means, HOLD PEOPLE’S BABIES!

39. “ Winner-take-all” Exceptions: Maine and Nebraska Where would you focus your energy and campaign the hardest?

40. “Battleground States” Also “swing states” States that are still “undecided” in who is likely to capture their electoral votes. Rather than waste time and money on sealing a larger margin of victory in “guaranteed” states, candidates tend to focus on winning these all-important regions. Source: http://www.time.com/time/election2004/battleground/

42. I am the debate champion But I’m still the likeable, simple all-American guy people identify with

43. Election Day…

45. Ballot from Florida 2000

46. Aftermath of elections 2000

50. Oath of Office Ceremony Pictures from www.secretservice.gov/

51. Inaugural Festivities Parade Arrival at the White House Inaugural Ball