The Election: Why McCain Lost

McCain lost because of George W. Bush. When times are bad, people will almost never elect someone from the party in power. No presidential candidate with the letter R in parentheses at the end of his or her name could possibly win in this election with Bush being president during the recession.

Some people say that Sarah Palin is a factor in McCain's loss. Her approval ratings were lower than that of any vice presidential candidate since then-Senator Dan Quayle in 1988. Despite this, Quayle won. However, only 35% of Americans believe that Palin was treated fairly by the media. Other people, such as Joe Scarborough, political commentator, say that the election would have been a much more distant victory for Obama without Palin on the ticket.

Demographic changes also contributed to McCain's loss. The youth vote has increased substantially, which hurt McCain big-time. Also, increases in the Hispanic population gave votes to Barack Obama.

It's all about money. Obama raised a grand total of 820 million dollars, as opposed to McCain's measly 550 million dollars. Despite claims, 74% of Obama's money came from large donors (those who donated over $200). Another 48% came from donors who donated over 1,000 dollars. Obama also outspent McCain 3-2 on television ads. Overall, McCain was too bland a candidate.

The Election: Why Obama Won

The election was very interesting. However, it was called for Obama very early. Obama won because he was running an optimistic and positive campaign. Obama's party also had to have helped him win. In any election when times are bad, people tend not to vote for the party in power. Also, when times are bad, people tend to vote for the Democrats, because of their better track record on economic issues. When times are good, people tend to vote for the Republicans because of their better track record on social issues.

Obama pushed himself to win states previously unwinnable for Democrats. States such as Colorado and North Carolina were considered solid Republican states, but Obama won them. By pushing McCain into so-called safe territory, they painted the McCain campign with an image of desperation. By doing this, the Obama campaign was portrayed as taking the high road.

Obama ran a unique campaign. He had a certain mystical charisma to him that no one could understand. John McCain was viewed as "just another presidential candidate". In a recent poll released, 76% of Americans believed Obama recieved fair media coverage. A historic candidate
also has appeal to the populace.