2004 United States presidential election

Re-election of George W. Bush related races 2004 United States elections January 2025 November 2024 2004 United States presidential election United States presidential no Statewide opinion polling for the 2004 United States presidential election 2000 United States presidential election 2000 November 2, 2004 2008 United States presidential election 2008 538 members of the Electoral College 270 electoral 60.1%National General Election VEP Turnout Rates, 1789-Present https://www.electproject.org/national-1789-present live https://web.archive.org/web/20140725110444/http://www.electproject.org/national-1789-present July 25, 2014 February 21, 2023 United States Election Project CQ Press 5.9 pp x200px George-W-Bush (3x4 cropped).jpeg George W. Bush Republican Party (United States) Texas Dick Cheney 286 31 62,040,610https://www.fec.gov/resources/cms-content/documents/2004tables.pdf 2004 ELECTION RESULTS www.fec.gov 62,040,610 122,295,345 1 yes John F. Kerry (wide crop).jpg John Kerry Democratic Party (United States) Massachusetts John Edwards 251A Democratic faithless elector from Minnesota voted for Edwards for both president and vice president. As a result, Kerry had 251 electoral votes instead of the pledged 252. 19 + DC 59,028,444 59,028,444 122,295,345 1 yes 350px Presidential election results map. Red denotes states won by Bush/Cheney and blue denotes those won by Kerry/Edwards. Light blue represents the sole electoral vote for John Edwards by a Minnesota faithless elector. Numbers indicate electoral votes cast by each state and the District of Columbia. President George W. Bush Republican Party (United States) George W. Bush Republican Party (United States) Presidential elections were held in the United States on November 2, 2004. Incumbent Republican president George W. Bush and his running mate, incumbent vice president Dick Cheney, were re-elected to a second term; they narrowly defeated the Democratic ticket of Massachusetts junior senator John Kerry and North Carolina senior senator John Edwards. Bush and Cheney were re-nominated by their party with no difficulty. Meanwhile, the Democrats engaged in a competitive primary. Kerry emerged as the early front-runner but was faced with serious opposition by former Vermont governor Howard Dean, who briefly surged ahead of Kerry in the polls. Kerry won the first set of primaries in January and re-emerged as the front-runner, and Dean dropped out in February. Kerry clinched his party's nomination in March after a series of primary victories over runner-up Edwards, whom he ultimately selected to be his running mate. The September 11 attacks in 2001 decisively reshaped Bush's foreign policy goals and garnered him near-universal support early in his term. However, by 2004 his management of the war on terror attracted serious debate, particularly over his handling of the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Bush presented himself as a decisive leader and attacked Kerry as a "flip-flopper"; Kerry had voted to authorize the invasion, but criticized Bush's conduct of the Iraq War. Domestic issues were debated as well, including the economy and jobs, health care, abortion, same-sex marriage, and embryonic stem cell research. Bush won by a narrow margin of 35 electoral votes and took 50.7% of the popular vote. Bush swept the South and the Mountain states and took the crucial swing states of Ohio, Iowa, and New Mexico, the last two flipping Republican. Although Kerry flipped New Hampshire, Bush won both more electoral votes and states than in 2000. Ohio was the tipping-point state, and was considered to be the state that allowed Bush to win reelection. Some aspects of the election process were subject to controversy, although not to the degree seen in the 2000 presidential election. Bush won Florida by a 5% margin, a significant improvement over his razor-thin victory margin in the state four years earlier that had led to a legal challenge in Bush v. Gore. As of 2024, this marked the last election where the Republican nominee won Colorado, New Mexico, and Virginia. It was also the last election where the Republican nominee won Nevada until 2024. At the time, Bush received the most popular votes in history, a record that would be broken in 2008. Bush's win was the only Republican popular vote victory during the eight elections from 1992 to 2020. Bush is the only incumbent Republican president to have won a second term since Ronald Reagan in 1984,In 2024, Republican Donald Trump won a second non-consecutive term, after losing his re-election campaign in 2020. and the only Republican presidential nominee to have won a majority of the popular vote since his father in 1988.In 2024, Republican Donald Trump won a plurality of the popular vote, but was 0.2% short of a majority. Background George W. Bush won the presidency in 2000 after the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Bush v. Gore remanded the case to the Florida Supreme Court, which declared there was not sufficient time to hold a recount without violating the U.S. Constitution. Just eight months into Bush's presidency, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, suddenly transformed him into a wartime president. His approval ratings surged to near 90%. Within a month, the forces of a coalition led by the United States entered Afghanistan, which had been sheltering Osama bin Laden, suspected mastermind of the September 11 attacks. The Taliban had been removed by December, although a long reconstruction would follow. The Bush administration then turned its attention to Iraq and argued the need to remove Saddam Hussein from power in Iraq had become urgent. Among the stated reasons were that Saddam's regime had tried to acquire nuclear material and had not properly accounted for biological and chemical material it was known to have previously possessed. Both the possession of these weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and the failure to account for them, would violate the UN sanctions. The assertion about WMD was hotly advanced by the Bush administration from the beginning, but other major powers including China, France, Germany, and Russia remained unconvinced that Iraq was a threat and refused to allow passage of a UN Security Council resolution to authorize the use of force.Tagliabue John March 6, 2003 France, Germany and Russia Vow to Stop Use of Force Against Iraq https://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/06/international/europe/france-and-russia-ready-to-use-veto-against-iraq-war.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240528125012/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/06/international/europe/france-and-russia-ready-to-use-veto-against-iraq-war.html May 28, 2024 February 20, 2017 The New York Times Iraq permitted UN weapon inspectors in November 2002, who were continuing their work to assess the WMD claim when the Bush administration decided to proceed with war without UN authorization and told the inspectors to leave the country.March 17, 2003 U.S Advises Weapons Inspectors to Leave Iraq https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2003-03-17-inspectors-iraq_x.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20120825014028/http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2003-03-17-inspectors-iraq_x.htm August 25, 2012 September 17, 2017 USA Today New York City Associated Press The United States invaded Iraq on March 20, 2003, along with a "coalition of the willing" that consisted of additional troops from the United Kingdom, and to a lesser extent, from Australia and Poland. Within about three weeks, the invasion caused the collapse of both the Iraqi government and its armed forces; however, the U.S. and allied forces failed to find any weapon of mass destruction in Iraq. Nevertheless, on May 1, Bush landed on the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln CVN-72 6, in a Lockheed S-3 Viking, where he gave a speech announcing the end of "major combat operations" in the Iraq War.April 16, 2004 Rove Regrets Using Banner Declaring 'Mission Accomplished' https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna4760238 live https://web.archive.org/web/20230207225336/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna4760238 February 7, 2023 November 1, 2024 NBC News Associated Press Both candidates were not only graduates of Yale University, but both were also members of the exclusive Skull and Bones society. It is the only time two "Bonesmen" have faced each other for the presidency. Nominations Republican Party George W. Bush 2004 presidential campaign 2004 Republican Party presidential primaries 2004 Republican National Convention 65px|center|link=Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party (United States)2004 Republican Party ticket white George W. Bush white Dick Cheneyfor Presidentfor Vice President center|201x201px center|200x200px 43rdPresident of the United States(2001–2009) 46thVice President of the United States(2001–2009)Campaigncenter|200x200px Bush was able to ward off any serious challenge to the Republican nomination. Senator Lincoln Chafee from Rhode Island considered challenging Bush on an anti-war platform in New Hampshire but decided not to run after the capture of Saddam Hussein in December 2003.Lincoln Chafee, Against the Tide (2007), pp. 119–20 On March 10, 2004, Bush officially attained the number of delegates needed to be nominated at the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York City. He accepted the nomination on September 2, 2004, and retained Vice President Dick Cheney as his running mate. During the convention and throughout the campaign, Bush focused on two themes: defending America against terrorism and building an ownership society. The ownership society included allowing people to invest some of their Social Security in the stock market, increasing home and stock ownership, and encouraging more people to buy their own health insurance.Gongloff Mark September 2, 2004 Bush to Push Ownership Society https://money.cnn.com/2004/09/01/news/economy/election_bush_plan/ dead https://web.archive.org/web/20200901210439/https://money.cnn.com/2004/09/01/news/economy/election_bush_plan/ September 1, 2020 November 16, 2017 CNN Democratic Party John Kerry 2004 presidential campaign 2004 Democratic Party presidential primaries 2004 Democratic National Convention 65px|center|link=Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party (United States)2004 Democratic Party ticket white John Kerry white John Edwardsfor Presidentfor Vice President center|200x200px center|198x198px U.S. Senatorfrom Massachusetts(1985–2013) U.S. Senatorfrom North Carolina(1999–2005)Campaign center|200x200px Withdrawn candidates Candidates in this section are sorted by popular vote from the primariesJohn EdwardsHoward DeanDennis KucinichWesley ClarkAl SharptonJoe LiebermanCarol MoseleyBraunDick Gephardtalt=|center|120x120pxalt=|center|120x120pxalt=|center|120x120pxalt=|center|120x120pxalt=|center|120x120pxalt=|center|120x120pxalt=|center|120x120pxalt=|center|120x120px U.S. Senator fromNorth Carolina(1999–2005)79thGovernor of Vermont(1991–2003)U.S. Representative from Ohio(1997–2013)Supreme AlliedCommander Europe(1997–2000)Minister and ActivistU.S. Senatorfrom Connecticut(1989–2013)U.S. Senatorfrom Illinois(1993–1999)House Minority Leader(1995–2003)alt=|center|100x100pxalt=|center|100x100pxalt=|center|100x100pxalt=|center|97x97pxalt=|center|95x95pxalt=|center|100x100pxalt=|center|100x100pxalt=|center|100x100pxCampaignCampaignCampaignCampaignCampaignCampaignCampaignCampaignW: March 23,162,337 votesW: Feb 18903,460 votesW: July 22620,242 votesW: Feb 11547,369 votesW: March 15380,865 votesW: Feb 3280,940 votesW: Jan 1598,469 votesW: Jan 2063,902 votes Democratic primaries thumb|Senator Kerry at a primary rally in St. Louis, Missouri, at the St. Louis Community College – Forest Park The 2004 Democratic Party presidential primaries took place from January 14 to June 8, 2004, to select the Democratic Party's nominee for president. Before the primaries, Vermont governor Howard Dean was a favorite to win the nomination; however, Massachusetts senator John Kerry won victories in two early races: the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary. These wins strengthened Kerry's previously weak campaign.Nagourney Adam January 28, 2004 Kerry Defeats Dean in New Hampshire https://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/28/politics/campaign/kerry-defeats-dean-in-new-hampshire.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240223075345/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/28/politics/campaign/kerry-defeats-dean-in-new-hampshire.html February 23, 2024 February 23, 2024 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 By March 11, Kerry had received enough delegates to win the nomination.Primary Results: Delegate Scorecard https://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2004/primaries/pages/scorecard/graphical.html https://web.archive.org/web/20240921111752/https://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2004/primaries/pages/scorecard/graphical.html September 21, 2024 February 23, 2024 CNN Other major candidates included North Carolina senator John Edwards and retired U.S. Army general Wesley Clark. Kerry asked Republican senator John McCain to be his running mate but McCain turned down his offer.June 12, 2004 McCain Spurning Kerry on VP Slot? https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mccain-spurning-kerry-on-vp-slot/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20240921111628/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mccain-spurning-kerry-on-vp-slot/ September 21, 2024 April 11, 2024 CBS News en-US Associated Press On July 6, Kerry selected Edwards as his running mate, shortly before the 2004 Democratic National Convention was held later that month in Boston.Kerry Names Edwards His Running Mate https://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/07/06/kerry.vp/ https://web.archive.org/web/20240223075217/https://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/07/06/kerry.vp/ February 23, 2024 February 23, 2024 CNN Associated Press Democratic National Convention Heading into the convention, the Kerry–Edwards ticket unveiled its new slogan: a promise to make America "stronger at home and more respected in the world".Newman Maria July 13, 2004 Democratic Convention to Focus on Kerry's Military Service https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/13/politics/campaign/democratic-convention-to-focus-on-kerrys-military-service.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240224204341/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/13/politics/campaign/democratic-convention-to-focus-on-kerrys-military-service.html February 24, 2024 February 24, 2024 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Kerry made his Vietnam War experience the convention's prominent theme.July 24, 2004 Kerry Casts Bush As Unfit to Lead Frayed Military https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna5344731 live https://web.archive.org/web/20240224204347/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna5344731 February 24, 2024 February 24, 2024 NBC News The keynote address at the convention was delivered by Illinois state senator and U.S. Senate candidate and future president Barack Obama; the speech was well received, and it elevated Obama's status within the Democratic Party.Bernstein David June 2007 The Speech https://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/June-2007/The-Speech/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20080614213455/http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/June-2007/The-Speech/ June 14, 2008 April 13, 2008 Chicago Other nominations right|thumb|upright=0.7|David Cobb, the Green Party candidate right|thumb|upright=0.45|Libertarian candidate Michael Badnarik List of candidates in the 2004 United States presidential election There were four other presidential tickets on the ballot in a number of states totaling enough electoral votes to have a theoretical possibility of winning a majority in the Electoral College. They were: Michael Badnarik / Richard Campagna, Libertarian Party (campaign). Badnarik was nominated on the third ballot and Campagna on the first ballot at the Libertarian National Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, held May 28–31, 2004.May 30, 2004 Libertarians Pick Their Nominee https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna5100095 live https://web.archive.org/web/20240921110723/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna5100095 September 21, 2024 February 24, 2024 NBC News David Cobb / Pat LaMarche, Green Party (campaign). Cobb was nominated on the second ballot at the 2004 Green National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, held June 23–28, 2004.August 7, 2004 Green Party Deals Nader a Blow https://www.cbsnews.com/news/green-party-deals-nader-a-blow/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20240224061028/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/green-party-deals-nader-a-blow/ February 24, 2024 February 24, 2024 CBS News en-US Ralph Nader / Peter Camejo, independent (also Reform Party, Independent Party (DE), Populist Party (MD), Better Life Party, Cross-endorsements N.Y., Peace and Justice Party, Independence Parties of New York and South Carolina, and the Vermont Green Party who chose not to ratify the national party's presidential nominee).2005 Federal Elections 2004 https://www.fec.gov/resources/cms-content/documents/federalelections2004.pdf#page=11 live https://web.archive.org/web/20210902024923/https://www.fec.gov/resources/cms-content/documents/federalelections2004.pdf#page=11 September 2, 2021 February 24, 2024 Federal Election Commission Washington, D.C. Michael Peroutka / Chuck Baldwin, Constitution Party (also Alaskan Independence Party). Peroutka and Baldwin were unanimously nominated at the Constitution Party National Convention at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania (June 23–26, 2004).Third Parties https://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2004/special/president/candidates/third.parties.html https://web.archive.org/web/20240921110624/https://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2004/special/president/candidates/third.parties.html September 21, 2024 February 24, 2024 CNN Issues unique to the election Electronic voting machines Ahead of the 2004 election, some states implemented electronic voting systems. Critics raised several issues about voting machines, particularly those made by Diebold Election Systems. Cybersecurity professionals found security vulnerabilities in Diebold machines.Warner Melanie November 9, 2003 Machine Politics in the Digital Age https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/09/business/machine-politics-in-the-digital-age.html https://web.archive.org/web/20101111192546/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/09/business/machine-politics-in-the-digital-age.html November 11, 2010 February 13, 2009 The New York Times Voting machines made by several companies were also criticized for their lack of a paper trail, which would have made results easier to verify. Democrats also criticized various executives at Diebold, Inc. (the parent company of Diebold Election Systems) for their support of Bush's campaign, stating that it constituted a conflict of interest. Following these issues, California banned the use of Diebold's AccuVote TSX voting machines for elections in 2004.Schwartz John May 1, 2004 High-Tech Voting System Is Banned in California https://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/01/us/high-tech-voting-system-is-banned-in-california.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240921110730/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/01/us/high-tech-voting-system-is-banned-in-california.html September 21, 2024 February 6, 2024 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Campaign law changes The 2004 election was the first to be affected by the campaign finance reforms mandated by the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002. The act created restrictions on fundraising by political parties and candidates. A large number of independent 527 groups were created to bypass these restrictions.Justice Glen February 19, 2004 The 2004 Campaign: Fund-Raising; Advocacy Groups Win Fund Ruling https://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/19/us/the-2004-campaign-fund-raising-advocacy-groups-win-fund-ruling.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240921110731/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/19/us/the-2004-campaign-fund-raising-advocacy-groups-win-fund-ruling.html September 21, 2024 February 6, 2024 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Named for a section of the Internal Revenue Code, these groups were able to raise large amounts of money for various political causes as long as they did not coordinate their activities with political campaigns. Examples of 527s include Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, MoveOn.org, the Media Fund, and America Coming Together. These groups were active throughout the campaign season, spending a record $556 million for all elections in 2004. The Stand by Your Ad provision of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act required political advertisements on television to include a verbal disclaimer identifying the organization or campaign responsible for the advertisement. This provision was intended to force campaigns to take responsibility for negative advertisements.Rutenberg Jim November 8, 2003 Fine Print Is Given Full Voice in Campaign Ads https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/08/us/fine-print-is-given-full-voice-in-campaign-ads.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240206061823/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/08/us/fine-print-is-given-full-voice-in-campaign-ads.html February 6, 2024 February 6, 2024 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Campaign strategists criticized this requirement, stating that it would waste time and cause voters to be confused. General election campaign Campaign issues Political positions of George W. Bush Bush focused his campaign on national security, presenting himself as a decisive leader and contrasted Kerry as a "flip-flopper." This strategy was designed to convey to American voters the idea that Bush could be trusted to be tough on terrorism while Kerry would be "uncertain in the face of danger."Stevenson Richard W. February 24, 2004 The 2004 Campaign: The President; Campaign Begins As Bush Attacks Kerry in Speech https://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/24/us/the-2004-campaign-the-president-campaign-begins-as-bush-attacks-kerry-in-speech.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240129043453/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/24/us/the-2004-campaign-the-president-campaign-begins-as-bush-attacks-kerry-in-speech.html January 29, 2024 January 28, 2024 The New York Times In the final months before the election, Kerry's campaign focused on domestic issues such as the economy and health care. Kerry's campaign managers believed that Kerry had an advantage on domestic issues.Nagourney Adam October 3, 2004 Domestic Issues Pushed to Front of Campaigns https://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/03/politics/campaign/domestic-issues-pushed-to-front-of-campaigns.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240921110624/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/03/politics/campaign/domestic-issues-pushed-to-front-of-campaigns.html September 21, 2024 February 19, 2024 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Bush's campaign also focused on increasing voter turnout among conservatives.Bumiller Elisabeth Halbfinger David M. Rosenbaum David E. November 4, 2004 Turnout Effort and Kerry, Too, Were G.O.P.'s Keys to Victory https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/04/politics/campaign/turnout-effort-and-kerry-too-were-gops-keys-to-victory.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240815200454/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/04/politics/campaign/turnout-effort-and-kerry-too-were-gops-keys-to-victory.html August 15, 2024 April 11, 2024 The New York Times According to one exit poll, people who voted for Bush cited the issues of terrorism and traditional values as the most important factors in their decision.Decision 2004 – Exit Poll http://www.nbcnews.com/id/5297138 https://web.archive.org/web/20130315215707/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/5297138/ March 15, 2013 June 5, 2008 NBC News Kerry supporters cited the war in Iraq, the economy and jobs, and health care. thumb|Bush speaking at campaign rally in St. Petersburg, Florida, October 19, 2004 Economy Economic policy of the George W. Bush administration Tax cuts were passed in 2001 and 2003 under the Bush administration with Bush's support. Kerry voted against these tax cuts.Stevenson Richard W. March 21, 2004 At Rally in Vital State, Bush Attacks Kerry on Economy https://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/21/us/at-rally-in-vital-state-bush-attacks-kerry-on-economy.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240204201543/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/21/us/at-rally-in-vital-state-bush-attacks-kerry-on-economy.html February 4, 2024 February 4, 2024 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 During the 2004 campaign, Bush praised these tax cuts, stating that they helped to grow the economy.April 7, 2004 Kerry Slams Bush over Deficit https://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/04/07/election.main/index.html https://web.archive.org/web/20240204201543/https://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/04/07/election.main/index.html February 4, 2024 February 4, 2024 CNN On the other hand, Kerry attacked Bush for failing to create jobs under his presidency.Neilan Terence September 15, 2004 Kerry Sharply Criticizes Bush's Record on the Economy https://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/15/politics/campaign/kerry-sharply-criticizes-bushs-record-on-the-economy.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240204201543/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/15/politics/campaign/kerry-sharply-criticizes-bushs-record-on-the-economy.html February 4, 2024 February 4, 2024 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Kerry stated that he wanted to reduce the United States budget deficit by capping government spending while ending various tax breaks for businesses. Kerry also supported tax credits for businesses that hire additional workers. Bush attacked Kerry for his economic proposals, stating that they would cause Americans to pay higher taxes. Bush also attacked Kerry for previously supporting tax raises, such as a proposed increase on the federal gas tax. Foreign policy Foreign policy of the George W. Bush administration Bush defended the Iraq War, arguing that it was necessary to stop terrorism. He also said that the United States had made progress stopping terrorism in other nations.Stevenson Richard W. Wilgoren Jodi July 13, 2004 The 2004 Campaign: The President; Bush Forcefully Defends War, Citing Safety of U.S. and World https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/13/us/2004-campaign-president-bush-forcefully-defends-war-citing-safety-us-world.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240129043452/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/13/us/2004-campaign-president-bush-forcefully-defends-war-citing-safety-us-world.html January 29, 2024 January 28, 2024 The New York Times Bush attacked Kerry for opposing the Iraq War after voting to authorize it in 2002, characterizing the shift as one of many flip-flops by Kerry.Kerry Discusses $87 Billion Comment https://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/09/30/kerry.comment/ https://web.archive.org/web/20201018154925/http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/09/30/kerry.comment/ October 18, 2020 November 30, 2020 CNN Kerry argued that Bush had misled the American public in pursuing the Iraq War, noting that no illegal weapons had been found in Iraq. He said that the Iraq War was a mistakeWilgoren Jodi Bumiller Elisabeth September 21, 2004 In Harshest Critique Yet, Kerry Attacks Bush over War in Iraq https://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/21/politics/campaign/in-harshest-critique-yet-kerry-attacks-bush-over-war-in.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240921110625/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/21/politics/campaign/in-harshest-critique-yet-kerry-attacks-bush-over-war-in.html September 21, 2024 January 28, 2024 The New York Times and a diversion from terrorism in other nations such as Afghanistan.Toner Robin September 25, 2004 Kerry Promises to Refocus U.S. on Terror War https://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/25/politics/campaign/kerry-promises-to-refocus-us-on-terror-war.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240129043452/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/25/politics/campaign/kerry-promises-to-refocus-us-on-terror-war.html January 29, 2024 January 28, 2024 The New York Times After the election, exit polls found that foreign policy concerns were the most important issues for voters.Klinkner Philip A. 2006 Mr. Bush's War: Foreign Policy in the 2004 Election https://www.jstor.org/stable/27552219 Presidential Studies Quarterly 36 2 281–296 10.1111/j.1741-5705.2006.00303.x 0360-4918 27552219 https://web.archive.org/web/20240131003231/https://www.jstor.org/stable/27552219 January 31, 2024 January 31, 2024 subscription thumb|John Kerry at a Oakland Rally on January 27, 2004|left Health care Health savings accounts (HSAs) were introduced in 2004 as part of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act, signed by Bush in December 2003.Fact Sheet: Guidance Released on Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2003/12/20031222-1.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240131073548/https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2003/12/20031222-1.html January 31, 2024 January 31, 2024 georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov As part of his 2004 campaign, Bush supported the expansion of HSAs. He proposed tax cuts to help Americans purchase their own health insurance. He also proposed a plan that would allow small businesses to purchase health insurance in large groups. Kerry's health care proposals included government subsidies for businesses that provide health insurance and the expansion of government-run health care programs.Stevenson Richard W. Toner Robin September 17, 2004 Bush Says Kerry Is Pushing Nationalized Health Care https://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/17/politics/campaign/bush-says-kerry-is-pushing-nationalized-health-care.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240131073546/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/17/politics/campaign/bush-says-kerry-is-pushing-nationalized-health-care.html January 31, 2024 January 31, 2024 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Health policy experts stated that Bush's proposals would have a more limited impact than Kerry's proposals.Toner Robin May 14, 2004 The 2004 Campaign: Political Memo; Biggest Divide? Maybe It's Health Care https://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/14/us/the-2004-campaign-political-memo-biggest-divide-maybe-it-s-health-care.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240131074652/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/14/us/the-2004-campaign-political-memo-biggest-divide-maybe-it-s-health-care.html January 31, 2024 January 31, 2024 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331Connolly Ceci August 22, 2004 Bush Health Care Plan Seems to Fall Short https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A21929-2004Aug21.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20191115061154/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A21929-2004Aug21.html November 15, 2019 January 31, 2024 The Washington Post Kerry also attacked Bush for his policy on stem cell research. In 2001, the Bush administration restricted embryonic stem cell research to existing stem cell lines. Kerry stated that this restriction was a barrier to conducting important research.Farhi Paul June 21, 2004 Kerry Voices Support for Stem Cell Funding https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2004/06/22/kerry-voices-support-for-stem-cell-funding/3c2583f1-21d2-4235-b22f-e08c7967e1be/ February 23, 2024 The Washington Post Same-sex marriage In July 2004, Bush announced his support for a Constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, shortly before the Senate voted on the amendment. Although Kerry stated that he opposed same-sex marriage, he also opposed the amendment, saying that the legality of same-sex marriage should be decided by individual states.Nagourney Adam Kirkpatrick David D. July 12, 2004 The 2004 Campaign: Same-Sex Marriage; Urged by Right, Bush Takes on Gay Marriages https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/12/us/the-2004-campaign-same-sex-marriage-urged-by-right-bush-takes-on-gay-marriages.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240921110625/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/12/us/the-2004-campaign-same-sex-marriage-urged-by-right-bush-takes-on-gay-marriages.html September 21, 2024 January 28, 2024 The New York Times The Senate vote failed on July 14.July 15, 2004 Same-Sex Marriage Senate Battle Over, War Is Not https://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/07/14/samesex.marriage/index.html https://web.archive.org/web/20240129045110/https://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/07/14/samesex.marriage/index.html January 29, 2024 January 29, 2024 CNN Washington, D.C. Controversies Bush military service controversy George W. Bush military service controversy During the campaign, Bush was accused of failing to fulfill his required service in the Texas Air National Guard.Robinson Walter V. September 8, 2004 Bush Fell Short on Duty at Guard https://archive.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2004/09/08/bush_fell_short_on_duty_at_guard/ https://web.archive.org/web/20070705171042/http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2004/09/08/bush_fell_short_on_duty_at_guard/ July 5, 2007 June 16, 2007 live The Boston Globe A scandal occurred at CBS News after they aired a segment on 60 Minutes Wednesday, introducing what became known as the Killian documents. These documents were allegedly written by Jerry B. Killian, Bush's squadron commander, and they contained various allegations about Bush's service.September 8, 2004 CBS 60 Minutes Wednesday Transcript http://wwwimage.cbsnews.com/htdocs/pdf/complete_report/1B.pdf live https://web.archive.org/web/20070616133623/http://wwwimage.cbsnews.com/htdocs/pdf/complete_report/1B.pdf June 16, 2007 June 16, 2007 Thornburgh-Boccardi Report, Exhibit 1B Serious doubts about the documents' authenticity quickly emerged,Michael Dobbs and Mike Allen September 9, 2004 Some Question Authenticity of Papers on Bush https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A9967-2004Sep9.html June 16, 2007 The Washington Post leading CBS to appoint a review panel that eventually resulted in the firing of the news producer and other significant staffing changes.Thornburgh-Boccardi Report http://wwwimage.cbsnews.com/htdocs/pdf/complete_report/CBS_Report.pdf live https://web.archive.org/web/20070615103920/http://wwwimage.cbsnews.com/htdocs/pdf/complete_report/CBS_Report.pdf June 15, 2007 June 16, 2007 CBS NewsMarch 25, 2005 Final Figure in '60 Minutes' Scandal Resigns https://www.foxnews.com/story/final-figure-in-60-minutes-scandal-resigns live https://web.archive.org/web/20070530181840/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,151180,00.html May 30, 2007 June 16, 2007 Fox News Associated Press The Killian documents were eventually concluded to be forgeries.Zeller Tom May 23, 2005 In Blogs, Smoking Guns Provide Ammunition https://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/23/technology/in-blogs-smoking-guns-provide-ammunition.html February 4, 2024 The New York Times en-US Kerry military service controversy John Kerry military service controversy Kerry was accused by the Swift Vets and POWs for Truth of distorting his military service in Vietnam.Election of 2004 http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1384.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20171116025032/http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1384.html November 16, 2017 November 15, 2017 The group challenged the legitimacy of each of the combat medals awarded to Kerry by the U.S. Navy, and the disposition of his discharge. The organization spent $22.4 million in advertisements against Kerry. After the election, political analysts described their advertising campaign as effective.Janofsky Michael December 17, 2004 Advocacy Groups Spent Record Amount on 2004 Election https://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/17/politics/advocacy-groups-spent-record-amount-on-2004-election.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240206054053/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/17/politics/advocacy-groups-spent-record-amount-on-2004-election.html February 6, 2024 February 6, 2024 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 The term swiftboating was used during the campaign to describe the organization's negative advertising, which Democrats saw as unfair. It was also used after the campaign to generally describe a harsh attack by a political opponent that is dishonest, personal and unfair.November 14, 2011 Glossary: US Elections https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-15730790 live https://web.archive.org/web/20240218073111/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-15730790 February 18, 2024 February 18, 2024 BBC News en-GB Presidential debates thumb|right|Neighboring yard signs for Bush and Kerry in Grosse Pointe, Michigan 2004 United States presidential debatesThree presidential debates and one vice presidential debate were organized by the Commission on Presidential Debates, and held in the autumn of 2004. +Debates among candidates for the 2004 U.S. presidential electionNo.DateHostCityModeratorsParticipantsViewship (Millions)P1Thursday, September 30, 2004University of MiamiCoral Gables, FloridaJim LehrerPresident George W. BushSenator John Kerry62.4CPD: 2004 Debates https://www.debates.org/index.php?page=2004-debates live https://web.archive.org/web/20190108145509/https://www.debates.org/index.php?page=2004-debates January 8, 2019 January 8, 2019 Debates.orgVPTuesday, October 5, 2004Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland, OhioGwen IfillVice President Dick CheneySenator John Edwards43.5P2Friday, October 8, 2004Washington University in St. LouisSt. Louis, MissouriCharles GibsonPresident George W. BushSenator John Kerry46.7P3Wednesday, October 13, 2004Arizona State UniversityTempe, ArizonaBob SchiefferPresident George W. BushSenator John Kerry51.1 USA USA University of MiamiCoral Gables, FL 50 top 25.7192 -80.2771 USA Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland, OH 65 right 41.5043 -81.6084 USA Washington University in St. LouisSt. Louis, MO 65 top 38.648 -90.305 USA Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZ 65 top 33.4242 -111.9281 Map of United States showing debate locations Sites of the 2004 general election debates 250The first debate was held on September 30, slated to focus on foreign policy. A consensus formed among mainstream pollsters and pundits that Kerry won the debate decisively, strengthening what had come to be seen as a weak and troubled campaign.October 4, 2004 Poll: Kerry Wins Debate, Pulls Even http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6159637/site/newsweek/ https://web.archive.org/web/20070910231251/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6159637/site/newsweek/ September 10, 2007 November 3, 2008 MSNBC On October 5, the vice presidential debate between Cheney and Edwards. An initial poll by ABC indicated a victory for Cheney, while polls by CNN and MSNBC gave it to Edwards.October 6, 2004 Dick Cheney Debate with John Edwards Polls Give It to Edwards http://www.s5000.com/what_the_huck/589/cheney_edwards.php https://web.archive.org/web/20070928094213/http://www.s5000.com/what_the_huck/589/cheney_edwards.php September 28, 2007 May 24, 2010 s5000.comOctober 6, 2004 US Running Mates Clash over Iraq https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3716852.stm live https://web.archive.org/web/20060314161402/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/3716852.stm March 14, 2006 November 3, 2008 BBC NewsSandalow Marc October 5, 2004 Edwards-Cheney Debate: Wide Audience Expected: Tight Race Makes VP Matchup More Compelling http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2004/10/05/DEBATE.TMP https://web.archive.org/web/20041029185005/http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2004%2F10%2F05%2FDEBATE.TMP October 29, 2004 San Francisco ChronicleLanger Gary Sussman Dalia October 6, 2004 Cheney Gains with Help from His Friends https://abcnews.go.com/sections/politics/Vote2004/vp_debate_poll_041006.html https://web.archive.org/web/20081010233735/http://abcnews.go.com/sections/politics/Vote2004/vp_debate_poll_041006.html October 10, 2008 November 3, 2008 ABC News The second presidential debate was conducted in a town meeting format, less formal than the first presidential debate. This debate saw Bush and Kerry taking questions on a variety of subjects from a local audience.October 9, 2004 US Debate: What the Commentators Said https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3729206.stm November 3, 2008 BBC News Bush and Kerry met for the third and final debate on October 13.October 14, 2004 Transcript & Video: Third Debate – You Decide 2004 http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,135380,00.html https://web.archive.org/web/20130407090723/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,135380,00.html April 7, 2013 November 3, 2008 Fox News 51 million viewers watched the debate. After Kerry, responding to a question about gay rights, reminded the audience that Vice President Cheney's daughter was a lesbian, Cheney responded with a statement calling himself "a pretty angry father" due to Kerry using Cheney's daughter's sexual orientation for his political purposes.Vanden Brook Tom October 14, 2004 Kerry Lesbian Remark Angers Cheneys http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/president/2004-10-14-lynne-cheney_x.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20121009063603/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/president/2004-10-14-lynne-cheney_x.htm October 9, 2012 October 5, 2012 USA Today Polls taken by Gallup in found that Kerry pulled ahead in October, but showed a tight race as the election drew to a close.September 24, 2008 Gallup Presidential Election Trial-Heat Trends, 1936-2008 https://news.gallup.com/poll/110548/gallup-presidential-election-trialheat-trends-19362004.aspx#4 live https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165040/http://news.gallup.com/poll/110548/gallup-presidential-election-trialheat-trends-19362004.aspx#4 January 11, 2018 January 11, 2018 Gallup, Inc. Osama bin Laden videotape 2004 Osama bin Laden video On October 29, four days before the election, excerpts of a video of Osama bin Laden addressing the American people were broadcast on al Jazeera. In his remarks, bin Laden mentions the September 11 attacks, and taunted Bush over his response to them. In the days following the video's release, Bush's lead over Kerry increased by several points.Sherwell Philip October 31, 2004 Bush Takes a Six-Point Lead After New Bin Laden Tape https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/1475515/Bush-takes-a-six-point-lead-after-new-bin-Laden-tape.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20081206183353/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/1475515/Bush-takes-a-six-point-lead-after-new-bin-Laden-tape.html December 6, 2008 October 5, 2012 The Daily Telegraph London Electoral College forecasts Elections analysts and political pundits issue probabilistic forecasts of the composition of the Electoral College. These forecasts use a variety of factors to estimate the likelihood of each candidate winning the Electoral College electors for that state. Most election predictors use the following ratings: "tossup": no advantage "tilt" (used by some predictors): advantage that is not quite as strong as "lean" "lean" or "leans": slight advantage "likely": significant, but surmountable, advantage "safe" or "solid": near-certain chance of victory Below is a list of states considered by one or more forecasts to be competitive; states that are not deemed to be "safe" or "solid" by at least one of the forecasters The Cook Political Report, The New York Times, and CNN. State EVs Electoral votes New York TimesNovember 2,2004DC Political Report http://www.dcpoliticalreport.com/members/2004/Pred2.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20101121204958/http://www.dcpoliticalreport.com/members/2004/Pred2.htm November 21, 2010 usurped DCPoliticalReport.com538November 2,2004CNNNovember 2,2004 Arkansas6 | Likely R | Likely R | Lean R Arizona10 | Likely R | Likely R | Lean R Colorado9 | Likely R | Lean R | Lean R Delaware3 | Likely D | Likely D | Lean D Florida27 | Likely R | Tossup | Tossup Iowa7 | Likely R flip | Tossup | Lean R flip Maryland10 | Likely D | Likely D | Safe D Maine4 | Likely D | Lean D | Lean D Michigan17 | Likely D | Lean D | Lean D Minnesota10 | Likely D | Tossup | Tossup New Hampshire4 | Likely D flip | Tossup | Tossup Missouri11 | Likely R | Lean R | Lean R Nevada5 | Likely R | Tossup | Lean R New Jersey15 | Likely D | Likely D | Lean D New Mexico5 | Lean R flip | Tossup | Tossup North Carolina15 | Likely R | Lean R | Safe R Ohio20 | Lean D flip | Tossup | Tossup Pennsylvania21 | Likely D | Tossup | Lean D Oregon7 | Likely D | Lean D | Lean D Tennessee11 | Likely R | Lean R | Safe R Wisconsin10 | Likely R flip | Tossup | Tossup West Virginia5 | Likely R | Lean R | Likely R Virginia13 | Likely R | Lean R | Lean R Timeline Timeline of the 2004 United States presidential election Results George W. Bush (incumbent) Republican Texas 62,040,610 50.73% 286 Dick Cheney (incumbent) Wyoming John Kerry Democratic Massachusetts 59,028,444 48.27% 251 John Edwards North Carolina John Edwards(a) Democratic North Carolina 0 0.00% 1 John Edwards North Carolina Ralph Nader Reform Connecticut 465,650 0.38% 0 Peter Camejo(b) California Michael Badnarik Libertarian Texas 397,265 0.32% 0 Richard Campagna Iowa Michael Peroutka Constitution Maryland 143,630 0.12% 0 Chuck Baldwin Florida David Cobb Green Texas 119,859 0.10% 0 Pat LaMarche Maine Leonard Peltier Peace and Freedom Pennsylvania 27,607 0.02% 0 Janice Jordan California Walt Brown Socialist Oregon 10,837 0.01% 0 Mary Alice Herbert Vermont Róger Calero(c) Socialist Workers New York 3,689 0.01% 0 Arrin Hawkins(c) Minnesota Thomas Harens Christian Freedom Minnesota 2,387 0.002% 0 Jennifer Ryan Minnesota 50,652 0.04% 122,290,630 538 270 Source (Electoral and Popular Vote): Federal Elections Commission Electoral and Popular Vote Summary Voting age population: 215,664,000 Percent of voting age population casting a vote for president: 56.70% (a) One faithless elector from Minnesota cast an electoral vote for John Edwards (written as John Ewards) for president.MPR: Minnesota elector gives Edwards a vote; Kerry gets other nine http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/12/13_ap_electors/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20100101213450/http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/12/13_ap_electors/ January 1, 2010 May 5, 2009 News.minnesota.publicradio.org (b) In Montana, Karen Sanchirico was listed on the ballot as Nader's running mate, not Camejo. In Alabama, Jan D. Pierce was Nader's running mate. In New York, Nader appeared on two distinct tickets, one with Camejo and one with Pierce.2004 Presidential Election by State http://www.thegreenpapers.com/G04/President-Details.phtml?n=NADER,RALPH https://web.archive.org/web/20060212022429/http://www.thegreenpapers.com/G04/President-Details.phtml?n=NADER,RALPH February 12, 2006 The Green Papers (c) Because Arrin Hawkins, then aged 28, was constitutionally ineligible to serve as vice president, Margaret Trowe replaced her on the ballot in some states. James Harris replaced Calero on certain other states' ballots. Popular vote 600px 410px Bush Republican Party (US) 50.73 Kerry Democratic Party (US) 48.27 Nader Reform Party (United States) 0.38 Badnarik Libertarian Party (US) 0.32 Peroutka Constitution Party (US) 0.12 Others #777777 0.17 Electoral vote 600px 410px Bush Republican Party (US) 53.16 Kerry Democratic Party (US) 46.65 Edwards Democratic Party (US) 0.19 Results by state Of the 3,154 counties/districts/independent cities making returns, Bush won the popular vote in 2,568 (81.42%) while Kerry carried 586 (18.58%). The following table records the official vote tallies for each state as reported by the official Federal Election Commission report. The column labeled "Margin" shows Bush's margin of victory over Kerry (the margin is negative for states and districts won by Kerry). + LegendStates/districts won by Kerry/EdwardsStates/districts won by Bush/Cheney † At-large results (for states that split electoral votes) George W. BushRepublican John KerryDemocratic Ralph NaderIndependent / Reform Michael BadnarikLibertarian Michael PeroutkaConstitution David CobbGreen Others MarginMarginSwingPercentage point difference in margin from the 2000 election State Total State EV electoral votes # % EV electoral votes # % EV electoral votes # % EV electoral votes # % EV electoral votes # % EV electoral votes # % EV electoral votes # % EV electoral votes # % % #Alabama91,176,39462.46%9693,93336.84%–6,7010.36%–3,5290.19%–1,9940.11%–00.00%–8980.05%–482,46125.62%10.70%1,883,449ALAlaska3190,88961.07%3111,02535.52%–5,0691.62%–1,6750.54%–2,0920.67%–1,0580.34%–7900.25%–79,86425.55%−5.40%312,598AKArizona101,104,29454.87%10893,52444.40%–2,7730.14%–11,8560.59%–00.00%–1380.01%–00.00%–210,77010.47%4.18%2,012,585AZArkansas6572,89854.31%6469,95344.55%–6,1710.58%–2,3520.22%–2,0830.20%–1,4880.14%–00.00%–102,9459.76%4.32%1,054,945ARCalifornia555,509,82644.36%–6,745,48554.30%5521,2130.17%–50,1650.40%–26,6450.21%–40,7710.33%–27,7470.22%–−1,235,659−9.94%1.85%12,421,852CAColorado91,101,25551.69%91,001,73247.02%–12,7180.60%–7,6640.36%–2,5620.12%–1,5910.07%–2,8080.13%–99,5234.67%−3.69%2,130,330COConnecticut7693,82643.95%–857,48854.31%712,9690.82%–3,3670.21%–1,5430.10%–9,5640.61%–120.00%–−163,662−10.36%7.10%1,578,769CTDelaware3171,66045.75%–200,15253.35%32,1530.57%–5860.16%–2890.08%–2500.07%–1000.03%–−28,492−7.60%5.47%375,190DEDistrict of Columbia321,2569.34%–202,97089.18%31,4850.65%–5020.22%–00.00%–7370.32%–6360.28%–−181,714−79.84%−3.64%227,586DCFlorida273,964,52252.10%273,583,54447.09%–32,9710.43%–11,9960.16%–6,6260.09%–3,9170.05%–6,2340.08%–380,9785.01%5.00%7,609,810FLGeorgia151,914,25457.97%151,366,14941.37%–2,2310.07%–18,3870.56%–5800.02%–2280.01%–460.00%–548,10516.60%4.91%3,301,875GAHawaii4194,19145.26%–231,70854.01%400.00%–1,3770.32%–00.00%–1,7370.40%–00.00%–−37,517−8.75%9.59%429,013HIIdaho4409,23568.38%4181,09830.26%–1,1150.19%–3,8440.64%–3,0840.52%–580.01%–130.00%–228,13738.12%−1.41%598,447IDIllinois212,345,94644.48%–2,891,55054.82%213,5710.07%–32,4420.62%–4400.01%–2410.00%–1320.00%–−545,604−10.34%1.67%5,274,322ILIndiana111,479,43859.94%11969,01139.26%–1,3280.05%–18,0580.73%–00.00%–1020.00%–650.00%–510,42720.68%5.05%2,468,002INIowa7751,95749.90%7741,89849.23%–5,9730.40%–2,9920.20%–1,3040.09%–1,1410.08%–1,6430.11%–10,0590.67%0.98%1,506,908IAKansas6736,45662.00%6434,99336.62%–9,3480.79%–4,0130.34%–2,8990.24%–330.00%–140.00%–301,46325.38%4.58%1,187,756KSKentucky81,069,43959.55%8712,73339.69%–8,8560.49%–2,6190.15%–2,2130.12%–00.00%–220.00%–356,70619.86%4.73%1,795,882KYLouisiana91,102,16956.72%9820,29942.22%–7,0320.36%–2,7810.14%–5,2030.27%–1,2760.07%–4,3460.22%–281,87014.50%6.83%1,943,106LAMaine†2330,20144.58%–396,84253.57%28,0691.09%–1,9650.27%–7350.10%–2,9360.40%–40.00%–−66,641−8.99%−3.89%740,752MEMaine-11165,82443.14%–211,70355.07%14,0041.04%–1,0470.27%–3460.09%–1,4680.38%––––−45,879−11.93%−4.01%384,392ME1Maine-21164,37746.13%–185,13951.95%14,0651.14%–9180.26%–3890.11%–1,4680.41%––––−20,762−5.83%−3.96%356,356ME2Maryland101,024,70342.93%–1,334,49355.91%1011,8540.50%–6,0940.26%–3,4210.14%–3,6320.15%–2,4810.10%–−309,790−12.98%3.41%2,386,678MDMassachusetts121,071,10936.78%–1,803,80061.94%124,8060.17%–15,0220.52%–00.00%–10,6230.36%–7,0280.24%–−732,691−25.16%2.14%2,912,388MAMichigan172,313,74647.81%–2,479,18351.23%1724,0350.50%–10,5520.22%–4,9800.10%–5,3250.11%–1,4310.03%–−165,437−3.42%1.71%4,839,252MIMinnesota101,346,69547.61%–1,445,01451.09%918,6830.66%–4,6390.16%–3,0740.11%–4,4080.16%–5,8740.21%–−98,319−3.48%−1.08%2,828,387MNMississippi6684,98159.45%6458,09439.76%–3,1770.28%–1,7930.16%–1,7590.15%–1,0730.09%–1,2680.11%–226,88719.69%2.77%1,152,145MSMissouri111,455,71353.30%111,259,17146.10%–1,2940.05%–9,8310.36%–5,3550.20%–00.00%–00.00%–196,5427.20%3.86%2,731,364MOMontana3266,06359.07%3173,71038.56%–6,1681.37%–1,7330.38%–1,7640.39%–9960.22%–110.00%–92,35320.51%−4.57%450,445MTNebraska†2512,81465.90%2254,32832.68%–5,6980.73%–2,0410.26%–1,3140.17%–9780.13%–1,0130.13%–258,48633.22%4.23%778,186NENebraska-11169,88862.97%196,31435.70%–2,0250.75%–6560.24%–4050.15%–4530.17%–300.01%–73,57427.27%4.29%269,771NE1Nebraska-21153,04160.24%197,85838.52%–1,7310.68%–8130.32%–3050.12%–2610.10%–230.01%–55,18321.72%3.32%254,032NE2Nebraska-31189,88574.92%160,15623.73%–1,9420.77%–5720.23%–6040.24%–2640.10%–290.01%–129,72951.19%4.77%253,452NE3Nevada5418,69050.47%5397,19047.88%–4,8380.58%–3,1760.38%–1,1520.14%–8530.10%–3,6880.44%–21,5002.59%−0.96%829,587NVNew Hampshire4331,23748.87%–340,51150.24%44,4790.66%–3720.05%–1610.02%–00.00%–9780.14%–−9,274−1.37%−2.64%677,738NHNew Jersey151,670,00346.24%–1,911,43052.92%1519,4180.54%–4,5140.12%–2,7500.08%–1,8070.05%–1,7690.05%–−241,427−6.68%9.15%3,611,691NJNew Mexico5376,93049.84%5370,94249.05%–4,0530.54%–2,3820.31%–7710.10%–1,2260.16%–00.00%–5,9880.79%0.85%756,304NMNew York312,962,56740.08%–4,314,28058.37%3199,8731.35%–11,6070.16%–2070.00%–870.00%–2,4150.03%–−1,351,713−18.29%6.69%7,391,036NYNorth Carolina151,961,16656.02%151,525,84943.58%–1,8050.05%–11,7310.34%–00.00%–1080.00%–3480.01%–435,31712.44%−0.40%3,501,007NCNorth Dakota3196,65162.86%3111,05235.50%–3,7561.20%–8510.27%–5140.16%–00.00%–90.00%–85,59927.36%−0.24%312,833NDOhio202,859,76850.81%202,741,16748.71%–00.00%–14,6760.26%–11,9390.21%–1920.00%–1660.00%–118,6012.10%−1.40%5,627,908OHOklahoma7959,79265.57%7503,96634.43%–00.00%–00.00%–00.00%–00.00%–00.00%–455,82631.14%9.26%1,463,758OKOregon7866,83147.19%–943,16351.35%700.00%–7,2600.40%–5,2570.29%–5,3150.29%–8,9560.49%–−76,332−4.16%−3.72%1,836,782ORPennsylvania212,793,84748.42%–2,938,09550.92%212,6560.05%–21,1850.37%–6,3180.11%–6,3190.11%–1,1700.02%–−144,248−2.50%1.67%5,769,590PARhode Island4169,04638.67%–259,76559.42%44,6511.06%–9070.21%–3390.08%–1,3330.30%–1,0930.25%–−90,719−20.75%8.33%437,134RISouth Carolina8937,97457.98%8661,69940.90%–5,5200.34%–3,6080.22%–5,3170.33%–1,4880.09%–2,1240.13%–276,27517.08%1.14%1,617,730SCSouth Dakota3232,58459.91%3149,24438.44%–4,3201.11%–9640.25%–1,1030.28%–00.00%–00.00%–83,34021.47%−1.26%388,215SDTennessee111,384,37556.80%111,036,47742.53%–8,9920.37%–4,8660.20%–2,5700.11%–330.00%–60.00%–347,89814.27%10.41%2,437,319TNTexas344,526,91761.09%342,832,70438.22%–9,1590.12%–38,7870.52%–1,6360.02%–1,0140.01%–5480.01%–1,694,21322.87%1.54%7,410,765TXUtah5663,74271.54%5241,19926.00%–11,3051.22%–3,3750.36%–6,8410.74%–390.00%–1,3430.14%–422,54345.54%5.05%927,844UTVermont3121,18038.80%–184,06758.94%34,4941.44%–1,1020.35%–00.00%–00.00%–1,4660.47%–−62,887−20.14%−10.20%312,309VTVirginia131,716,95953.68%131,454,74245.48%–2,3930.07%–11,0320.34%–10,1610.32%–1040.00%–2,9760.09%–262,2178.20%0.16%3,198,367VAWashington111,304,89445.64%–1,510,20152.82%1123,2830.81%–11,9550.42%–3,9220.14%–2,9740.10%–1,8550.06%–−205,307−7.18%−1.60%2,859,084WAWest Virginia5423,77856.06%5326,54143.20%–4,0630.54%–1,4050.19%–820.01%–50.00%–130.00%–97,23712.86%6.54%755,887WVWisconsin101,478,12049.32%–1,489,50449.70%1016,3900.55%–6,4640.22%–00.00%–2,6610.09%–3,8680.13%–−11,384−0.38%−0.16%2,997,007WIWyoming3167,62968.86%370,77629.07%–2,7411.13%–1,1710.48%–6310.26%–00.00%–4800.20%–96,85339.79%−0.27%243,428WY U.S Total53862,040,61050.73%28659,028,44448.27%251465,1510.38%–397,2650.32%–143,6300.12%–119,8590.10%–99,8870.08%–3,012,1662.46%2.98%122,290,630US Although Guam has no votes in the Electoral College, it has held a straw poll for its presidential preference since 1980. In 2004, the results were Bush 21,490 (64.1%), Kerry 11,781 (35.1%), Nader 196 (0.58%) and Badnarik 67 (0.2%).December 12, 2004 2004 Presidential Vote http://www.ballot-access.org/2004/1212.html#12 live https://web.archive.org/web/20100418150714/http://www.ballot-access.org/2004/1212.html#12 April 18, 2010 September 17, 2008 Ballot-Access.org Maine and Nebraska each allowed for their electoral votes to be split between candidates. In both states, two electoral votes were awarded to the winner of the statewide race and one electoral vote was awarded to the winner of each congressional district.May 20, 2019 Maine Certificate of Ascertaiment, 2004 Presidential Election https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/2004_certificates/ascertainment_maine_01.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20170721095337/https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/2004_certificates/ascertainment_maine_01.html July 21, 2017 September 17, 2017May 20, 2019 Nebraska Certificate of Ascertainment, 2004 Presidential Election https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/2004_certificates/ascertainment_nebraska_01.html States that flipped Democratic to Republican New Mexico Iowa States that flipped Republican to Democratic New Hampshire Close states Red font color denotes those won by Republican President George W. Bush; blue denotes states won by Democrat John Kerry. States where margin of victory was under 1% (22 electoral votes): Wisconsin 0.38% (11,384 votes) Iowa 0.67% (10,059 votes) New Mexico 0.79% (5,988 votes) States where margin of victory was more than 1% but less than 5% (93 electoral votes): New Hampshire 1.37% (9,274 votes) Ohio 2.10% (118,601 votes) (tipping point state) Pennsylvania 2.50% (144,248 votes) Nevada 2.59% (21,500 votes) Michigan 3.42% (165,437 votes) Minnesota 3.48% (98,319 votes) Oregon 4.16% (76,332 votes) Colorado 4.67% (99,523 votes) States where margin of victory was more than 5% but less than 10% (149 electoral votes): Florida 5.01% (380,978 votes) Maine's 2nd congressional district 5.83% (20,762 votes) New Jersey 6.68% (241,427 votes) Washington 7.18% (205,307 votes) Missouri 7.20% (196,542 votes) Delaware 7.60% (28,492 votes) Virginia 8.20% (262,217 votes) Hawaii 8.75% (37,517 votes) Maine 8.99% (66,641 votes) Arkansas 9.76% (102,945 votes) California 9.94% (1,235,659 votes) Statistics 2004 Presidential General Election Data - National, Uselectionatlas.org. Counties with highest percent of vote (Republican) Ochiltree County, Texas 91.97% Madison County, Idaho 91.89% Glasscock County, Texas 91.56% Roberts County, Texas 90.93% Arthur County, Nebraska 90.23% Counties and county-equivalents with highest percent of vote (Democratic) Washington, D.C. 89.18% Shannon County, South Dakota 84.62% City and County of San Francisco, California 83.02% Macon County, Alabama 82.92% Bronx County, New York 82.80% Finance thumb|upright=2.05|These maps show the amount of attention given by the campaigns to the close states. At left, each waving hand represents a visit from a presidential or vice-presidential candidate during the final five weeks. At right, each dollar sign represents one million dollars spent on TV advertising by the campaigns during the same time period. Money spent George W. Bush (R) $367,227,801 John Kerry (D) $326,236,288 Ralph Nader (I) $4,566,037 Michael Badnarik (L) $1,093,013 Michael Peroutka (C) $729,087 David Cobb (G) $493,723 Walt Brown (SPUSA) $2,060 Source: FECSearch Campaign Finance Summary Data https://www.fec.gov/finance/disclosure/srssea.shtml https://web.archive.org/web/20081006100202/http://fec.gov/finance/disclosure/srssea.shtml October 6, 2008 November 3, 2008 Fec.gov Ballot access Presidential ticket Party Ballot access Bush / Cheney Republican 50+DC Kerry / Edwards Democratic 50+DC Badnarik / Campagna Libertarian 48+DC Peroutka / Baldwin Constitution 36 Nader / Camejo Independent, Reform 34+DC Cobb / LaMarche Green 27+DC 2004 United States Electoral College List of 2004 United States presidential electors One elector in Minnesota cast a ballot for president with the name of "John Ewards" written on it.Freddoso David December 21, 2004 Does L Stand for Loser? http://www.nationalreview.com/article/213203/does-l-stand-loser-david-freddoso live https://web.archive.org/web/20150411225347/http://www.nationalreview.com/article/213203/does-l-stand-loser-david-freddoso April 11, 2015 April 11, 2015 National Review The Electoral College officials certified this ballot as a vote for Edwards for president. The remaining nine electors cast ballots for Kerry. All ten electors in the state cast ballots for Edwards for vice president (Edwards's name was spelled correctly on all ballots for vice president).Radio Minnesota Public MPR: Minnesota elector gives Edwards a vote; Kerry gets other nine http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/12/13_ap_electors/ live https://web.archive.org/web/20100101213450/http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/12/13_ap_electors/ January 1, 2010 January 25, 2005 This was the first time in U.S. history that an elector had cast a vote for the same person to be both president and vice president. Electoral balloting in Minnesota was performed by secret ballot, and none of the electors admitted to casting the Edwards vote for president, so it may never be known who the faithless elector was. It is not even known whether the vote for Edwards was deliberate or unintentional; the Republican Secretary of State and several of the Democratic electors have expressed the opinion that this was an accident.Minnesota Elector Gives Edwards a Vote; Kerry Gets Other Nine http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/12/13_ap_electors/ https://web.archive.org/web/20100101213450/http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2004/12/13_ap_electors/ January 1, 2010 Minnesota Public Radio Statistical analysis thumb|Cheney visited Washington & Jefferson College in Pennsylvania on October 27, 2004Travels of Vice President Dick Cheney-October 2004 http://www.gwu.edu/~action/2004/bush/cheneycal1004a.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20081010231053/http://www.gwu.edu/~action/2004/bush/cheneycal1004a.html October 10, 2008 November 3, 2008 Gwu.edu During the campaign and as the results came in on the night of the election, there was much focus on Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida. These three swing states were seen as evenly divided, and with each casting 20 electoral votes or more, they had the power to decide the election. As the final results came in, Kerry took Pennsylvania and then Bush took Florida, focusing all attention on Ohio. thumb|left|Bush in the Oval Office, receiving a concession phone call from Kerry, which came the afternoon of the day following the election The morning after the election, the winner was still undetermined. The result in Ohio would decide the winner, although the results in New Mexico and Iowa were also undetermined. Bush led in Ohio, but the state was still counting provisional ballots. In the afternoon of the day after the election, Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell announced that there were roughly 135,000 provisional ballots remaining. Kerry's campaign believed that it was statistically impossible to erase Bush's lead. Faced with this announcement, Kerry conceded defeat.Liptak Adam November 4, 2004 In Making His Decision on Ohio, Kerry Did the Math https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/04/politics/campaign/in-making-his-decision-on-ohio-kerry-did-the-math.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240125233402/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/04/politics/campaign/in-making-his-decision-on-ohio-kerry-did-the-math.html January 25, 2024 January 25, 2024 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Bush became the first Republican to ever win without carrying New Hampshire, and the first to win the popular vote without Vermont and Illinois. This was the last time a president was re-elected to a consecutive term with a higher share of the electoral or popular vote. Bush carried Colorado despite the state being Kerry's birth state. Bush simultaneously lost his own birth state of Connecticut, making this the only election since 1864 where neither candidate carried their birth state. This election was the first time since 1976 that New Jersey, Connecticut, Vermont, Maine, Illinois, Michigan, and California voted for the losing candidate in the popular vote, the first time since 1980 that Maryland did so, and the first time since 1948 that Delaware did so. Bush's 2.4% popular vote margin is the smallest ever for a re-elected incumbent president, surpassing the 1812 election.In 2024, Donald Trump was elected to a nonconsecutive second term. Overall, Trump's 1.5% popular vote margin is the smallest ever for a re-elected president. Bush won three states that have not voted Republican since: Virginia, Colorado, and New Mexico. Virginia had voted Republican in every election from 1968 to 2004. Since 2008, Virginia has always voted Democratic and West Virginia has always voted Republican, regardless of the national outcome. This is the last election in which the losing candidate won any of the following states: Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. This is also the last time a Republican was elected without carrying Maine's 2nd congressional district. This election is the only time in history that every Northeastern state voted Democratic and every former Confederate state voted Republican in the same election. Thus, Bush is the only candidate to win without carrying any Northeastern electoral votes. Furthermore, this was the last election where both major party tickets consisted entirely of white men. This is also the most recent election that the incumbent party would flip any states, with Bush becoming the first Republican since 1984 to win the state of Iowa, and since 1988 to win the state of New Mexico, both states he did not win in 2000. This was the last election where Nevada voted Republican until 2024; and Florida, Iowa, and Ohio until 2016. This is the only presidential election since 1988 in which a Republican nominee won the national popular vote with a majority, and it remains the only presidential election since 1984 in which an incumbent Republican president won a second term. Bush became the only incumbent president to win consecutive re-election after previously losing the popular vote. Bush is the seventh incumbent Republican president to have won re-election to a second term, along with Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, William McKinley, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan. Bush is also the most recent incumbent Republican president to have won re-election to a second term.In 2024, Republican Donald Trump won a second non-consecutive term, after losing his re-election campaign in 2020. The 2004 election had the highest turnout rate among eligible voters since 1968.Faler Brian January 14, 2005 Election Turnout in 2004 Was Highest Since 1968 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2005/01/15/election-turnout-in-2004-was-highest-since-1968/8ff91650-23a2-4c3b-8276-db91263425c4/ February 22, 2024 The Washington PostVoter Turnout in Presidential Elections https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/statistics/data/voter-turnout-in-presidential-elections live https://web.archive.org/web/20181031002449/https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/statistics/data/voter-turnout-in-presidential-elections October 31, 2018 January 8, 2021 Presidency.UCSB.edu This election was one of only four U.S. presidential elections held since the Democrats and Republicans became the two major parties in which the winner did not carry any of the three Rust Belt states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin; the others were 1884, 1916, and 2000, when Bush was first elected.Brownstein Ronald September 16, 2024 Why These Three States Are the Most Consistent Tipping Point in American Politics https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/17/politics/blue-wall-states-harris-trump-analysis/index.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240921111750/https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/17/politics/blue-wall-states-harris-trump-analysis/index.html September 21, 2024 September 16, 2024 CNN This was the first presidential election since 1988 where any major party nominee won a majority of the popular vote. Bush was the last Republican to win the popular vote until Donald Trump in 2024; Bush and Trump are also the only two presidents who won the Electoral College while losing the popular vote in one election who then went on to win both the Electoral College and the popular vote in a subsequent election. This remains the most recent presidential election in which both major party candidates flipped at least one state. In addition, this was one of only two elections in the 21st century in which a candidate from either party won fewer than 20 states, with the other being 2024, when Kamala Harris won 19 states, the same as John Kerry. This is the most recent instance in which both major party tickets did not include a woman or a person of color. This, along with the previous election would be the only ones between 1980 and 2024 where the winner won fewer than 300 electoral votes (or below 55% of the electoral college vote). This is also the last winning ticket that did not have Joe Biden or Donald Trump on it. Maps Voter demographics In 2004, voters with and without college degrees were roughly evenly split along partisan lines. By 2024, voters with college degrees were Democratic-leaning, while voters without college degrees were Republican-leaning.https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2021/05/29/educated-voters-leftward-shift-is-surprisingly-old-and-international Educated voters' leftward shift is surprisingly old and international The Economist May 29, 2021 May 8, 2026 In contrast, the relationship between education and ideology began to reverse as early as the 1960s. Every year, the 10% of voters with the most years of schooling gravitated towards left-wing parties, while the remaining 90% slid the other way. By 2000, this had gone on for so long that, as a group, the most educated voters became more left-wing than their less-educated peers. The gap has only grown since then. 2004 presidential vote by demographic subgroup Demographic subgroupKerryBushOther % oftotal vote Total vote 48 51 1 100Ideology Liberals 86 13 1 21 Moderates 54 45 1 45 Conservatives 15 84 1 34Party Democrats 89 11 0 37 Republicans 6 93 1 37 Independents 49 48 3 26Gender Men 44 55 1 46 Women 51 48 1 54Marital status Married 42 57 1 63 Non-married 58 40 2 37Race White 41 58 1 77 Black 88 11 1 11 Asian 56 43 1 2 Other 56 40 4 2 Hispanic 54 44 2 8Religion Protestant 40 59 1 54 Catholic 47 52 1 27 Jewish 74 25 1 3 Muslim 93 <1 >6 1 Other 74 23 3 7 None 67 31 2 10Religious service attendance More than weekly 35 64 1 16 Weekly 41 58 1 26 Monthly 49 50 1 14 A few times a year 54 45 1 28 Never 62 36 2 15White evangelical or born-again Christian? White evangelical or born-again Christian 21 78 1 23 Everyone else 56 43 1 77Age 18–29 years old 54 45 1 17 30–44 years old 46 53 1 29 45–59 years old 48 51 1 30 60 and older 46 54 0 24First time voter? First time voter 53 46 1 11 Everyone else 48 51 1 89Sexual orientation Gay, lesbian, or bisexual 77 22 1 4 Heterosexual 46 53 1 96Education Not a high school graduate 50 49 1 4 High school graduate 47 52 1 22 Some college education 46 54 0 32 College graduate 46 52 2 26 Postgraduate education 55 44 1 16Family income Under $15,000 63 36 1 8 $15,000–30,000 57 42 1 15 $30,000–50,000 50 49 1 22 $50,000–75,000 43 56 1 23 $75,000–100,000 45 55 0 14 $100,000–150,000 42 57 1 11 $150,000–200,000 42 58 0 4 Over $200,000 35 63 2 3Union households Union 59 40 1 24 Non-union 44 55 1 76Military service Veterans 41 57 2 18 Non-veterans 50 49 1 82Issue regarded as most important Moral values 18 80 2 22 Economy 80 18 2 20 Terrorism 14 86 0 19 Iraq 73 26 1 15 Health care 77 23 0 8 Taxes 43 57 0 5 Education 73 26 1 4Region Northeast 56 43 1 22 Midwest 48 51 1 26 South 42 58 0 32 West 50 49 1 20Community size Urban 54 45 1 30 Suburban 47 52 1 46 Rural 42 57 1 25 Source: CNN exit poll (13,660 surveyed)CNN Election 2004 http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2004/pages/results/states/US/P/00/epolls.0.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20070514025413/http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2004/pages/results/states/US/P/00/epolls.0.html May 14, 2007 January 2, 2018 CNN Aftermath Voting problems in Ohio After the election, activists and election scholars criticized various issues with the election in Ohio. Long lines at polling places over seven hours were reported. An electronic voting machine erroneously gave thousands of extra votes to Bush.Liptak Adam November 7, 2004 Voting Problems in Ohio Set Off an Alarm https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/07/politics/campaign/voting-problems-in-ohio-set-off-an-alarm.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240225082539/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/07/politics/campaign/voting-problems-in-ohio-set-off-an-alarm.html February 25, 2024 February 25, 2024 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Professor Edward B. Foley stated that he believed that Ohio's voting problems did not affect the outcome.Dao James Fessenden Ford Zeller Tom Jr. December 24, 2004 Voting Problems in Ohio Spur Call for Overhaul https://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/24/us/voting-problems-in-ohio-spur-call-for-overhaul.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20200524182945/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/24/us/voting-problems-in-ohio-spur-call-for-overhaul.html May 24, 2020 February 25, 2024 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Objections and conspiracy theories 2004 United States election voting controversies January 2021 upright=1.35|thumb|Map of election day problems reported to the Election Incident Reporting System After the election, many blogs published false rumors claiming to show evidence that voter fraud had prevented Kerry from winning.Zeller Tom Jr. November 12, 2004 Vote Fraud Theories, Spread by Blogs, Are Quickly Buried https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/12/politics/vote-fraud-theories-spread-by-blogs-are-quickly-buried.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20240319205327/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/12/politics/vote-fraud-theories-spread-by-blogs-are-quickly-buried.html March 19, 2024 April 11, 2024 The New York TimesWeiss Joanna December 19, 2020 What Happened to the Democrats Who Never Accepted Bush's Election https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/12/19/2004-kerry-election-fraud-2020-448604 live https://web.archive.org/web/20210126203318/https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/12/19/2004-kerry-election-fraud-2020-448604 January 26, 2021 February 8, 2021 Politico Although the overall result of the election was not challenged by the Kerry campaign, Green Party presidential candidate David Cobb and Libertarian Party presidential candidate Michael Badnarik obtained a recount in Ohio. This recount was completed December 28, 2004, although on January 24, 2007, a jury convicted two Ohio elections officials of selecting precincts to recount where they already knew the hand total would match the machine total, thereby avoiding having to perform a full recount.Kropko M.R. January 24, 2007 Election Staff Convicted in Recount Rig https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/24/AR2007012401441.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20080726030859/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/01/24/AR2007012401441.html July 26, 2008 May 26, 2010 The Washington Post Independent candidate Ralph Nader obtained a recount in 11 New Hampshire precincts that used Accuvote voting machines.Herron Michael C. Wand Jonathan June 1, 2007 Assessing Partisan Bias in Voting Technology: The Case of the 2004 New Hampshire Recount Electoral Studies 26 2 247–261 10.1016/j.electstud.2006.02.004 At the official counting of the electoral votes on January 6, an objection was made under the Electoral Count Act (now 3 15) to Ohio's electoral votes. Because the motion was supported by at least one member of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, the law required that the two houses separate to debate and vote on the objection. In the House of Representatives, the objection was supported by 31 Democrats. It was opposed by 178 Republicans, 88 Democrats and one independent. Not voting were 52 Republicans and 80 Democrats.January 6, 2005 Final Vote Results for Roll Call 7 http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2005/roll007.xml live https://web.archive.org/web/20080503021334/http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2005/roll007.xml May 3, 2008 May 24, 2010 Clerk.house.gov Four people elected to the House had not yet taken office, and one seat was vacant. In the Senate, it was supported only by its maker, Barbara Boxer, with 74 senators opposed and 25 not voting. During the debate, no Senator argued that the outcome of the election should be changed by either court challenge or revote. Boxer claimed that she had made the motion not to challenge the outcome but "to cast the light of truth on a flawed system which must be fixed now".January 7, 2005 Congress Ratifies Bush Victory After Challenge https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/07/politics/congress-ratifies-bush-victory-after-challenge.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20210104203812/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/07/politics/congress-ratifies-bush-victory-after-challenge.html January 4, 2021 January 4, 2021 The New York TimesJanuary 6, 2005 Senator Barbara Boxer's (Democrat California) Objection to the Certification of Ohio's Electoral Votes http://www.thegreenpapers.com/G04/EC-Boxer-20050106.phtml live https://web.archive.org/web/20240921112703/http://www.thegreenpapers.com/G04/EC-Boxer-20050106.phtml September 21, 2024 January 4, 2021 The Green Papers Kerry would later state that "the widespread irregularities make it impossible to know for certain that the [Ohio] outcome reflected the will of the voters". In the same article, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean said: "I'm not confident that the election in Ohio was fairly decided... We know that there was substantial voter suppression, and the machines were not reliable. It should not be a surprise that the Republicans are willing to do things that are unethical to manipulate elections. That's what we suspect has happened."Kennedy, Jr Robert F. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. June 1, 2006 Was the 2004 Election Stolen? http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/10432334/was_the_2004_election_stolen https://web.archive.org/web/20080915175855/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/10432334/was_the_2004_election_stolen September 15, 2008 November 3, 2008 Rolling Stone See also Timeline of the 2004 United States presidential election Ralph Nader's presidential campaigns Jesusland map Newspaper endorsements in the 2004 United States presidential election History of the United States (1991–2016) Kerry Fonda 2004 election photo controversy Second inauguration of George W. Bush White House shakeup (2004) 2004 Colorado Amendment 36 Bush vs. Kerry Boxing, a 2004 boxing video game Sorry Everybody, a website to protest against the 2004 election results Other elections 2004 United States gubernatorial elections 2004 United States House of Representatives elections 2004 United States Senate elections Notes lower-alpha References Sources Official Federal Election Commission Report, a PDF file, with the latest, most final, and complete vote totals available. Presidential Results by Congressional District http://www.polidata.org/prcd July 29, 2005 Polidata Washington, D.C.: Polidata Barone, Michael J. The Almanac of American Politics: 2006 (2005) Daclon, Corrado Maria, US elections and war on terrorism (2004), Analisi Difesa, no. 50 Evan Thomas, Eleanor Clift, and Staff of Newsweek. Election 2004 (2005) Books Ceaser, James W. and Andrew E. Busch. Red Over Blue: The 2004 Elections and American Politics (2005), narrative history. Freeman, Steven F. and Joel Bleifuss, Foreword by U.S. Representative John Conyers, Jr. Was the 2004 Presidential Election Stolen? Exit Polls, Election Fraud, and the Official Count (Seven Stories Press, 2006) Green, John C. and Mark J. Rozell, eds. The Values Campaign?: The Christian Right and the 2004 Elections (2006) Miller, Mark Crispin. Fooled Again: How the Right Stole the 2004 Election (2005) – Sabato, Larry J. Divided States of America: The Slash And Burn Politics of the 2004 Presidential Election (2005) Stempel III, Guido H. and Thomas K. Hargrove, eds. The 21st-Century Voter: Who Votes, How They Vote, and Why They Vote (2 vol. 2015) Further reading Nordhaus William July 2006 Electoral Victory and Statistical Defeat? Economics, Politics, and the 2004 Presidential Election Quarterly Journal of Political Science 1 3 313–322 10.1561/100.00000014 William Nordhaus Baum Matthew A. Gussin Phil March 2008 In the Eye of the Beholder: How Information Shortcuts Shape Individual Perceptions of Bias in the Media Quarterly Journal of Political Science 3 1 1–31 10.1561/100.00007010 External links Election of 2004 in Counting the VotesAugust 2026 InternetArchiveBot Official candidate websites Michael Badnarik (Libertarian) (archived version from the U.S. Library of Congress United States Election 2004 Web Archive) George W. Bush (Republican) (archived version from the U.S. Library of Congress United States Election 2004 Web Archive) David Cobb (Green) (archived version from the U.S. Library of Congress United States Election 2004 Web Archive) John Kerry (Democrat) (archived version from the U.S. Library of Congress United States Election 2004 Web Archive) Ralph Nader (Independent) (archived version from the U.S. Library of Congress United States Election 2004 Web Archive) Michael Peroutka (Constitution) http://www.peroutka2004.com/ https://web.archive.org/web/20041101033019/http://www.peroutka2004.com/ November 1, 2004 September 25, 2007 Election maps and analysis Maps of proportion shift, counties more Republican, counties more Democratic, compared to 2000 election. NYTimes.com 2004 Election Results Interactive Graphic PBS.org Interactive Electoral College Map Maps and cartograms of the 2004 U.S. presidential election results https://web.archive.org/web/20201127013430/http://www-personal.umich.edu/%7Emejn/election/2004/ November 27, 2020 – Michael Gastner, Cosma Shalizi, and Mark Newman, University of Michigan Election 2004 Results – Robert J. Vanderbei, Princeton University Interactive Atlas of the 2004 Presidential Election Results – Dave Liep Alternate views of the electoral results map Assessing the Vote and the Roots of American Political Divide State-by-state forecasts of electoral vote outcome Probability analysis of Electoral College based on latest poll results by state https://web.archive.org/web/20131224075855/http://latestpollresults.com/2004/ December 24, 2013 Electoral Vote Predictor 2004 Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball https://web.archive.org/web/20130417065904/http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/2004/president/electoratemap.php April 17, 2013 Race 2004 http://race2004.net/ https://web.archive.org/web/20041102025028/http://race2004.net/ November 2, 2004 usurped June 7, 2012 USA Today polls Controversies About.com, Democracy & Voting Rights – Ohio 2004 Election as Lesson in What Can Go Wrong October 31, 2004 The Whoppers of 2004 http://www.factcheck.org/article298.html https://web.archive.org/web/20041101093051/http://www.factcheck.org/article298.html November 1, 2004 FactCheck Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania Election campaign funding Money Maps Campaign ads Campaign commercials from the 2004 election Category:Vice presidency of Dick Cheney Category:John Kerry Category:George W. Bush Category:John Edwards Category:Presidency of George W. Bush Category:November 2004 in the United States Category:Aftermath of the September 11 attacks Category:Impacts of the Iraq War Category:Politics of the Iraq War