candidates for president in 2004

Daniel Parker

2 min read

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17-03-2025

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The 2004 United States presidential election was held on Tuesday, November 2, 2004. The election saw incumbent Republican President George W. Bush seeking re-election against Democratic challenger John Kerry. This election, coming just three years after the September 11th attacks and amidst the ongoing Iraq War, proved to be one of the most closely contested and consequential in recent history.

The Incumbent: George W. Bush

George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, ran on a platform built largely on his administration's response to the September 11th terrorist attacks and the subsequent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. His campaign emphasized national security and a strong stance against terrorism. Key aspects of his platform included:

• The War on Terror: Bush's administration framed the war in Iraq as a crucial component of the global War on Terror, arguing it was necessary to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and to promote democracy in the Middle East. This was a major focal point of his campaign.
• Tax Cuts: Continuing his focus from his first term, Bush championed further tax cuts, arguing they stimulated economic growth and benefited the middle class.
• No Child Left Behind Act: The education reform law, passed during his first term, remained a key part of his platform, highlighting his commitment to improving education standards.

The Challenger: John Kerry

John Kerry, a Massachusetts Senator, was the Democratic nominee. His campaign focused on criticizing the Bush administration's handling of the Iraq War and the economy, promising a different approach to both. Key aspects of his platform included:

• Ending the Iraq War: Kerry sharply criticized the Bush administration's handling of the war, arguing it was poorly planned and executed, and advocated for a phased withdrawal of troops. This became a central theme of his campaign.
• Economic Policies: He proposed alternative economic policies, aiming to create jobs and strengthen the economy through different means than Bush's tax cuts.
• Healthcare Reform: Kerry also addressed the need for healthcare reform, proposing plans to make healthcare more accessible and affordable.

Other Candidates

While Bush and Kerry dominated the race, other candidates ran, though with significantly less support:

• Ralph Nader (Green Party): Nader, a long-time consumer advocate, ran on a platform focused on environmental protection and social justice. While not expected to win, his presence in the race was seen by some as potentially affecting the outcome.
• David Cobb (Green Party): Another Green Party candidate, though Nader's candidacy was far more prominent.

The Election's Aftermath

George W. Bush ultimately won the election, securing a second term as President. The outcome was relatively close, with Bush winning the electoral college vote despite a smaller margin in the popular vote than in 2000. The election fueled ongoing debates about the Iraq War, the role of the media, and the effectiveness of different campaign strategies. The 2004 election solidified the partisan divisions that continue to shape American politics today. Analyzing the candidates' platforms and the results offers valuable insight into the political landscape of the early 2000s and its long-lasting effects.