America.gov-2008 Elections: Candidates

Obama Team Severely Restricts Role of Lobbyists in Transition

Stephen Kaufman — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:13:28 -0500

President-elect Obama sets strict ethics rules to prevent federal lobbyists from working for or influencing his transition team as he prepares to take over from the Bush administration January 20, 2009. The policy is an extension of standards followed by his campaign, says transition team co-chair John Podesta.

Bush Pledges Full Cooperation with Incoming Obama Administration

Stephen Kaufman — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:47:59 -0500

In their first meeting since the November 4 U.S. elections, President Bush and President-elect Obama confer at the White House. The Bush administration has pledged its “complete cooperation” in the days leading up to the January 20, 2009, inauguration to ensure a seamless transition.

President-elect Obama Planning Response to Economic Crisis

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:48:56 -0500

President-elect Obama’s first press conference since winning the election focuses on how he is developing policies to respond to the economic crisis. Obama also reminds observers that the United States has only one president at a time. Obama will meet with President Bush on November 10.

Barack Obama Wins Historic Election Victory

Stephen Kaufman — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 09:53:14 -0500

On November 4, Americans elected Illinois Senator Barack Obama the 44th president of the United States. Obama said that through their votes, Americans sent a message “that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states. We are and always will be the United States of America.”

Presidential Nominees’ Body Language Sends Nonverbal Message

Eric Green — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:48:51 -0500

Body language — the gestures and mannerisms used by people in nonverbal communication — plays an important role in the 2008 presidential debates. Communication experts discuss how Barack Obama and John McCain use nonverbal communication in the debates to help deliver their messages to the audience.

Joe Biden, Sarah Palin Highlight Their Political, Personal Roots

Michelle Austein — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:03:57 -0500

In their first meeting and only debate, vice presidential candidates Joe Biden and Sarah Palin recap their experience, describe the roles each would play as the next in line to lead the United States, and promote the proposed policies of their running mates, Barack Obama and John McCain.

Americans Eagerly Await Vice Presidential Debate

Michelle Austein — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:58:42 -0500

Rarely have Americans been more excited about a vice presidential debate than they are about the face-off between Democrat Joe Biden and Republican Sarah Palin. The vice presidential nominees will participate in a live, televised, 90-minute debate at Washington University in St. Louis.

Barack Obama: Breaking New Ground

Anita Green — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 15:45:49 -0500

The Democratic candidate for president brings youth, eloquence and a compelling personal history to the 2008 campaign. Obama captured his party’s nomination by advocating change in U.S. policy, both foreign and domestic. Obama is the first African-American presidential contender from a major political party.

John McCain: Service to His Country

Anita Green — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:20:51 -0500

The Republican presidential candidate for president has served his country for 50 years as a naval officer and as a member of Congress. While McCain has supported many Bush initiatives, he promises a new approach to foreign and domestic issues. If elected, McCain will be the oldest first-term president.

McCain, Obama Would Fight Terrorism, Enhance Trade in South Asia

Lea Terhune — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 08:49:49 -0500

Both U.S. presidential candidates — Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama — say they want to strengthen relationships with South Asian countries, with a focus on economic and security cooperation. Both McCain and Obama favor greater security cooperation with India.

Parties Recruit More Women to Vote Than to Run

Lea Terhune — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:16:52 -0500

Women politicians were highly visible at political party conventions, but still are few in number compared to men in elected office. But women’s political action committees are changing that: By raising funds for women candidates and lending a hand in their campaigns, they are helping more women get elected.

John McCain Pledges to Be Guided by the Public Interest

Stephen Kaufman — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:12:19 -0500

With “gratitude, humility, and confidence,” John McCain accepts the Republican nomination for president. While criticizing rival Barack Obama’s positions, McCain also reaches out to Democrats. “Despite our differences, much more unites us than divides us. We are fellow Americans, an association that means more to me than any other.”