After reading this chapter, you should be able to:
Explain why the media thought the 2004 election was "too close to call," but why political scientists had models predicting a Bush victory months before the first vote was cast.
Understand the basic process by which presidential aspirants become party nominees.
Explain the differences in campaign finance in the nomination process and in the general election.
Summarize the growth of the primary process and the weaknesses of that process. Understand the different systems used for selecting convention delegates.
Understand how the vice president is selected and the importance of "balancing the ticket."
Discuss the operation of the Electoral College.
Itemize those factors affecting voting behavior in presidential elections, including party identification, issues, candidates, and government performance.
Analyze why the issue of "candidate personality" is often an overrated principle in a presidential campaign.
Explain how the "deal of the cards" strongly influences the outcome of a presidential campaign. Cite some historical examples.
Summarize the issues that hurt the Democrats
during the 1980s and explain how Clinton was
able to defuse some of these issues in 1992
and 1996. Also, explain the events of the 2000
and 2004 elections.
