US elections

Obama - the last four years

Obama vs. McCain

The 2008 presidential election between Obama and Arizona Senator John McCain brought out a record 131 million voters. It was the most racially and ethnically diverse electorate in US history, with nearly one-in-four votes cast by non-whites. On January 20, 2009 Barack Hussein Obama II was sworn in as the first African American president of the United States of America.

Obama - the last four years

Family ties

Barack Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii to a father from Kenya and a mother from Kansas. In April 2011 Obama released his official long-form birth certificate after conspiracy theorists claimed the president wasn’t actually born in the US. He and his wife, First Lady Michelle Obama, have two daughters, Malia and Sasha.

Obama - the last four years

Stimulus solutions

Shortly after taking office President Obama approved a $787 billion stimulus bill in the wake of the financial collapse. Then in July 2010 Obama passed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which brought the most significant changes to financial regulation in the US since the Great Depression. Romney has vowed to repeal Dodd-Frank if elected president.

Obama - the last four years

Obamacare

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), informally called Obamacare, was signed into law by Obama in March 2010. It is the most important regulatory overhaul of the US healthcare system, aimed primarily at increasing the number of insured Americans. The Supreme Court upheld the new law after 26 states sued that it was unconstitutional.

Obama - the last four years

Nobel Peace Prize

The 2009 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to President Obama for his "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples." The committee also praised Obama's work to mitigate the use of nuclear weapons. The award did not come without criticism - many Republicans claimed the president had done little during his short time as president to deserve the prize.

Obama - the last four years

Guantanamo Bay

Within days of being in office, President Obama signed an executive order to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay. The prison, located in Cuba, is a controversial detainment and interrogation facility of the US military. Due to restrictions on the transfer and release of prisoners, the prison has not yet been closed.

Obama - the last four years

Osama bin Laden

On May 1, 2011 President Barack Obama made a late-night speech from the White House to announce that Osama bin Laden, the Saudi-born al Qaeda boss behind the 9/11 attacks 10 years earlier, had been killed. The operations codename was Operation Neptune Spear and was carried out in Pakistan by the Navy SEALs.

Obama - the last four years

Same-sex marriage support

This past spring Vice President Joe Biden declared his support for gay marriage. President Obama quickly followed suit announcing that he too supports same-sex marriage, becoming the first sitting president to do so. "I've just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married," Obama told ABC News.

Obama - the last four years

Democratic National Convention

First Lady Michelle Obama addressed a roaring crowd at the DNC on September 4. She spoke about her husband's faith in the American dream, "… I love that he has never forgotten how he started. I love that we can trust Barack to do what he says he is going to do, even when it is hard, especially when it's hard. I love that for Barack, there is no such thing as us and them."

Obama - the last four years

Criticism of Romney

In his DNC speech Obama slammed Romney for lacking foreign diplomatic experience. "My opponent and his running mate are new to foreign policy," he said, "After all, you don't call Russia our number one enemy - and not al Qaeda - unless you're still stuck in a Cold War mind warp. You might not be ready for diplomacy with Beijing if you can't visit the Olympics without insulting our closest ally."

Obama - the last four years

Four more years?

Obama closed his DNC speech by saying, "Yes our road is longer - but we travel it together. We don't turn back. We leave no one behind. We pull each other up. We draw strength from our victories, and we learn from our mistakes, but we keep our eyes fixed on that distant horizon, knowing that Providence is with us, and that we are surely blessed to be citizens of the greatest nation on Earth."

Author: Holly Cooper | Editor : Rob Mudge

Mitt Romney's road to the White House

'Romneycare'

The Massachusetts health care insurance reform law, unofficially called Romneycare, was enacted in 2006. It mandates that residents of Massachusetts obtain a state regulated minimum level of healthcare insurance and provides free insurance for residents who can’t afford it. Democrats have been quick to point out its similarities with Obamacare, which most Republicans want to repeal.

Mitt Romney's road to the White House

First time around

Mitt Romney first tossed his hat in the presidential ring during the 2008 election. Despite being the underdog Romney proved to be the most successful fundraiser out of all the Republican candidates. Yet after missing out on the nomination he set his eyes on the 2012 election.

Mitt Romney's road to the White House

Primary election

The Republican primaries saw many faces come and go but in the end Mitt Romney’s greatest competition turned out to be former Senator Rick Santorum. Romney carried 42 states surpassing the 1,144 delegates needed to win the Republican nomination.

Mitt Romney's road to the White House

Faith and family

Mitt Romney’s faith has been a hot topic ever since he entered the race - he is the first Mormon candidate to be on the presidential ticket. "We were Mormons and growing up in Michigan; that might have seemed unusual or out of place but I really don’t remember it that way," he said. He and his wife Ann Romney have five sons and 18 grandchildren.

Mitt Romney's road to the White House

Romney's tax returns

In 1984, Romney co-founded Bain Capital, a private equity investment firm that became highly profitable and one of the largest of its kind in the nation. Senator Harry Reid (D) has claimed Romney, who is worth an estimated $200 million, spent a decade not paying taxes. Romney has repeatedly denied the charges and says he has never paid less than 13 percent.

Mitt Romney's road to the White House

Super PACs

The 2012 Republican primary was the first presidential primary to be affected by a Supreme Court ruling allowing independent political spending by corporations and labor unions for elections. Intense fundraising efforts and contributions from Super PACs have helped Romney outspend Obama for most of the campaign. It has been projected that both sides will spend a combined total of $5.8 billion.

Mitt Romney's road to the White House

Trip abroad

This summer Romney set off on a six-day tour through England, Israel and Poland in order to demonstrate his foreign policy expertise on the international stage. His trip yielded several hiccups that were widely reviewed as a lack of nuance on delicate issues. Politics aside, Romney spent 30 months in France as a Mormon missionary in the mid to late 1960s.

Mitt Romney's road to the White House

Paul Ryan for VP

In August Romney chose Paul Ryan as his running mate for vice president. Ryan, the US Congressman for Wisconsin's 1st congressional district, is known for his tight fiscal policies and support for small government. "I accept the calling of my generation to give our children the America that was given to us, with opportunity for the young and security for the old - and I know that we are ready."

Mitt Romney's road to the White House

Republican National Convention

Ann Romney took to the RNC stage in Tampa, Florida to speak about her husband's character, "I can't tell you what will happen over the next four years. But I can only stand here tonight as a wife and a mother and a grandmother, an American, and make you this solemn commitment. This man will not fail."

Mitt Romney's road to the White House

Criticism of Obama

Romney addressed the convention crowd about the excitement that surrounded Obama’s 2008 campaign, "But tonight I'd ask a simple question: If you felt that excitement when you voted for Barack Obama, shouldn’t you feel that way now that he’s President Obama? You know there’s something wrong with the kind of job he’s done as president when the best feeling you had was the day you voted for him."

Mitt Romney's road to the White House

A Republican back in the White House?

Romney’s closing remarks in Tampa: "If I am elected president of these United States I will work with all my energy and soul to restore that America, to lift our eyes to a better future. That future is our destiny. That future is out there. It is waiting for us. Our children deserve it. Our nation depends on it. The peace and freedom of the world require it. And with your help we will deliver it."

Author: Holly Cooper | Editor : Rob Mudge

Battleground states

New Hampshire

With an unemployment rate notably lower than the national average, the real challenge in New Hampshire will be tipping the scales. Polls show Obama and Romney fighting a neck-and-neck race. Both have made key appearances around the state and increased advertising spending. Despite its independent streak, New Hampshire could be one of Romney's best chances to carry a state that Obama won in 2008.

Battleground states

Nevada

The economic outlook in Nevada has steadily declined over the past four years. It has the nation's highest home foreclosure and unemployment rates. Along with the economy, Obama is focusing on his administration's investments in education. The incumbent president is counting on young and Hispanic voters in Nevada. Yet a large Mormon population could help swing support in Romney's favor.

Battleground states

Iowa

The Republican camp spent months attacking Obama during the Iowa caucus campaign earlier this year, which lowered the president's ratings in the state. Both candidates will focus on environmental issues and jobs, especially in the wake of this summer's drought. The state's six electoral votes could offer a critical tipping point.

Battleground states

Colorado

In this drought-scorched state, environmental issues are at the forefront. Fracking, a controversial drilling method, uses powerful streams of water and chemicals to extract oil and gas. The enormous amount of water required in the process is a hot topic, which voters will want addressed. Obama won Colorado in 2008 despite its historically right leanings. But this time around, it's a toss-up.

Battleground states

Wisconsin

Since both national conventions ended, Democrats and Republicans have ramped up advertising in Wisconsin. Democrats have narrowly won the state in the last six presidential elections. Romney's ratings there have bounced though after he chose Wisconsin native Paul Ryan as his vice-presidential candidate. But the state's 10 electoral votes are still up in the air.

Battleground states

Virginia

Virginia has a long presidential history - and not just due to its close proximity to Washington DC. It's the home state of eight former presidents. Obama became the first Democratic presidential candidate to win Virginia in 44 years, proving that the state's political demographics have changed. Obama and Romney have both been funneling crucial campaign time and money into this new swing state.

Battleground states

North Carolina

Democrats hosted their national convention in Charlotte, North Carolina this September, a calculated move to bolster support in this historically right-leaning state. Recent demographics show this southern state steadily shifting to the left, making it a true toss-up. With 15 electoral votes in the balance, North Carolina is a game changer.

Battleground states

Michigan

In this Democratic-leaning state, it's all about the economy. Romney opposed the government's bailout of the auto industry, which Obama will use against him. Detroit is the automobile capital of the US and has been struggling to rebuild its shining legacy. Romney was born and raised in Michigan, where his father was also governor. But key economic issues will trump family ties this November.

Battleground states

Ohio

Many large automobile factories have shut down in Ohio in recent years, feeding a high unemployment rate. Residents want to hear how the candidates will rescue the economy and get jobs back on track. Obama won the state in 2008, gaining a critical 18 electoral votes. This touchstone state has correctly chosen winning presidential candidates for the last 12 elections.

Battleground states

Florida

Florida is by far the most well-known battleground state in America. The controversial recount during the 2000 election between George W. Bush and Al Gore solidified Florida's role as a linchpin state. In Florida, Hispanic and Jewish voters represent powerful minority groups with an influential voice on topics such as immigration and Israel-US relations.

Battleground states

The sunshine swing state

Florida offers a game-changing 29 electoral votes, which President Obama won in 2008. More than 17 percent of Floridian voters are 65 or older, putting healthcare at the center of discussion - especially Medicare. Florida, known as the Sunshine State, will prove a formidable battleground for both candidates.

Author: Holly Cooper | Editor : Sabina Casagrande