Bush and Obama

2000 Election Rare 3 way race George Bush (R) vs. Al Gore(D) vs. Ralph Nader (G)

2000 Election

Election of 2000 The closes election in American history Florida would be the decisive state So close there were multiple recounts Both candidates needed FL electoral votes to win Bush wins by 537 votes

Bush v. Gore Gore would take the case of the revote to the Supreme Court Wanted another recount in Florida Supreme Court ruled in favor of Florida/Bush and certified results in time for the electoral college vote in mid-December

September 11, 2001

September 11, 2001 Terrorist attacks on New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania What is terrorism? The use of violence by nongovernmental groups against civilians to achieve a political goal These attacks were carried out by Muslim Terrorist Group al-Qaeda Reasons US investments in Middle Eastern Oil Western influences on Muslim religious values US support of Israel

War on Terror Response to the terrorist attacks Bush creates the Department of Homeland Security Patriot Act Increased authority of US law enforcement agencies

War on Terror Afghanistan US began bombing on October 7, 2001 Attacked al-Qaeda camps and the Taliban Supporters of bin Laden

Iraqi War Iraqi War aka Operation Iraqi Freedom March 20, 2003 – US troops enter Iraq Based on intelligence the country had weapons of mass destruction and used chemical weapons against the Kurds in Iraq Would lead to an unstable government Many terrorists attacks and bombings 2007 – more troops sent to fight 2013-present – troop removal as the country Iraq becomes more stable

2004 Election Bush vs. John Kerry (D-Massachusetts) Was the beginning of the Gay Rights Movement in the US Bush wins in another close victory Not nearly as close as 2000

Hurricane Katrina

US public opinion turns against the war

The Great Recession

Bush Public Approval

2008 Election

Obama Wins

Importance of Obama’s Win First African-American President in US history