1. Bush and Obama

2. 2000 Election
Rare 3 way race
George Bush (R) vs. Al Gore(D) vs. Ralph Nader (G)

3. 2000 Election

4. 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

6. 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

8. September 11, 2001

9. 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

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

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. Hurricane Katrina

15. US public opinion turns against the war

16. The Great Recession

17. Bush Public Approval

18. 2008 Election

20. Obama Wins

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