Election yields high turnout, Bush victory

The ballots have been counted, and what was a historically close and emotional presidential race is finally over.

According to the Committee for the Study of the American Electorate, roughly 60 percent of all eligible voters, about 120 million Americans, cast ballots in an election that had the highest voter turnout since Richard Nixon’s defeat of Hubert Humphrey in 1968.

President George W. Bush ultimately won with 286 electoral votes while Massachusetts Senator John F. Kerry received 252 electoral votes, despite early exit polls that showed Kerry leading in the most hotly contested battleground states of Pennsylvania, Florida and Ohio and predictions that a higher turnout would benefit the Democratic ticket.

Americans, from both the left and the right, still feel strongly about their votes in what remains a polarized nation.

The students at Georgia College & State University are no exception.

“I voted for Bush because, under the circumstances, I think he did a good job handling the crises faced during his last term,” said freshman Amy Harrison.

Bush’s clear victory in October’s mock election held at GC&SU revealed a college community less divided than many. Still, anyone walking around campus may find a variety of views.

“I was a bit disappointed,” said senior Nichole Hike. “However, I believe in our democratic process and I accept America’s choice, though I believe it was not the best choice.”

“I think the outcome was sad because this election wasn’t about the issues,” said Young Democrats President Brad Spier. “It was about perceived morality. When you can’t run on the issues, it’s easy to turn things into gay marriage and which candidate prays the most.”

In the end, it was Ohio’s 20 electoral votes that proved crucial, with Bush accepting victory Wed. Nov. 3 after it had become indisputable that he had won the state by 137,000 votes.

Nationally, Bush won the popular vote 51 percent to Kerry’s 48 percent; this was especially “historic” for Bush who lost the popular vote in 2000 by more than half a million votes.

Historically a presidential incumbent with an approval rating below 50 percent, such as Bush’s before the election, loses to the challenger.

Analysts say Bush owes this to his campaign’s energizing the conservative base, especially Evangelical Christians, rather than focusing primarily on swing voters.

“I think it was interesting that there were a large number of young voters, and everyone assumed the young voters would vote for Kerry, but it turned out many thought Bush was doing a good job,” said junior Josh Fulmer. “I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that we’re in the middle of a war, and a lot of people didn’t want someone new taking over.”

Despite political differences, students agreed the high turnout on Election Day was impressive.

“Turnout was amazing,” said junior Jonathan Long. “I never would have thought it would’ve been so high. That’s great, and the outcome was great, too. I think Kerry and Edwards showed great sportsmanship by not trying to prolong the election like Gore did.”

“I think it’s great,” said Harrison. “I think our generation is more involved in politics than others were. I think it’s more important now.”

Bush’s second term in office faces many challenges, such as Social Security reform, possible Supreme Court appointments and the War on Terror.

“I expect three things in the next four years,” said John Easley, chairman of College Republicans. “[These include] an aggressive foreign policy that will make America more safe by taking the fight to the terrorists, Social Security reform that makes the system useful for younger Americans and aggressive tax reform, including movement toward a national sales tax that is fair to all Americans.”

“He’s got to do something about his environmental policy, one thing I totally disagree with him about,” said Fulmer. As far as the environment is concerned, I wish he would move away from the party platform and make better decisions.”

“I’m glad Bush has to clean up his own messes for the next four years,” said junior Arrie Brown. By the time of the next election, I hope the Republican half of the country will realize the mistake they made by giving him a second chance.”

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Nov 12 2004. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry