How far was Obama's success in winning the presidential election of 2008 due to the weakness of his opponents?

Question 1

Who did Obama campaign against?

Answer 1

1st September 2008: Republican Party announced John McCain as the candidate for the presidency

Question 2

What was the economic situation of the time?

Answer 2

• 60% of voters who cast their ballots claimed the economy was the most important concern
• Seen to be the biggest economic crisis since the end of WW2
• Lehman Brothers Bank filed for bankruptcy September 2008
Bush planned a bailout plan which would be very expensive to taxpayers

Question 3

What was the impact of the economic situation on Obama?

Answer 3

• In September, Obama and McCain had similar ratings in the polls (46% each) but as the economic crisis worsened, Obama’s popularity increased because he was seen as the person who could bring change

Question 4

Describe Obama’s VP?

Answer 4

•	Joe Biden
o	Democratic 
o	US Senator since 1973
o	From Delaware
o	Chosen from his experience in foreign affairs

Question 5

Describe McCain’s VP?

Answer 5

o Republican
o Former Alaska governor
o Hoped to appeal to women voters
o Supporter of the NRA – opposed gun control
o Ignorance of key policy affairs
o Lack of experience, knowledge of foreign affairs, demeanour – all damaged McCain’s chances for success

Question 6

What were Obama’s policies?

Answer 6

1. Bailout of struggling financial institutions:
In favour, but emphasised ending tax cuts for the wealthy 
2. Iraq War:
Wanted out
3. Free Trade and NAFTA:
Less enthusiastic, wanted stricter labour and environmental standards in Canada and Mexico
4. Environment:
Emphasised this
5. Gay marriage/abortion:
Liberal
6. Gun control:
Wanted greater regulation
7. Energy Independence:
Emphasised this
8. Healthcare:
Wanted healthcare reform, make the system more available to BAs

Question 7

What was the presidential election result of 4th November 2008?

Answer 7

. 52% to 45%
. Obama won 44% of the white vote and 54% of the below 30 white vote
. Won 95% of the BA vote

Question 8

Evidence that Obama’s victory mattered?

Answer 8

• Historic event – first black president
• Jesse Jackson, advisor to MLK seen on TV weeping over results
• Election hailed as the beginning of the post racial America

Question 9

Evidence that Obama’s victory did not matter?

Answer 9

• 2014: Michael Brown shot by police in Ferguson
• 2015: White racist, Dylann Roof, murdered 9 BAs in a church in Charleston
• Just because there was a BA as president, racial discrimination did not end