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America Has Spoken

Spanish Translation

Kathryn R. Satterfield

The final week in the race for President started out much like the first in a red, white and blue flurry of energy and passion. Barack Obama and John McCain campaigned tirelessly in the days leading up to November 4. Both candidates made stops in Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Florida, states where they were neck and neck in the opinion polls. Each spoke to cheering crowds of supporters. As the campaigns wound down, McCain and Obama hoped to rev up voters who remained undecided. (TFK went to press on October 30. For the latest news and Election Day results, visit timeforkids.com. Our election-results issue will arrive next week.)

Standing in a cold, steady rain at a stop outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Obama echoed a major theme of his campaign: It's time for the country to take a new direction. "The change we need isn't just about new programs and policies," he said. "It's about a new attitude, it's about new politics." While Obama talked to voters in Pennsylvania, his Democratic running mate, Delaware senator Joe Biden, worked crowds in Florida and North Carolina.

Republican McCain and his running mate, Alaska governor Sarah Palin, addressed supporters in Hershey, Pennsylvania. McCain also returned to a familiar campaign theme: his years of experience and service to his country. Many opinion polls had him trailing behind Obama as of October 30. "We never give up," he said. "Let's go win this election and get this country moving again."

A Fight For Key States

The race appeared to be especially close in nine states. During the final week, the candidates turned up the heat in these battleground states. They count for a total of 115 electoral votes. That is a good chunk of the 270 votes needed to win (see "Who Really Picks the President?" on page 6).

Last Wednesday, the Associated Press released poll numbers that showed Obama leading in four key states: Ohio, Nevada, Colorado and Virginia. In 2004, President George W. Bush won all four states, which traditionally vote Republican. The survey also showed Obama ahead among people who voted early.

But polls cannot measure every factor that affects an election. In late October, many voters claimed to be undecided. Still, issues such as the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and the struggling U.S. economy swayed voters. "Which candidate does a better job offering plans that would benefit (the middle class)? That's really what this campaign is about," said Ohio State University professor Herb Asher. In many states, Americans were also choosing who would represent them in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. The Democrats appeared poised to win big and keep control of both the House and the Senate. Republicans warned that one-party rule would be bad for the nation.

Looking to the Future

As of October 30, at least 6 million people had already cast their ballots. Early voting used to be available only to people who couldn't make it to the polls on Election Day. More than 30 states currently allow early voting. Most of them do not require voters to give a reason or excuse.

Republicans and Democrats predicted record turnouts on November 4operhaps 130 million voters. Millions would be voting for the first time. Officials feared problems, including too few voting machines. Another concern: the different types of voting methods. In some places, people cast paper ballots. In others, they vote on touch screens, punch cards or lever machines. None of these methods is perfect. Both parties had plans to make sure every vote would be counted.

Many Americans were eager to move forward. This political season has been long and challenging. But it has also been exciting and historic. Obama was the first African-American presidential nominee of a major party. Sarah Palin was only the second woman to run for Vice President. Voters disagreed, but they all took part in a tradition that is the foundation of our nation's strength.

Next: A Call For More Troops