This Issue:

Table of Contents

Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

Mini-Lesson

Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

Bush Kerry Face Off

Spanish Translation

By Kathryn Satterfield

About 50,000 visitors poured into New York City last week. Many of the out-of-towners made time to see the sights, but they weren't in the city on vacation. They were eager to get down to business at the Republican National Convention. They had gathered to nominate George W. Bush as their party's candidate in the 2004 Presidential election. Dele-gates from all 50 states greeted Bush with loud applause on Thursday night. "We will build a safer world," Bush said, "and nothing will hold us back."

Throughout the week, speakers such as Senator John McCain of Arizona and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California praised Bush's record. Many emphasized his role as a strong wartime leader. "I salute his determination to make this world a better, safer, freer place," McCain told the crowd on Monday.

Inside Madison Square Garden, people chanted, "Four more years!" But outside, tens of thousands of protesters staged marches. They called attention to such issues as the war in Iraq, women's and veterans' rights and unemployment.

Democratic candidate John Kerry spent much of the week campaigning. At a midnight rally shortly after Bush's speech, Kerry told an Ohio crowd of 15,000, "It's time to set a new course for America."

Kerry's big moment was in July, when Democrats rallied behind him at the Democratic convention in Boston, Massachusetts. Former President Bill Clinton told delegates that Kerry "has the experience, the character, the ideas and the values to be a great President." Many speakers praised Kerry's military service in the Vietnam War, saying he will be a strong commander in chief.

Meeting People, Winning Votes
The conventions are big, expensive parties that help kick off the final leg of the Presidential race. But they aren't what they use to be. Years ago, people watched the conventions to find out who would be nominated. In recent years, the major parties have chosen their candidates months before. John Kerry was the clear nominee by last March. He chose Senator John Edwards of North Carolina as his running mate in early July.

The Campaign Trail is Getting Hot
Kerry, Edwards, Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney will now spend weeks traveling the country. They will campaign especially hard in states where the election is expected to be very close. The candidates will also debate on TV.

Before Election Day, November 2, voters will want to hear more about the candidates' plans regarding national security, Iraq, the economy, education, health care and the environment.

One opinion poll taken early last week showed Bush leading Kerry 50% to 47% among likely voters. But a lot will happen between now and Election Day. "Our nation is reaching the hour of decision," Cheney said last Wednesday. What will American voters decide?

TFK Kid Reporters Covered It All
Thousands of journalists, including four young reporters from TIME FOR KIDS, attended the Republican and Democratic conventions. They rubbed elbows with such political heavyweights as Senators John McCain and Hillary Rodham Clinton. They talked to celebrities, among them the actor Ben Affleck and the musician Andre 3000 of OutKast.

Kid Reporters Henry Rome and Danny Stricker covered the Republican convention. Senator McCain said that more kids should work on campaigns. "Campaigns are fun and exciting," he said. Henry and Danny also interviewed the President's sister, Dorothy, and others.

Avery Stone and Lily Wasserman covered the Democratic convention. Senator Clinton told Lily, "I'm going to do everything I can to elect John Kerry." Avery and Lily also interviewed Congressional leaders Tom Daschle and Nancy Pelosi as well as many others.

Next: Hurricane Frances Whips the Coast