This Issue:

Table of Contents

Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

Mini-Lesson

Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

Campaign Trail Mix

The candidates are in the spotlight, but they are not the only ones whose work affects the election. From campaign workers to a political cartoonist, here's a look behind the scenes at Election 2004.

A Kid's Voice in the Election
Last January, 12-year-old ILANA WEXLER founded Kids for Kerry. This group wants to get kids involved in politics and to help John Kerry become President. There are almost 1,000 members nationwide. The California girl spoke at this summer's Democratic National Convention. "Children can have a voice in this election even though they cannot vote," Ilana told TFK Kid Reporters. "We can all make a difference."

Art Can Be Smart
STEVE BREEN is an editorial cartoonist for the San Diego Union-Tribune, a California newspaper. Breen is known for his insightful cartoons of political figures. He admits that it is hard to come up with ideas and draw caricatures that look recognizable but get a laugh. "Drawing a caricature of a political figure is the civilized version of throwing a pie at someone's face," Breen says. "That's our job: to humble the mighty!"

Setting the Pace for Bush's Race
KEN MEHLMAN has one big task: making sure that George W. Bush keeps his job this November. Mehlman is the President's campaign manager. His day starts at 6:30 a.m. and ends at 9:00 p.m. He oversees the race, from hiring employees to advising Bush. "The most interesting part is formulating an approach to win and how to make our case to the people," he told TFK.

Kerry's Messenger
CHAD CLANTON follows the Presidential cam-paign all day and night. He constantly watches the news. As senior communications adviser to Kerry-Edwards '04, Clanton ensures that John Kerry gets his message out, and he helps answer challenges. What keeps Clanton going? "A lot of Dr. Pepper and working to make our country stronger."

Next: The Candidates Face Off