Description

Podcast Shownotes: American Politics 101 - Episode 4

Presidential Campaign Process

Presidential Terms

• Term Limits
  • The President serves a four-year term and can run for a second term.
    The current President often runs for a second term if eligible.

Unique Situations

• Replacing a Sitting President
  • It is rare for a sitting President not to run for a second term if eligible. Historically, this has not occurred during a campaign, only if a President has passed away while in office.

Current Election Cycle

• Age of Candidates
  • This cycle is unique as the leading candidates are the oldest in history.
    During debates, questions about their fitness to serve due to their age were raised.

The Campaign Process

• Pre-Campaign Period
  • Begins two years before the election with candidates fundraising and forming exploratory committees to gather support.
• Primaries and Caucuses
  • Parties hold primary elections or caucuses to choose their candidates.
    Voters must be at least 18 and registered with a party to participate.
• Party Debates
  • Candidates participate in debates to present their policies and win support within their parties.
• National Conventions
  • Each party nominates a candidate for President.
    The nominee selects a Vice President running mate.
• Campaign Activities
  • Nominees campaign nationwide, focusing on key states, holding rallies, and appearing in the media.
• Election Day
  • Held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
    Voters cast their ballots for their party's candidate.

Electoral College

• Electoral Votes
  • The President is elected based on the Electoral College, a point system where each state has a certain number of electoral votes.
    A candidate needs at least 270 out of 538 electoral votes to win.
• Swing States
  • States that are not consistently Democrat or Republican are crucial in elections and receive the most campaign attention.
• Electoral College Exceptions
  • Nebraska and Maine can split their electoral votes between candidates.

Historical Context

• Famous Inaugurations
  • Notable inaugurations include John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and Barack Obama. Donald Trump's inauguration was marked by significant protests.
• Special Cases
  • Close races in states like Nebraska and Maine can influence the overall result.