The War on Terror

The War on Terror

George W. Bush

  • First president’s son to run for office in decades.

  • Former governor of Texas, oil speculator, baseball team owner.

  • Appeals to evangelicals.

2000 Election

  • Bush (R) wins 50% of electoral vote and 48% of popular vote against Al Gore (D) (51% turnout).

Bush v. Gore

  • Gore wins popular vote, but Bush appears to have won electoral vote due to narrow margin in Florida.

  • Supreme Court intervenes, decides to stop recount.

9/11 Terror Attacks

  • Four terrorist attacks committed by al-Qaeda members.

  • 3,000 dead, massive property damage.

  • Bush’s approval rating (91%) is highest of any modern president.

War on Terror

  • Bush administration commits to a global war on terror.

  • Passes USA PATRIOT Act.

  • War in Afghanistan against the Taliban to pursue Osama bin Laden.

War in Iraq

  • In 2003, U.S. invades Iraq to depose Saddam Hussein.

  • Claims of "weapons of mass destruction" and al-Qaeda presence; neither true.

2004 Election

  • Bush (R) wins 53% of electoral vote and 51% of popular vote against John Kerry (D) (57% turnout).

Backlash Against the War

  • Abu Ghraib

  • Guantanamo

  • "Weapons of Mass Destruction"

  • Military quagmire

2000s Media Reflects the War

  • 24

  • Superhero films

  • Torture

  • Military video games

Disaster and the Great Recession

  • Hurricane Katrina raises questions.

  • Housing bubble bursts in 2008.

  • Millions lose homes/jobs. Government passes massive bailouts.

  • Bush receives lowest approval rating of any modern president (19%).

Barack Obama

  • Young Senator, well educated, charismatic.

  • Campaigns off of optimism for "hope" and "change".

2008 Election

  • Obama (D) wins 68% of electoral vote and 53% of popular vote against John McCain (R) (58% turnout).