🎩American Presidency Unit 4 – Presidential Elections and Transitions

Key Players and Roles

• Candidates seek nomination from their political party to run for president
• Political parties (Democratic and Republican) support their nominated candidate and help fund and organize their campaign
• Campaign managers oversee day-to-day operations of the candidate's campaign, including strategy, messaging, and events
• Political action committees (PACs) and super PACs raise and spend money to support or oppose candidates, often through advertising
• Voters ultimately decide the outcome of the election by casting ballots for their preferred candidate
  • Voters must meet eligibility requirements, such as being a U.S. citizen and meeting age and residency criteria
• Media outlets cover the election and provide information to the public, potentially influencing opinions
• Pollsters conduct surveys to gauge public opinion and predict election outcomes

Election Process Overview

• Candidates announce their intention to run for president, typically a year or more before the election
• Primary elections and caucuses are held in each state to determine the nominees for each political party
  • Primaries are run by state governments and allow voters to cast secret ballots for their preferred candidate
  • Caucuses are run by political parties and involve voters openly discussing and voting for candidates
• National conventions are held by each party to formally nominate their presidential and vice presidential candidates
• General election campaigning begins after the conventions, with candidates focusing on winning the support of the broader electorate
• Presidential debates are held to allow candidates to discuss their positions and plans
• Election Day is held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November
  • Voters cast ballots for their preferred candidates, often using voting machines or paper ballots
• Election results are tallied and the winner is determined based on the Electoral College system

Campaign Strategies and Tactics

• Candidates develop a campaign platform outlining their positions on key issues and plans for the country
• Fundraising is crucial to finance campaign operations, including staff salaries, travel, and advertising
  • Candidates often hold fundraising events and solicit donations from supporters
• Advertising is used to promote the candidate's message and attack opponents, including through television, radio, and digital ads
• Grassroots organizing involves mobilizing supporters to volunteer, donate, and spread the candidate's message
  • Door-to-door canvassing and phone banking are common grassroots tactics
• Candidates participate in rallies and town hall meetings to connect with voters and generate enthusiasm
• Data analytics are used to target messages to specific voter groups and optimize campaign resources
• Opposition research is conducted to identify potential weaknesses or controversies of opposing candidates

Voting Systems and Electoral College

• Voting systems vary by state, with some using paper ballots and others using electronic voting machines
• Early voting and absentee voting allow voters to cast ballots before Election Day, either in person or by mail
• The Electoral College system determines the winner of the presidential election
  • Each state is allocated a number of electors based on its representation in Congress
  • In most states, the candidate who wins the popular vote receives all of the state's electoral votes (winner-take-all system)
• A candidate must receive a majority of electoral votes (at least 270 out of 538) to win the presidency
• Faithless electors are rare cases where an elector votes for a different candidate than the one they were pledged to support
• The Electoral College system has been criticized for potentially allowing a candidate to win the presidency without winning the popular vote

Media Influence and Public Opinion

• Media coverage of the election can influence public opinion by focusing attention on certain candidates or issues
• Bias in media coverage can favor one candidate over another, either intentionally or unintentionally
• Social media has become an increasingly important platform for candidates to communicate with voters and for the public to share opinions
  • Candidates use social media to bypass traditional media and directly reach supporters
  • Social media can also be a source of misinformation and polarization
• Polling is used to measure public opinion on candidates and issues throughout the campaign
  • Polls can influence perceptions of a candidate's viability and momentum
• Media often focus on horse race coverage, emphasizing who is leading in polls rather than substantive policy discussions

Election Results and Analysis

• Election night coverage involves media outlets projecting winners based on vote tallies and exit polls
• The losing candidate traditionally concedes the election and congratulates the winner
• Voter turnout is analyzed to understand patterns of participation and the impact on the outcome
  • Higher turnout can benefit certain candidates or parties
• Demographic analysis examines how different groups (e.g., by race, gender, age) voted and what issues motivated them
• Polling accuracy is scrutinized, particularly if there were significant discrepancies between polls and the actual results
• Factors contributing to the outcome are identified, such as the state of the economy, incumbent popularity, and key events during the campaign

Transition Period Mechanics

• The transition period begins after the election and lasts until the inauguration of the new president on January 20th
• The outgoing administration cooperates with the incoming administration to ensure a smooth transfer of power
  • Briefings are provided on key issues and ongoing operations
  • Security clearances are processed for incoming officials
• The president-elect selects cabinet members and other high-level appointees, subject to Senate confirmation
• Policy priorities and plans are developed for the new administration's first 100 days and beyond
• Inauguration planning takes place, including the swearing-in ceremony, parade, and inaugural balls
• The outgoing president leaves a letter for the incoming president offering advice and well wishes

Challenges and Controversies

• Disputed elections can occur when the outcome is too close to call or there are allegations of irregularities (2000 Bush v. Gore)
  • Recounts, legal challenges, and political maneuvering can ensue
• Foreign interference in elections has become a concern, particularly in light of Russian meddling in the 2016 election
  • Efforts to secure election infrastructure and combat disinformation are ongoing
• Voter suppression tactics, such as strict voter ID laws and purging of voter rolls, can disproportionately affect certain groups and influence outcomes
• Gerrymandering, the manipulation of district boundaries for partisan advantage, can give one party an edge in House elections
• Campaign finance laws and the role of money in politics are contentious issues
  • Critics argue that wealthy donors and special interests have outsized influence
• Faithless electors, though rare, have the potential to change the outcome of a close election
• The Electoral College system is criticized for giving disproportionate power to swing states and allowing a candidate to win without a popular vote majority