The Kerry campaign's spirits were high when Pennsylvania was declared Democratic territory. Unfortunately, other states did not follow suit. Once-Democratic states like New Mexico and Idaho were victories for the Bush team.
Americans waited for the elections to be called, but long lines kept polling places open and prolonged the news. By morning it was evident that the president would return for a second term.
Many citizens, especially those in Democratic states, were surprised by the outcome. The long lines led many to believe that this was Kerry's game. An overwhelming number of 18- to 24-year olds were expected to show up to the polls, and it was understood that they would vote for the senator based on previous elections.
The surprise came when the numbers rolled in. Young adults, like the rest of America, were divided between two sets of beliefs. Issues like the war and gay marriage propelled young people to vote based on personal beliefs and lifestyles, not on party affiliation.
According to CBS news, Americans voted on four major issues: the war in Iraq, terrorism, economy and moral values. Moral values were a top priority on many voters' consciences. Bush and Kerry have very different ideas about the role of government in the personal lives of its people.
Many Democrats speak out about the infringement of government on the privacy of American lives, who they can marry and when they will have children.
Bush has made his beliefs clear. Due to his strong Christian background, he believes abortion and gay marriage should be banned.
He is not alone; many religious people share his beliefs, and this year's election proved just that. For some, voting in the election was a moral obligation, reinforced by church sermons and congregations.
Evangelical groups came out in record numbers this year with a mission -- to honor their religion, Thomas Mann of the Brookings Institution said Friday during an event at the think tank to analyze the election results and their ramifications for politics and policymaking.
Bush ran on a religious ticket, condemning abortion and gay marriage, proposing a new, more upstanding direction for the country. He made their duty clear -- vote to save American values. His beliefs have enraged another set of Americans -- those who believe the church and state are no longer separate.
Passionate groups have emerged from this year's election. One group is fighting for the church, and the other is fighting for freedom from it. And still, there are those caught in the middle.
Many voters were undecided just days before the election. Critics say this group was uninformed. Contrary to belief, these voters were informed. They were torn between issues. For example, many Americans support the war in Iraq but oppose Bush's proposals for the economy. Voters had to make their decisions based on which was more important to them. This is where the church and other organizations played an important role, especially in the battleground states.
