Bush reelected

George W. Bush was elected to a second term as President of the United States as droves of people lined up at the ballot boxes on Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Many people were concerned that the elections might wind up in controversy as they did four years ago. As Tuesday night progressed, the returns came in and those watching campaign coverage saw a map turning decisively red.

At first glance it seemed obvious that Bush would win. However, there was word that Ohio, a major swing state, was too close to call. There were various accounts about how many provisional ballots were still out and would have to be counted.

Sen. John Kerry and his running mate Sen. John Edwards were not about to concede. Edwards came out to face the crowd late into the twilight and assured them that every vote would be counted.

However, word soon trickled in that even with the provisional ballots it would be statistically impossible for Kerry to pull off a victory in Ohio and consequently would lose the race.

Shortly after 10 a.m. on Wednesday morning, Kerry called the White House and conceded the presidency to Bush. Later that day Kerry addressed his legion of supports and thanked them for their help. He said that our country is divided and needs to find a way to come together.

"I think it was a good idea to concede. It would have looked bad for him and the party to challenge the outcome. The Democrats do not want a reputation for always challenging the elections," Joe Garavaglia, senior, accounting, and member of the College Republicans, said. "It's time to let democracy do its thing."

Bush waited for Kerry to make his concession speech before making a public acceptance speech. The President has said that he will try to reach across the divide to Democrats.

On Thursday morning, Nov. 4, Bush held his first press conference since being reelected and detailed his agenda for the next four years.

His plans include reform for Social Security and the tax system. Bush said the elections earned him political capital and he plans to spend it.

Some students have expressed shock and even outrage at the results, while others have decided to accept things for what they are.

"The election is over and he [Bush] won," Brian Rails, junior, business management, said. "So, if I agree or disagree with him, he is my president and I will just have to go with whatever may happen in the next four years."

There was no debating Bush's victory this year. According to CNN news sources he won by 34 electoral votes and over 3 million popular votes. Voter turnout was estimated at nearly 120 million.