Brain Fuel

The 2008 presidential election is truly a landmark race because it will decide U.S. foreign and domestic policy for generations. The next president will appoint at least one Supreme Court justice (probably two), and face challenges like the housing crisis, health care, Social Security solvency, and the war in Iraq. But the road to the White House has been no easy path this year. The Democrats struggled when they faced the historic choice for their nominee: an African American versus a woman. The Republicans faced an internal struggle between social conservatives and fiscal moderates. Not only did the primary season contribute baggage to each party’s nominee, but regardless of who gets elected, the next president will also take office following the lowest approval ratings any U.S. president has ever seen. Professor Lawless will examine the dynamics of the 2008 election, highlighting the good, the bad, and the ugly. She will assess what a win for each candidate means for policy, democracy, and public trust in and toward the United States.