From Obama-mania to Palin power: 2008's top political stories
source: http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/31/2008.lookback/?iref=mpstoryview
-
-
- BuddyP
- added this
Here's a look back at some of the top political stories of the year.
Obama-mania
From a junior senator from Illinois to the next president of the United States, Barack Obama broke down barriers and inspired an unprecedented grassroots movement in 2008.
He defeated one of the most powerful families in politics to get the Democratic nomination, and easily took down long-time Sen. John McCain in the general election.
Obama's campaign was marked by his eloquent speeches, passionate supporters and worldwide fanfare for the Democratic candidate. Look back: Obama defeats McCain
The Democrat's ground team helped him smash fundraising records and sail into the White House, making him the first African American to win the presidency.
Palin power
Tim Pawlenty, Mitt Romney, Bobby Jindal, Joe Lieberman -- they were considered the front-runners for the No. 2 spot on the Republican ticket. But, in one of the biggest surprises of the year, John McCain picked Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate.
The first-term governor went from obscurity to superstar fame overnight. She energized the Republican base and brought record crowds to McCain's campaign events.
Along with her good looks and sharp tongue, she also brought a fair share of controversy to the campaign trail. Some of the more notable ones include the $180,000 fashion bill for a mere nine-week stint on the GOP ticket; the investigation into her firing of a state trooper; and of course, her botched media interviews that helped "Saturday Night Live" rake in its best ratings in 14 years thanks to Tina Fey's spot-on impersonations.
With all eyes on Palin for 2012, it's likely that this self-declared hockey mom will stay in the news long after the election season.
Huckabee's rise, Giuliani's fall
Ex-New York mayor Rudy Giuliani messed up. The former frontrunner for the GOP nomination put all his eggs in one basket, Florida. He focused on the Sunshine State and paid little attention to the early contests in Iowa, Wyoming, New Hampshire, Michigan, Nevada and South Carolina.
Giuliani ended up finishing third in Florida. He dropped out the next day and endorsed McCain.
Obama-mania
From a junior senator from Illinois to the next president of the United States, Barack Obama broke down barriers and inspired an unprecedented grassroots movement in 2008.
He defeated one of the most powerful families in politics to get the Democratic nomination, and easily took down long-time Sen. John McCain in the general election.
Obama's campaign was marked by his eloquent speeches, passionate supporters and worldwide fanfare for the Democratic candidate. Look back: Obama defeats McCain
The Democrat's ground team helped him smash fundraising records and sail into the White House, making him the first African American to win the presidency.
Palin power
Tim Pawlenty, Mitt Romney, Bobby Jindal, Joe Lieberman -- they were considered the front-runners for the No. 2 spot on the Republican ticket. But, in one of the biggest surprises of the year, John McCain picked Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate.
The first-term governor went from obscurity to superstar fame overnight. She energized the Republican base and brought record crowds to McCain's campaign events.
Along with her good looks and sharp tongue, she also brought a fair share of controversy to the campaign trail. Some of the more notable ones include the $180,000 fashion bill for a mere nine-week stint on the GOP ticket; the investigation into her firing of a state trooper; and of course, her botched media interviews that helped "Saturday Night Live" rake in its best ratings in 14 years thanks to Tina Fey's spot-on impersonations.
With all eyes on Palin for 2012, it's likely that this self-declared hockey mom will stay in the news long after the election season.
Huckabee's rise, Giuliani's fall
Ex-New York mayor Rudy Giuliani messed up. The former frontrunner for the GOP nomination put all his eggs in one basket, Florida. He focused on the Sunshine State and paid little attention to the early contests in Iowa, Wyoming, New Hampshire, Michigan, Nevada and South Carolina.
Giuliani ended up finishing third in Florida. He dropped out the next day and endorsed McCain.
-
- groups:
- Community
-
- tags:
- News, Current, Election 08
