2008 Presidential Election

Election Run Up
The 2008 Presidential election was a contest between Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate John McCain. The election focused around the Iraq war and the economy.

Debates
The election consisted of 4 debates, in Indianapolis (Indiana),  Lincoln (Nebraska),  Concord (New Hampshire) and San Antonio (Texas). Initial polling suggested that Clinton won the debate in Lincoln, whilst McCain won those in Concord and San Antonio, with Indianapolis tied, neck and neck.

Polling
Initial polling, compiled after the two conventions, suggested that Clinton had a strong lead over McCain, something attributed to the Iraq War. She led with between 4-7% for much of July and August. However, cracks began to show in late August, when she accused the mainstream media of conspiring to rig the election, something they strongly denied. Clinton saw donations fall from the public as the media began to oppose her campaign.

Final Polling
This map was released in the final days of the campaign, highlighting the key swing states.

Campaign Stops
Clinton spent her last five days giving speeches in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, Colorado and New Mexico. McCain spent his final five days campaigning in Ohio, New Hampshire, Florida, Virginia and New Mexico.

Exit Poll
This exit poll was released through a collaboration of CNN, Fox News, ABC and CBS field polling. It was made through a combination of 'on the day' polling and 'poll of polls'. It suggested that Clinton would make it to 259 and McCain to 225, with 54 to play for; Ohio, New Hampshire, Maine (3) and Florida. Indiana has been widely speculated to be a close swing state in the lead up to election day, however the exit poll suggested that McCain could win big, perhaps taking 58% to Clinton's 42%.

Final Results
Final results gave Clinton a win and the Presidency, winning 284-254. Indiana came true to the exit poll, giving McCain 59% to Clinton's 41%. Florida stayed Republican with a 2.5% majority. Ohio, New Hampshire and Maine (3) voted Clinton.