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The American President is one of the most powerful people in the world. The White House is the center of this power. Elections are held every four years in America. The first hurdle for any future President is the primaries.
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The Democratic candidates in 2008 include Barack Obama, who attracts a lot of young people, Hillary Clinton, who already knows the White House from when her husband Bill was President and John Edwards, who nearly became Vice President in 2004. Former soldier John McCain, Mick Huckabee and Mitt Romney all want to run for the Republicans.
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There are a total of 51 primaries and the system is quite complicated. Essentially, it’s important that candidates collect delegates’ votes for six months. To boost their chances, candidates and their followers go door-to-door. Volunteers support candidates during the election. Lisa, for instance, is calling voters for Obama.
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At a so-called caucus, citizens in a community vote openly. Before they vote, they have intense discussions about the candidates. After these discussions, the supporters get into groups. The Americans are very proud of their caucus system.
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On Super Tuesday, 20 states make their decisions. After this, the candidates are usually clear. John McCain wins the Republican race. He’s too liberal for some conservatives. McCain tries to score points with his political experience.
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Clinton and Obama are still competing against each other for the Democrats – it’s a tough fight. Clinton says Obama doesn’t have enough substance. But Clinton has an image problem, too. A lot of people see her as being cold and too unapproachable. After six months of primaries Obama has the majority of delegates’ votes. But Clinton still wants to be a candidate at the party convention.
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At the party nominating convention, it's important how many delegates a candidate has collected during the primaries. Delegates have to choose their candidate now. The super delegates hold the balance of power. They can vote freely and don’t have to follow the primary results. In the end, Obama is elected Democratic candidate.
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At the party convention, a second important decision has to be made: the so-called "running mate“ is chosen. He or she will stand at the side of the possible President, as their Vice-President. John McCain chooses Sarah Palin, the current governor of Alaska.
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As the race heats up, the candidates spend a lot of time in the undecided states, the so-called swing states. Obama is working on his profile. He visits crisis regions and meets with statesmen there. He comes to Germany too. The financial crisis brings a surprise change to the election - Obama is more convincing in dealing with it.
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Election day is always the Tuesday following the first Monday in November. This election is an historic one for many Americans. It's the first time a black man can become President. This special election attracts a lot of Americans to vote, the highest number in more than a hundred years. They elect Barack Obama as their President.
© WDR 2009
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