Politics

Weekend Edition Sunday

Negativity High in 2004 Campaigns

October 31, 2004 • With just days left in this years presidential campaign, the candidates have thrown just about as much mud as possible. NPR's John Ydstie takes a look back at the nastiness of this year's campaign.

Opinion

Voice Mail Fills Machines in Swing States

October 31, 2004 • Iowan voter and commentator John Freyer has an audio postcard from the Hawkeye swing state where political ads are filling answering machines faster than you can say "November Second".

Analysis

Campaigns Downplay Bin Laden Tape, Urge Support

October 31, 2004 • NPR's Jennifer Ludden does a final analysis of the presidential campaign with two political strategists: Republican Frank Donatelli and Democrat Donna Brazille. Even though the race between President Bush and Sen. Kerry has been close, both analysts predict there will be a clear victor.

All Things Considered

Poll: Bush Leads Kerry, 48-45

October 31, 2004 • The Pew Research Center releases the results of its final pre-election poll before Tuesday's national election. The survey has President Bush with a three-point edge among likely voters, 48 percent to 45 percent for Sen. John Kerry. The study has a 2.5-percent margin of error. Hear NPR's Jennifer Ludden and Pew Research Center director Andrew Kohut.

Opinion

Weekend Edition Sunday

Legacy of 1800 Election Informs that of 2004

October 31, 2004 • Even before political parties were the bureaucracies they are today, the tenor and nature of political dialogue was scurrilous. In 1800, the election between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson marked the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties. Hear professor Richard Beeman and NPR's Liane Hansen.

News

Bush, Kerry Tour for Votes

October 31, 2004 • President Bush spent most of Saturday campaigning in Midwestern states that have previously gone to Democrats. His rival, Sen. John Kerry, began a five-state tour with celebrities from Sen. John Glenn to Bruce Springsteen. Hear NPR's David Welna and NPR's Andrea Seabrook.

All Things Considered

Bush, Kerry Urge Voter Turnout

October 31, 2004 • President Bush and Sen. John Kerry crisscross the nation from Florida to the Midwest on the last weekend of campaigning before the national election. The two candidates urged their party faithful and independents alike to vote Tuesday. Hear NPR's Andrea Seabrook and Don Gonyea.

Opinion

Diversions

Pigskin Prediction: As Go the Redskins...

October 31, 2004 • Since 1936, the outcome of the Washington Redskins' last home game has predicted the next president. When the Redskins have won their last home game, the incumbent party has retained the White House. Sunday, the Redskins lost their last home game before the elections to the Green Bay Packers, 28-14. Hear NPR's Jennifer Ludden.

Media

TV Networks to Try New Exit-Poll Policies

October 31, 2004 • NPR's Jennifer Ludden talks with Bob Garfield, co-host of the NPR program "On the Media," about the controversial role of exit-polling in election-night media coverage.

Weekend Edition Saturday

Bush Reacts to Bin Laden Tape

October 30, 2004 • President Bush campaigned in Ohio yesterday. He responded with a short, defiant statement to the latest video released by Osama bin Laden. NPR's David Welna reports.

Weekend Edition Saturday

Kerry Reacts to Bin Laden Tape

October 30, 2004 • Sen. John Kerry reacted to the release of the latest video from Osama bin Laden with a statement of condemnation. NPR's Scott Horsley reports.

News

Bush, Kerry React to Bin Laden

October 30, 2004 • President Bush and Sen. John Kerry answer the most recent video tape released by al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. Both pledge an all-out war on terrorism, while their campaigns snipe at each other over their respective responses. Hear NPR's David Welna and NPR's Scott Horsley.

Bush, Kerry React to Bin Laden

Audio for this story is unavailable.

Weekend Edition Saturday

Two Views of the Campaign in Michigan

October 30, 2004 • NPR's Scott Simon checks in with two volunteers, each representing their respective candidate, from the Michigan campaign.

All Things Considered

Native American Voters Draw More Attention

October 30, 2004 • This year's tight presidential race has contributed to strong efforts to encourage Native Americans to vote -- and to make sure their voting rights are protected. Wisconsin Public Radio's Brian Bull reports.

All Things Considered

Candidates Seek Strong Finish

October 30, 2004 • With less then three days left until the election, President Bush and Sen. John Kerry are on the stump in the swing states. Hear NPR's Jennifer Ludden, NPR's Andrea Seabrook and NPR's David Welna.