THE 2004 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
            
            
            
             The choosing of a nation's leader is always a grave undertaking. However, there are several countries whose decision tends to have a broad impact on the rest of the world. One in particular is the United States. With their next presidential election coming up many Americans have several issues to worry about that concerns their nations future. These issues bring Americans in doubt of whom being the better candidate for the United States, both on an international front and a domestic one.
             George W. Bush is the incumbent and current president of the United States. He is attempting to continue his programs through the extension of his stay in the presidential office for one more four-year term. A die-hard Republican, coming from a long line of die-hard Republicans, many already know where Bush stands on the issues.
             However, several issues surround his presidency which may tend to cast more of a pall on his status for the second term. The extended tour of the US troops in Iraq and the continued expenditure on the War on Terrorism has taken its toll on his reputation. Nightly newscasts carry the news of soldiers being picked off one by one by dissidents in Iraq and the Middle East. Heightened security and the strict guidelines are beginning to fray at the average American's patience.
             Still, many have applauded the actions he took in result to the September 11th bombings. The economy's recovery after the attack may be in the minds of some, but most will only look at the present prices at the gas pump and not realize what is really happening in the Middle East to drive the prices up. When it comes to Medicare and Medicaid, Bush has delayed this issue over and over again. In addition, depending on who ends up in the Senate and House Bush may do no better for this term than he did last term in establishing some sort of stabilization for the elderly.
             Bush's strongest aspects in...