Presidential elections

Democratic Candidates for the 2008 presidential elections are as followed;
Hillary Rodham Clinton: Health Care, Social Security, Iraq, National Security, Energy, Immigration, Affirmative Action, Economy, Budget, Education, Gay Marriage, Abortion, Poverty, Gun Control, Stem Cell Research.
John Edwards: Health Care, Social Security, Iraq, National Security, Energy, Immigration, Affirmative Action, Economy, Budget, Education, Gay Marriage, Abortion, Poverty, Gun Control, Stem Cell Research.
Mike Gravel:Economy+Budget, Immigration, Environment, Health Care, and Education.
Dennis Kucinich: Heath Care, Iraq War, Environment, Immigration, Globalization, Economy+Budget, Education, Abortion.
Barack Obama:Health Care, Social Security, Iraq, National Security, Energy, Immigration, Affirmative Action, Economy, Budget, Education, Gay Marriage, Abortion, Poverty, Gun Control, Stem Cell Research.
Bill Richardson: Health Care, Social Security, Iraq, National Security, Energy, Immigration, Affirmative Action, Economy, Budget, Education, Gay Marriage, Abortion, Poverty, Gun Control, Stem Cell Research.

Republican Candidates for the 2008 presidential elections are as followed;
Rudy Giuliani: Health Care, Social Security, Iraq, National Security, Energy, Immigration, Affirmative Action, Economy, Budget, Education, Gay Marriage, Abortion, Poverty, Gun Control, Stem Cell Research.
Mike Huckabee: Health Care, Social Security, Iraq, National Security, Energy, Immigration, Affirmative Action, Economy, Budget, Education, Gay Marriage, Abortion, Poverty, Gun Control, Stem Cell Research.
Duncan Hunter: Immigration, Iraq War, Environment, Economy+Budget, Globalization, Abortion.
John McCain: Health Care, Social Security, Iraq, National Security, Energy, Immigration, Affirmative Action, Economy, Budget, Education, Gay Marriage, Abortion, Poverty, Gun Control, Stem Cell Research.
Ron Paul: Health Care, Social Security, Iraq, National Security, Energy, Immigration, Affirmative Action, Economy, Budget, Education, Gay Marriage, Abortion, Poverty, Gun Control, Stem Cell Research.
Mitt Romney: Health Care, Social Security, Iraq, National Security, Energy, Immigration, Affirmative Action, Budget, Education, Economy, Gay Marriage, Abortion, Poverty, Gun Control, Stem Cell Research.
Fred Thompson: Health Care, Social Security, Iraq, National Security, Energy, Immigration, Affirmative Action, Budget, Education, Economy, Gay Marriage, Abortion, Poverty, Gun Control, Stem Cell Research.
http://projects.washingtonpost.com/2008-presidential-candidates/
2. What is a Caucus? Why are they held?
Is a political action organization dedicated to promoting the ideals of individual rights, limited government and free enterprise within the Republican Party in the United States. It is considered the libertarian wing of the Republican Party. It also operates a political action committee.They are held to select presidential nominees for each party running in the presidential election.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caucus

3.) When are the national conventions for each political party? Why are they held? What is determined there?
The National Conventions for each political party are held every four years in the United States by the parties that will be fielding nominees in the upcoming presidential election. The National Convention for the Republican party will be held in Chicago on June 2, and on August 25-28 for the Democratic party. They are held to select nominees for Presedent and Vice President, as well as alternatives for the nominees.
(thinkquest.org)

4.) What is the election process? How often do we elect or re-elect a president?
This is the usual mechanism by which modern democracy fills offices in the legislature, sometimes in the executive and judiciary, and for regional and local government.We reelect people after four years.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Election and http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_long_is_a_term_of_office_for_a_US_President

5.) Besides election techniques, how is the public exposed to candidates?
Besides election techniques, canidates can be exposed to the public through media. Also, through the News and apperaing on the television wiether it be on talk show or a debate, or a rally.

6.) Is the presidential election system broken? Has the selection of a president become like “American Idol” or “Survivor”? Does the primary system as it is currently constituted produce the “best” candidates? Is the “best” candidate necessarily the best president?The presidential election system is brokened in some states in the United States. No, the selection of the president has not become like "American Idol" or "Survivor". Yes the primary system produces the "best" candidates. The "best" candidate is not always the best president.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/24/opinion/24mon1.htmlhttp://usinfo.state.gov/products/pubs/election04/nominate.htm

7.) Are we electing skilled and thoughtful leaders or the best-financed celebrity package? How much does it cost to run a campaign? How does this cost make you feel about our election system? Where do candidates obtain the money to fun for president? Do you feel candidates are pressured to push for issues desired by their contributors?
Sometimes we elect skilled and thoughtful leaders into presidency but othertimes just the best celeberity package is elected into presidency. This is because the best celeberity package is usually the one known by most people and has the most money to work with. To run a campaign it can cost well over 375,000 dollars. This cost makes me feel that the election is unfair because someone who doesnt have the funds that someone else does can simply seem like a better canidate when in reality just are useing more money. Canidates who have less money definitly have a disadvantage over those who have a lot of money. Candidates receive funds through contributions,disbursements, individuals, and cash thats on hand. (washingtonpost.com)

8.) If you could vote for president in this election, who do you feel you would vote for and why?
I would vote for Mike Huckabee because i like the key points the he has addressed so far in his presidential campaign. Also because he is in the Republican party instead of the democratic party.