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Throughout American History presidential elections showed and reflected the population of America and their beliefs. The 2008 presidential election can be seen as historic and even changing within the Republican party featuring a woman as a Vice Presidential candidate and the Democratic party had a potential woman, Hillary Clinton, for the presidential race then eventually chosen Barack Obama who is African American. As Ellis had said, “The candidacies of Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Sarah Palin captivated the country and transformed the possibilities of American Politics ... a historical event not only breaks new ground; it also connects the present with the past” The 2008 presidential election was yet another historic election that had moved America into a different direction to show that everyone can succeed.

The 2008 election was not the first historic election however, for example the 1788 election which was the very first election in America was almost like a test to see if our young country could succeed with its new government and new constitution. Then in the election of 1800 also know as The Revolution of 1800 there was a change of power from the Federalists controlling the federal government to the Democratic Republicans controlling the federal government. Many feared this transition but once again it proved that our government and country was built to last. Also, the election of 1828 marked a new age in our history, the age of the common man. Where all adult white males were allowed to vote which then caused a line of presidents who represented the “common man” like Andrew Jackson. Showing how allowing more people to vote could lead to a change in who is elected for president. Lastly, the 1932 election, when FDR was elected president was during the time of the great depression where people where looking for a change and a way to get themselves out