Real People Tour – Wisconsin

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The 2004 Presidential Campaign “Real People Tour”.  The Real People Tour was a 10 state, 15 day traveling assignment covered by the Columbus Dispatch political team of Joe Hallett and Jonathan Riskind along with photographer James D. DeCamp, who tried to find the real stories and opinions of the ‘real’ people of America by traversing the presidential battleground states in the midwest and finding people in their element.  These are some of those stories.

 

Amber Conklin, 17, hostess at Brett Favre's Steakhouse in Green Bay, WI photographed Friday September 24, 2004 will turn 18 just before this years election - and she has already chosen to vote for Bush. Day 1 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Amber Conklin, 17, hostess at Brett Favre’s Steakhouse in Green Bay, WI photographed Friday September 24, 2004 will turn 18 just before this years election – and she has already chosen to vote for Bush. Day 1 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Amber Conklin, 17, hostess at Brett Favre's Steakhouse in Green Bay, WI photographed Friday September 24, 2004 will turn 18 just before this years election - and she has already chosen to vote for Bush. Day 1 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Amber Conklin, 17, hostess at Brett Favre’s Steakhouse in Green Bay, WI photographed Friday September 24, 2004 will turn 18 just before this years election – and she has already chosen to vote for Bush. Day 1 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Andy Williams, waiter at Brett Favre's Steakhouse in Green Bay, WI photographed Friday September 24, 2004 will to vote for Bush. Day 1 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Andy Williams, waiter at Brett Favre’s Steakhouse in Green Bay, WI photographed Friday September 24, 2004 will to vote for Bush. Day 1 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

left to right - Jeffery Virtues, 6 Months, Brian Virtues, and Anne Ullmer came out to Lambeau Field to sign up for a radio station ticket giveaway in Green Bay Friday afternoon September 24, 2004. Day 1 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

left to right – Jeffery Virtues, 6 Months, Brian Virtues, and Anne Ullmer came out to Lambeau Field to sign up for a radio station ticket giveaway in Green Bay Friday afternoon September 24, 2004. Day 1 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Terry Bergen, Director of the Outagamie Museum in Appleton, WI watches vendors setting up for the annual October Fest celebration outside of the museum Friday afternoon September 24, 20054. Bergen will vote for Kerry in the fall. Day 1 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Terry Bergen, Director of the Outagamie Museum in Appleton, WI watches vendors setting up for the annual October Fest celebration outside of the museum Friday afternoon September 24, 20054. Bergen will vote for Kerry in the fall. Day 1 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

A scenic view of the Ripon University campus photographed Friday September 24, 2004. Day 1 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

A scenic view of the Ripon University campus photographed Friday September 24, 2004. Day 1 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Megan Calder, Freshman at Ripon University, studies for her German class on the campus green Friday afternoon September 24, 2005. Day 1 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Megan Calder, Freshman at Ripon University, studies for her German class on the campus green Friday afternoon September 24, 2005. Day 1 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Bill Whitehead, Professor at Ripon University, talks with us on the campus green Friday afternoon September 24, 2005. Day 1 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Bill Whitehead, Professor at Ripon University, talks with us on the campus green Friday afternoon September 24, 2005. Day 1 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

The little white school house which is the birthplace of the Republican Party in Ripon WI photographed Friday afternoon September 24, 2005. Day 1 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

The little white school house which is the birthplace of the Republican Party in Ripon, WI photographed Friday afternoon September 24, 2005. Day 1 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

The little white school house which is the birthplace of the Republican Party in Ripon WI photographed Friday afternoon September 24, 2005. Day 1 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

The little white school house which is the birthplace of the Republican Party in Ripon, WI photographed Friday afternoon September 24, 2005. Day 1 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

A painting on the wall behind the bar of the Republican House Chinese restaurant depicts the little white school house which is the birthplace of the Republican Party in Ripon WI photographed Friday afternoon September 24, 2005. Day 1 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

A painting on the wall behind the bar of the Republican House Chinese restaurant depicts the little white school house which is the birthplace of the Republican Party in Ripon, WI photographed Friday afternoon September 24, 2005. Day 1 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

A painting on the wall behind the bar of the Republican House Chinese restaurant which is next door to the birthplace of the Republican Party in Ripon WI photographed Friday afternoon September 24, 2005. Day 1 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

A painting on the wall behind the bar of the Republican House Chinese restaurant which is next door to the birthplace of the Republican Party in Ripon, WI photographed Friday afternoon September 24, 2005. Day 1 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Mary Zack, left, and Teresa Penkwitz dine at the Republican House Chinese restaurant which is next door to the birthplace of the Republican Party in Ripon WI photographed Friday afternoon September 24, 2005. Day 1 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Mary Zack, left, and Teresa Penkwitz dine at the Republican House Chinese restaurant which is next door to the birthplace of the Republican Party in Ripon, WI photographed Friday afternoon September 24, 2005. Day 1 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Glen Brown, waits for his deer head at Darwin Kumlin Taxidermist service in De Soto Wisconsin on September 25, 2004 on day 2 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Glen Brown, waits for his deer head at Darwin Kumlin Taxidermist service in De Soto Wisconsin on September 25, 2004 on day 2 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Glen Brown, waits for his deer head at Darwin Kumlin Taxidermist service in De Soto Wisconsin on September 25, 2004 on day 2 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Glen Brown, waits for his deer head at Darwin Kumlin Taxidermist service in De Soto Wisconsin on September 25, 2004 on day 2 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Darwin Kumlin who runs a taxidermist service in De Soto Wisconsin on September 25, 2004 on day 2 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Darwin Kumlin who runs a taxidermist service in De Soto Wisconsin on September 25, 2004 on day 2 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Rich Anderson and his granddaughter Janie Anderson, 8, talk with us as they enjoyed the day at a picnic table in Blackhawk Park near Genoa Wisconsin along the Missouri River during day 2 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Rich Anderson and his granddaughter Janie Anderson, 8, talk with us as they enjoyed the day at a picnic table in Blackhawk Park near Genoa Wisconsin along the Missouri River during day 2 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Lee Williams casts a lure as he fishes in the Goose Island County Park near Genoa Wisconsin along the Missouri River during day 2 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Lee Williams casts a lure as he fishes in the Goose Island County Park near Genoa Wisconsin along the Missouri River during day 2 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Joe Hallet, left, interviews Lee Williams as he fishes in the Goose Island County Park near Genoa Wisconsin along the Missouri River during day 2 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Joe Hallet, left, interviews Lee Williams as he fishes in the Goose Island County Park near Genoa Wisconsin along the Missouri River during day 2 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

left to right - Bob Conrad, Dan Conrad, Mick Cyert, and Chip Schilling take a break after a morning of duck hunting just south of La Crosse Wisconsin along the Missouri River during day 2 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

left to right – Bob Conrad, Dan Conrad, Mick Cyert, and Chip Schilling take a break after a morning of duck hunting just south of La Crosse Wisconsin along the Missouri River during day 2 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Chip Schilling takes a break after a morning of duck hunting just south of La Crosse Wisconsin along the Missouri River during day 2 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Chip Schilling takes a break after a morning of duck hunting just south of La Crosse Wisconsin along the Missouri River during day 2 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Bob Conrad takes a break after a morning of duck hunting just south of La Crosse Wisconsin along the Missouri River during day 2 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Bob Conrad takes a break after a morning of duck hunting just south of La Crosse Wisconsin along the Missouri River during day 2 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Jeff Conway counts his kill of ducks as his son Adam packs up after a morning of duck hunting just south of La Crosse Wisconsin along the Missouri River during day 2 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Jeff Conway counts his kill of ducks as his son Adam packs up after a morning of duck hunting just south of La Crosse Wisconsin along the Missouri River during day 2 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

left to right - Lyn Hart, Ed Nordman, and Sandy Nordman (4th guy is not IDed) look from the Grandad's Bluff scenic lookout just east of La Crosse Wisconsin during day 2 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

left to right – Lyn Hart, Ed Nordman, and Sandy Nordman (4th guy is not IDed) look from the Grandad’s Bluff scenic lookout just east of La Crosse Wisconsin during day 2 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

 

The United States presidential election of 2004, the 55th quadrennial presidential election, was held on Tuesday, November 2, 2004. Incumbent Republican President George W. Bush defeated Democraticnominee John Kerry, a United States Senator from Massachusetts.

Bush and incumbent Vice President Dick Cheney were renominated by their party with no difficulty. Former Governor Howard Dean emerged as the early front-runner in the 2004 Democratic primaries, but Kerry won the first set of primaries in January 2004 and clinched his party’s nomination in March after a series of primary victories. Kerry chose Senator John Edwards of North Carolina, who had himself sought the party’s 2004 presidential nomination, to be his running mate.

Bush’s popularity had soared early in his first term after the September 11 attacks, but his popularity declined between 2001 and 2004. Foreign policy was the dominant theme throughout the election campaign, particularly Bush’s conduct of the War on Terrorism and the aftermath of the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Bush presented himself as a decisive leader and attacked Kerry as a “flip-flopper”, while Kerry criticized Bush’s conduct of the Iraq War. Domestic issues were debated as well, including the economyand jobs, health care, and moral values.

Bush won a narrow victory, taking 50.7% of the popular vote and 286 electoral votes. He swept the Southand the Mountain States and took the crucial swing states of Ohio, Iowa, and New Mexico. Some aspects of the election process were subject to controversy, but not to the degree seen in the 2000 presidential election. Bush was the first candidate of either party to win a majority of the popular vote since George H. W. Bush accomplished the same feat in the 1988 election, and the younger Bush remains the only Republican since 1988 to win the popular vote. His victory also marked the first time that the Republican nominee won a presidential election without carrying any state in the Northeastern United States.

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