Travel photography by James DeCamp

The ‘Harrison’s on Third’ bar photographed Friday night November 7, 2008.

 

A group hangs out in one of the big booths at the Harrison's on Third bar Friday night November 7, 2008. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkIII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

A group hangs out in one of the big booths at the Harrison’s on Third bar Friday night November 7, 2008. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkIII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Jay Sule racks a set of balls on one of the pool tables at the Harrison's on Third bar Friday night November 7, 2008. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkIII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Jay Sule racks a set of balls on one of the pool tables at the Harrison’s on Third bar Friday night November 7, 2008. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkIII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Kyle Foley takes a shot on one of the pool tables at the Harrison's on Third bar Friday night November 7, 2008. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkIII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Kyle Foley takes a shot on one of the pool tables at the Harrison’s on Third bar Friday night November 7, 2008. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkIII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

One of two main bars at the Harrison's on Third bar Friday night November 7, 2008. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkIII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

One of two main bars at the Harrison’s on Third bar Friday night November 7, 2008. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkIII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

The exterior of the Harrison's on Third bar Friday night November 7, 2008. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkIII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

The exterior of the Harrison’s on Third bar Friday night November 7, 2008. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkIII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Detail shot inside the Harrison's on Third bar Friday night November 7, 2008. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkIII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Detail shot inside the Harrison’s on Third bar Friday night November 7, 2008. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkIII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Detail shot inside the Harrison's on Third bar Friday night November 7, 2008. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkIII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Detail shot inside the Harrison’s on Third bar Friday night November 7, 2008. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkIII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Detail shot inside the Harrison's on Third bar Friday night November 7, 2008. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkIII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Detail shot inside the Harrison’s on Third bar Friday night November 7, 2008. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkIII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Monterey California Carmel by the sea photographed Monday July 7, 2008.

Monterey California Carmel by the sea photographed Monday July 7, 2008. (© James D. DeCamp 614-367-6366)


(© James D. DeCamp 614-367-6366)

Corn against a pure blue sky at Lynd's Fruit Farm in Licking County photographed Saturday October 20, 2007.  (© James D. DeCamp 614-367-6366)

Corn against a pure blue sky at Lynd’s Fruit Farm in Licking County photographed Saturday October 20, 2007. (© James D. DeCamp 614-367-6366)

Dan Duncan, Tractor Driver, pilots his 1947 Model A John Deer Tractor through the fields of Lynd's Fruit Farm in Licking County photographed Saturday October 20, 2007. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Dan Duncan, Tractor Driver, pilots his 1947 Model A John Deer Tractor through the fields of Lynd’s Fruit Farm in Licking County photographed Saturday October 20, 2007. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Ron Chapman, Tractor Driver, prepares to pilot his 1947 Model B John Deer Row Crop Tractor through the fields of Lynd's Fruit Farm in Licking County photographed Saturday October 20, 2007. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Ron Chapman, Tractor Driver, prepares to pilot his 1947 Model B John Deer Row Crop Tractor through the fields of Lynd’s Fruit Farm in Licking County photographed Saturday October 20, 2007. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

A 1947 Model A John Deer Tractor in the fields of Lynd's Fruit Farm in Licking County photographed Saturday October 20, 2007. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

A 1947 Model A John Deer Tractor in the fields of Lynd’s Fruit Farm in Licking County photographed Saturday October 20, 2007. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

A 1947 Model A John Deer Tractor in the fields of Lynd's Fruit Farm in Licking County photographed Saturday October 20, 2007. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

A 1947 Model A John Deer Tractor in the fields of Lynd’s Fruit Farm in Licking County photographed Saturday October 20, 2007. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

The Chatterton family lead by Mom Carol makes their way through the corn maze in the fields of Lynd's Fruit Farm in Licking County photographed Saturday October 20, 2007. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses] POY2007 Entry

The Chatterton family lead by Mom Carol makes their way through the corn maze in the fields of Lynd’s Fruit Farm in Licking County photographed Saturday October 20, 2007. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses] POY2007 Entry

Soybeans in the fields of Lynd's Fruit Farm in Licking County photographed Saturday October 20, 2007. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Soybeans in the fields of Lynd’s Fruit Farm in Licking County photographed Saturday October 20, 2007. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Madison Justus, 18 months, is more fainated with the vines in the pumpkin patch than the actual pumpkins during her first visit to the fields of Lynd's Fruit Farm in Licking County Saturday October 20, 2007. Madison was hunting pumpkins with her grandparents Gary & Samantha Justus from Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Madison Justus, 18 months, is more fainated with the vines in the pumpkin patch than the actual pumpkins during her first visit to the fields of Lynd’s Fruit Farm in Licking County Saturday October 20, 2007. Madison was hunting pumpkins with her grandparents Gary & Samantha Justus from Columbus. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Ty Wallace, 12, Pickerington, tosses a pumpkin in the air in the fields of Lynd's Fruit Farm in Licking County Saturday afternoon October 20, 2007. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses] POY2007 Entry

Ty Wallace, 12, Pickerington, tosses a pumpkin in the air in the fields of Lynd’s Fruit Farm in Licking County Saturday afternoon October 20, 2007. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses] POY2007 Entry

Janiyah Woods, 4, Columbus, carries a pumpkin from the patch in the fields of Lynd's Fruit Farm in Licking County Saturday afternoon October 20, 2007. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Janiyah Woods, 4, Columbus, carries a pumpkin from the patch in the fields of Lynd’s Fruit Farm in Licking County Saturday afternoon October 20, 2007. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

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.

 

Rosella Orbovich talks with us in the Weirton Senior Center Tuesday October 5, 2004 on day 12 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]

Rosella Orbovich talks with us in the Weirton Senior Center Tuesday October 5, 2004 on day 12 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Hazel Powell talks with us in the Weirton Senior Center Tuesday October 5, 2004 on day 12 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]

Hazel Powell talks with us in the Weirton Senior Center Tuesday October 5, 2004 on day 12 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Bucky Kilmartin shoots a mean game of pool at the Weirton Senior Center Tuesday October 5, 2004 on day 12 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]

Bucky Kilmartin shoots a mean game of pool at the Weirton Senior Center Tuesday October 5, 2004 on day 12 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Danny Warrick offers his opinions from a downtown street corner in Weirton WVa Tuesday October 5, 2004 on day 12 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]

Danny Warrick offers his opinions from a downtown street corner in Weirton WVa Tuesday October 5, 2004 on day 12 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Buck Hawkins paints a fire hydrant on Main Street in front of the International Steel Group - Weirton, Inc. Steel Plant in Weirton WVa Tuesday October 5, 2004 on day 12 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]

Buck Hawkins paints a fire hydrant on Main Street in front of the International Steel Group – Weirton, Inc. Steel Plant in Weirton WVa Tuesday October 5, 2004 on day 12 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

The International Steel Group - Weirton, Inc. Steel Plant in Weirton WVa Tuesday October 5, 2004 on day 12 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 International Steel Group – Weirton, Inc. Steel Plant in Weirton WVa Tuesday October 5, 2004 on day 12 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Gordon Meader talks with us from his van in the parking lot of the International Steel Group - Weirton, Inc. Steel Plant in Weirton WVa Tuesday October 5, 2004 on day 12 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]

Gordon Meader talks with us from his van in the parking lot of the International Steel Group – Weirton, Inc. Steel Plant in Weirton WVa Tuesday October 5, 2004 on day 12 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Bobby Brahmer talks with us from the front of his Antique store in downtown Hinton, WVa, Wednesday, October 6, 2004 on day 13 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]

Bobby Brahmer talks with us from the front of his Antique store in downtown Hinton, WVa, Wednesday, October 6, 2004 on day 13 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Mayor of Hinton Cleo Matthews talks with us from the counter of the store she runs in downtown Hinton, WVa, Wednesday, October 6, 2004 on day 13 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]

Mayor of Hinton Cleo Matthews talks with us from the counter of the store she runs in downtown Hinton, WVa, Wednesday, October 6, 2004 on day 13 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Mayor of Hinton Cleo Matthews talks with us from the counter of the store she runs in downtown Hinton, WVa, Wednesday, October 6, 2004 on day 13 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]

Mayor of Hinton Cleo Matthews talks with us from the counter of the store she runs in downtown Hinton, WVa, Wednesday, October 6, 2004 on day 13 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Mary Belle Larson takes a break in the town square in downtown Hinton, WVa, Wednesday, October 6, 2004 on day 13 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 Belle Larson takes a break in the town square in downtown Hinton, WVa, Wednesday, October 6, 2004 on day 13 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Tamara Kentley takes a break in the town square in downtown Hinton, WVa, Wednesday, October 6, 2004 on day 13 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]

Tamara Kentley takes a break in the town square in downtown Hinton, WVa, Wednesday, October 6, 2004 on day 13 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Donnie Akins talks with us from his parking meter in downtown Hinton, WVa, Wednesday, October 6, 2004 on day 13 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]

Donnie Akins talks with us from his parking meter in downtown Hinton, WVa, Wednesday, October 6, 2004 on day 13 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

A coal mine seen along Coal River Road near Pettry Bottom, West Virginia on day 13 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 coal mine seen along Coal River Road near Pettry Bottom, West Virginia on day 13 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Nathan Tapley, Jr., fuels his truck at an Exxon station in Van, WVa, Wednesday October 6, 2004 on day 13 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]

Nathan Tapley, Jr., fuels his truck at an Exxon station in Van, WVa, Wednesday October 6, 2004 on day 13 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Michelle Mullins and her father Roy R. Hager talk with us outside of the Big Eagle Gun & Pawn Shop in Danville, WVa, Wednesday October 6, 2004 on day 13 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]

Michelle Mullins and her father Roy R. Hager talk with us outside of the Big Eagle Gun & Pawn Shop in Danville, WVa, Wednesday October 6, 2004 on day 13 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Gary Pittman talks to us from inside the Racine Market in Racine, WVa, Wednesday October 6, 2004 on day 13 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]

Gary Pittman talks to us from inside the Racine Market in Racine, WVa, Wednesday October 6, 2004 on day 13 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Lois Goodwin talks to us outside the Racine Market in Racine, WVa, Wednesday October 6, 2004 on day 13 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]

Lois Goodwin talks to us outside the Racine Market in Racine, WVa, Wednesday October 6, 2004 on day 13 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Benny Hagger talks to us outside the Racine Market in Racine, WVa, Wednesday October 6, 2004 on day 13 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]

Benny Hagger talks to us outside the Racine Market in Racine, WVa, Wednesday October 6, 2004 on day 13 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Republican signs line the south side of WVa State Route 3 while Democratic signs line the north side in Beckley WVa Thursday October 7, 2004 on day 14 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]

Republican signs line the south side of WVa State Route 3 while Democratic signs line the north side in Beckley WVa Thursday October 7, 2004 on day 14 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Republican signs line the south side of WVa State Route 3 while Democratic signs line the north side in Beckley WVa Thursday October 7, 2004 on day 14 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]

Republican signs line the south side of WVa State Route 3 while Democratic signs line the north side in Beckley WVa Thursday October 7, 2004 on day 14 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Republican signs line the south side of WVa State Route 3 while Democratic signs line the north side in Beckley WVa Thursday October 7, 2004 on day 14 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]

Republican signs line the south side of WVa State Route 3 while Democratic signs line the north side in Beckley WVa Thursday October 7, 2004 on day 14 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Rennie Hill talks with us from a street corner in downtown Beckley WVa Thursday October 7, 2004 on day 14 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]

Rennie Hill talks with us from a street corner in downtown Beckley WVa Thursday October 7, 2004 on day 14 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Bill Roop talks with us from a street corner in downtown Beckley WVa Thursday October 7, 2004 on day 14 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 Roop talks with us from a street corner in downtown Beckley WVa Thursday October 7, 2004 on day 14 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Bill Roop talks with us from a street corner in downtown Beckley WVa Thursday October 7, 2004 on day 14 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 Roop talks with us from a street corner in downtown Beckley WVa Thursday October 7, 2004 on day 14 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Julianna Sweatte talks with us from a street corner in downtown Beckley WVa Thursday October 7, 2004 on day 14 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]

Julianna Sweatte talks with us from a street corner in downtown Beckley WVa Thursday October 7, 2004 on day 14 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Dispatch reporter Jonathan Riskind contemplates jumping into the New River Gorge in WVa Thursday October 7, 2004 on day 14 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]

Dispatch reporter Jonathan Riskind contemplates jumping into the New River Gorge in WVa Thursday October 7, 2004 on day 14 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Rennie Hill talks with Jonathan Riskind from a street corner in downtown Beckley WVa Thursday October 7, 2004 on day 14 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]

Rennie Hill talks with Jonathan Riskind from a street corner in downtown Beckley WVa Thursday October 7, 2004 on day 14 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.

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.

 

Jonathan Riskind, right, interviews Kathy Trombacco, Erie, PA, at an anti domestic violence rally in downtown Erie, PA Sunday October 3, 2004 on day 10 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]

Jonathan Riskind, right, interviews Kathy Trombacco, Erie, PA, at an anti domestic violence rally in downtown Erie, PA Sunday October 3, 2004 on day 10 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Kathy Trombacco, Erie, PA, talks with us at an anti domestic violence rally in downtown Erie, PA Sunday October 3, 2004 on day 10 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]

Kathy Trombacco, Erie, PA, talks with us at an anti domestic violence rally in downtown Erie, PA Sunday October 3, 2004 on day 10 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Chuck Bardwell, left, and Tim Helsley celebrate a Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown at Scorchers Casual Eatery & Draft House in Erie, PA Sunday October 3, 2004 on day 10 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]

Chuck Bardwell, left, and Tim Helsley celebrate a Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown at Scorchers Casual Eatery & Draft House in Erie, PA Sunday October 3, 2004 on day 10 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Susan Jefferys talks with us at Scorchers Casual Eatery & Draft House in Erie, PA Sunday October 3, 2004 on day 10 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]

Susan Jefferys talks with us at Scorchers Casual Eatery & Draft House in Erie, PA Sunday October 3, 2004 on day 10 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Lee, left, and Sue Sedgewick fly their stacked kites on the beach of the Presque Isle State Park in Erie, PA Sunday October 3, 2004 on day 10 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, left, and Sue Sedgewick fly their stacked kites on the beach of the Presque Isle State Park in Erie, PA Sunday October 3, 2004 on day 10 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Lee, left, and Sue Sedgewick fly their stacked kites on the beach of the Presque Isle State Park in Erie, PA Sunday October 3, 2004 on day 10 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, left, and Sue Sedgewick fly their stacked kites on the beach of the Presque Isle State Park in Erie, PA Sunday October 3, 2004 on day 10 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Lee, left, and Sue Sedgewick fly their stacked kites on the beach of the Presque Isle State Park in Erie, PA Sunday October 3, 2004 on day 10 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, left, and Sue Sedgewick fly their stacked kites on the beach of the Presque Isle State Park in Erie, PA Sunday October 3, 2004 on day 10 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Mark Vatavuk, a volunteer, pets one of the rescue dogs at a Dog Walk Athon for the Because You Care Dog Rescue Shelter on the Presque Isle State Park in Erie, PA Sunday October 3, 2004 on day 10 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]

Mark Vatavuk, a volunteer, pets one of the rescue dogs at a Dog Walk Athon for the Because You Care Dog Rescue Shelter on the Presque Isle State Park in Erie, PA Sunday October 3, 2004 on day 10 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Mary Wolf, holds her 14 year old Doxen 'squirt' at a Dog Walk Athon for the Because You Care Dog Rescue Shelter on the Presque Isle State Park in Erie, PA Sunday October 3, 2004 on day 10 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 Wolf, holds her 14 year old Doxen ‘squirt’ at a Dog Walk Athon for the Because You Care Dog Rescue Shelter on the Presque Isle State Park in Erie, PA Sunday October 3, 2004 on day 10 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Cathy Mowery Girard and her pup Junior talk with us at a Dog Walk Athon for the Because You Care Dog Rescue Shelter on the Presque Isle State Park in Erie, PA Sunday October 3, 2004 on day 10 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]

Cathy Mowery Girard and her pup Junior talk with us at a Dog Walk Athon for the Because You Care Dog Rescue Shelter on the Presque Isle State Park in Erie, PA Sunday October 3, 2004 on day 10 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Lilly Abreu, left, talks with Teresa Heinz Kerry at a political rally at the Teamster Temple (Local 249) in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 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]

Lilly Abreu, left, talks with Teresa Heinz Kerry at a political rally at the Teamster Temple (Local 249) in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Lilly Abreu talks with us at a democratic political rally at the Teamster Temple (Local 249) in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 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]

Lilly Abreu talks with us at a democratic political rally at the Teamster Temple (Local 249) in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Teresa Heinz Kerry talks at a political rally at the Teamster Temple (Local 249) in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 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]

Teresa Heinz Kerry talks at a political rally at the Teamster Temple (Local 249) in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Teresa Heinz Kerry talks at a political rally at the Teamster Temple (Local 249) in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 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]

Teresa Heinz Kerry talks at a political rally at the Teamster Temple (Local 249) in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Teresa Heinz Kerry talks at a political rally at the Teamster Temple (Local 249) in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 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]

Teresa Heinz Kerry talks at a political rally at the Teamster Temple (Local 249) in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Teresa Heinz Kerry signs a button for a fan after she talk at a political rally at the Teamster Temple (Local 249) in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 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]

Teresa Heinz Kerry signs a button for a fan after she talk at a political rally at the Teamster Temple (Local 249) in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Teresa Heinz Kerry talks with fans after she talked at a political rally at the Teamster Temple (Local 249) in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 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]

Teresa Heinz Kerry talks with fans after she talked at a political rally at the Teamster Temple (Local 249) in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Teresa Heinz Kerry listens to a supporter talk at a political rally at the Teamster Temple (Local 249) in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 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]

Teresa Heinz Kerry listens to a supporter talk at a political rally at the Teamster Temple (Local 249) in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Teresa Heinz Kerry listens to a supporter talk at a political rally at the Teamster Temple (Local 249) in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 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]

Teresa Heinz Kerry listens to a supporter talk at a political rally at the Teamster Temple (Local 249) in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Teresa Heinz Kerry talks with supporters at a political rally at the Teamster Temple (Local 249) in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 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]

Teresa Heinz Kerry talks with supporters at a political rally at the Teamster Temple (Local 249) in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Judy Wertheimer talks with us at a political rally for Teresa Heinz Kerry at the Teamster Temple (Local 249) in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 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]

Judy Wertheimer talks with us at a political rally for Teresa Heinz Kerry at the Teamster Temple (Local 249) in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Patricia Cefialo talks with us in front of Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 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]

Patricia Cefialo talks with us in front of Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Judy Trautman, left, and Kimberly Pinzok talk together in front of Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 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]

Judy Trautman, left, and Kimberly Pinzok talk together in front of Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Joyce DiBucci talks with us in front of Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 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]

Joyce DiBucci talks with us in front of Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh, PA Monday, October 4, 2004 on day 11 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.

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 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.

 

While her six-year-old son, Donald, played some stout defense for his Lightning soccer team on a sunny day in Taylor, Mich. , Kelly Honaker explained why national defense figures prominently in her decision to vote for President Bush - despite her qualms about the state of the economy and size of the federal deficit. "I'm definitely going for Bush,'' Honaker said. "He's not afraid to do what needs to be done'' to safeguard the country from the threat of terrorism. Honaker was photographed Saturday October 2, 2004 on day 8 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]

While her six-year-old son, Donald, played some stout defense for his Lightning soccer team on a sunny day in Taylor, Mich. , Kelly Honaker explained why national defense figures prominently in her decision to vote for President Bush – despite her qualms about the state of the economy and size of the federal deficit. “I’m definitely going for Bush,” Honaker said. “He’s not afraid to do what needs to be done” to safeguard the country from the threat of terrorism. Honaker was photographed Saturday October 2, 2004 on day 8 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Peggy Dolson manager of the Taylor, Michigan Heritage Perk Coffee House poses for a photo Saturday afternoon October 2, 2004 on day 8 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]

Peggy Dolson manager of the Taylor, Michigan Heritage Perk Coffee House poses for a photo Saturday afternoon October 2, 2004 on day 8 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Edric Blackwell works on a shave for Robert Smith at the Final Kut barber shop in Detroit Saturday October 2, 2004 on day 9 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]

Edric Blackwell works on a shave for Robert Smith at the Final Kut barber shop in Detroit Saturday October 2, 2004 on day 9 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Edric Blackwell works on a shave for Robert Smith at the Final Kut barber shop in Detroit Saturday October 2, 2004 on day 9 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]

Edric Blackwell works on a shave for Robert Smith at the Final Kut barber shop in Detroit Saturday October 2, 2004 on day 9 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Edric Blackwell works on a shave for Robert Smith at the Final Kut barber shop in Detroit Saturday October 2, 2004 on day 9 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]

Edric Blackwell works on a shave for Robert Smith at the Final Kut barber shop in Detroit Saturday October 2, 2004 on day 9 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.

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.

 

Husband and wife Miriam foreground, and Jerry Miramonti agree to disagree on their choice for president, kneeling next to opposing signs that they have in their Shrewsbury, Missouri front yard photographed Wednesday September 29, 2004 on day 6 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]

Husband and wife Miriam foreground, and Jerry Miramonti agree to disagree on their choice for president, kneeling next to opposing signs that they have in their Shrewsbury, Missouri front yard photographed Wednesday September 29, 2004 on day 6 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

John Petterchak watches a fellow fan catch a foul ball near his left field seat at Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis Thursday night September 30, 2004 during day 7 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]

John Petterchak watches a fellow fan catch a foul ball near his left field seat at Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis Thursday night September 30, 2004 during day 7 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Eric Schoenberger talks with us in the left field seats at Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis Thursday night September 30, 2004 during day 7 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]

Eric Schoenberger talks with us in the left field seats at Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis Thursday night September 30, 2004 during day 7 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Lauren Becker, left and her cousin Jamie Whitney talk with us in the left field bleachers at Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis Thursday night September 30, 2004 during day 7 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]

Lauren Becker, left and her cousin Jamie Whitney talk with us in the left field bleachers at Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis Thursday night September 30, 2004 during day 7 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Noel Ammerman talks with us at a concession stand at Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis Thursday night September 30, 2004 during day 7 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]

Noel Ammerman talks with us at a concession stand at Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis Thursday night September 30, 2004 during day 7 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Traci Stark and her daughter Sydney, 3, talk with us from the window of their O'Fallon, Missouri home on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 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]

Traci Stark and her daughter Sydney, 3, talk with us from the window of their O’Fallon, Missouri home on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Traci Stark and her daughter Sydney, 3, talk with us from the window of their O'Fallon, Missouri home on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 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]

Traci Stark and her daughter Sydney, 3, talk with us from the window of their O’Fallon, Missouri home on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Bob Sexton grabs his head in frustration about the candidates as he talks with us outside of his daughters O'Fallon, Missouri home on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 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 Sexton grabs his head in frustration about the candidates as he talks with us outside of his daughters O’Fallon, Missouri home on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Bob Sexton and his ex wife Dorothy Sexton talk with us outside of their daughters O'Fallon, Missouri house on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 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 Sexton and his ex wife Dorothy Sexton talk with us outside of their daughters O’Fallon, Missouri house on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Sharla Hoyt talks with us as her two children Jackson, 3 1/2, right, and Regan, 17 months, in a parking lot in O'Fallon, Missouri on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 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]

Sharla Hoyt talks with us as her two children Jackson, 3 1/2, right, and Regan, 17 months, in a parking lot in O’Fallon, Missouri on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Percy Arban talks with us under the Arch in downtown St. Louis on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 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]

Percy Arban talks with us under the Arch in downtown St. Louis on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Pamela Busch talks with us under the Arch in downtown St. Louis on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 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]

Pamela Busch talks with us under the Arch in downtown St. Louis on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Anthony Curry talks with us in Kiener Plaza in downtown St. Louis on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 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]

Anthony Curry talks with us in Kiener Plaza in downtown St. Louis on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Zack Meisel talks with us on Delmar Street in University City on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 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]

Zack Meisel talks with us on Delmar Street in University City on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Jim Kucsis and his daughter Liberty, 15 Months, talk with us on Delmar Street in University City on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 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]

Jim Kucsis and his daughter Liberty, 15 Months, talk with us on Delmar Street in University City on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Bush supporters Shannon Gorman, right, talks with us as her son Patrick, 14, plays with their Lab Lucy ion the front porch of their house along South Gore Avenue photographed Wednesday September 29, 2004 on day 6 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]

Bush supporters Shannon Gorman, right, talks with us as her son Patrick, 14, plays with their Lab Lucy ion the front porch of their house along South Gore Avenue photographed Wednesday September 29, 2004 on day 6 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.

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.

 

A scenic view from along State Route 9 outside of Waukon Iowa photographed September 25, 2004 on Day 2 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. Rainbow Streaks are from my lens (© 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 from along State Route 9 outside of Waukon Iowa photographed September 25, 2004 on Day 2 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America. Rainbow Streaks are from my lens.

A scenic view from along State Route 9 outside of Waukon Iowa photographed 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]

A scenic view from along State Route 9 outside of Waukon Iowa photographed September 25, 2004 on Day 2 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Elaine Messenger walks around the driveway of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum in West Branch, Iowa on day 4 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]

Elaine Messenger walks around the driveway of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum in West Branch, Iowa on day 4 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Cindy Davis, employee of In Stitches Custom Embroidery shop in Marshalltown, Iowa talks with us on day 4 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]

Cindy Davis, employee of In Stitches Custom Embroidery shop in Marshalltown, Iowa talks with us on day 4 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Reyne See on the square in Marshalltown, Iowa talks with us on day 4 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]

Reyne See on the square in Marshalltown, Iowa talks with us on day 4 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Brent Heeren talks with us at the courthouse in downtown Toledo, Iowa on day 4 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]

Brent Heeren talks with us at the courthouse in downtown Toledo, Iowa on day 4 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Libby Richardson talks with us at the courthouse in downtown Toledo, Iowa on day 4 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]

Libby Richardson talks with us at the courthouse in downtown Toledo, Iowa on day 4 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Ray Coleman talks with us in downtown Toledo, Iowa on day 4 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]

Ray Coleman talks with us in downtown Toledo, Iowa on day 4 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Jim Howard and Debra Evanoff walk the picket lines in front of Penford Products in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa on day 4 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. The workers have been on strike for more than 8 weeks. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Jim Howard and Debra Evanoff walk the picket lines in front of Penford Products in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa on day 4 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America. The workers have been on strike for more than 8 weeks.

Nancy McCracken talks with us in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa on day 4 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]

Nancy McCracken talks with us in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa on day 4 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Milt Schatz and his wife Dee Dee play dance and polka music for people at the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. in Davenport, Iowa Tuesday September 28, 2004 during day 5 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]

Milt Schatz and his wife Dee Dee play dance and polka music for people at the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. in Davenport, Iowa Tuesday September 28, 2004 during day 5 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Milt Schatz and his wife Dee Dee play dance and polka music for people at the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. in Davenport, Iowa Tuesday September 28, 2004 during day 5 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]

Milt Schatz and his wife Dee Dee play dance and polka music for people at the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. in Davenport, Iowa Tuesday September 28, 2004 during day 5 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Mary "Barbee" Beintema rings a bell on her walker at the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. in Davenport, Iowa Tuesday September 28, 2004 during day 5 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 “Barbee” Beintema rings a bell on her walker at the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. in Davenport, Iowa Tuesday September 28, 2004 during day 5 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Alan Blumer shares his opinions at the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. in Davenport, Iowa Tuesday September 28, 2004 during day 5 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]

Alan Blumer shares his opinions at the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. in Davenport, Iowa Tuesday September 28, 2004 during day 5 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Pat Steffen, left, works on the her ceramics as she talks with us at the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. in Davenport, Iowa Tuesday September 28, 2004 during day 5 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]

Pat Steffen, left, works on the her ceramics as she talks with us at the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. in Davenport, Iowa Tuesday September 28, 2004 during day 5 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Marilyn Travis mans the front desk at the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. in Davenport, Iowa Tuesday September 28, 2004 during day 5 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]

Marilyn Travis mans the front desk at the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. in Davenport, Iowa Tuesday September 28, 2004 during day 5 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.

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.

 

 

Green Gables Inn in Lanesboro, Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 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]

Green Gables Inn in Lanesboro, Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Bill Johnson talks with us from his field along Highway 52 just north of Harmony Minnesota Sunday afternoon September 26, 2004 during day 3 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. Bill has a son who has just returned state side from a tour of duty as a Marine in Iraq. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Bill Johnson talks with us from his field along Highway 52 just north of Harmony Minnesota Sunday afternoon September 26, 2004 during day 3 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America. Bill has a son who has just returned state side from a tour of duty as a Marine in Iraq.

Bill Johnson talks with us from his field along Highway 52 just north of Harmony Minnesota Sunday afternoon September 26, 2004 during day 3 of the 2004 'Real People Tour' of middle America. Bill has a son who has just returned state side from a tour of duty as a Marine in Iraq. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Bill Johnson talks with us from his field along Highway 52 just north of Harmony Minnesota Sunday afternoon September 26, 2004 during day 3 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America. Bill has a son who has just returned state side from a tour of duty as a Marine in Iraq.

The northern entrance to Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 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 northern entrance to Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

79 Year old Norma Lubbs brings her kayak to shore after shooting the rapids on the Root River in Lanesboro, Minnesota on her 79th birthday Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 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]

79 Year old Norma Lubbs brings her kayak to shore after shooting the rapids on the Root River in Lanesboro, Minnesota on her 79th birthday Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

79 Year old Norma Lubbs shoots the rapids on the Root River in Lanesboro Minnesota on her 79th birthday Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 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]

79 Year old Norma Lubbs shoots the rapids on the Root River in Lanesboro Minnesota on her 79th birthday Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Emily Stumo talks with us from behind the bar at the Harmony Golf Course in Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 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]

Emily Stumo talks with us from behind the bar at the Harmony Golf Course in Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Emily Stumo talks with us from behind the bar at the Harmony Golf Course in Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 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]

Emily Stumo talks with us from behind the bar at the Harmony Golf Course in Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Dawn Holt plates the food and dishes it up at the The Harmony House restaurant in Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 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]

Dawn Holt plates the food and dishes it up at the The Harmony House restaurant in Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Nancy Martin makes a point outside of the Church of the Nativity in Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 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]

Nancy Martin makes a point outside of the Church of the Nativity in Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Father Donald P. Schmitz, right, talks with Shane McCabe, 10, before the start of Mass at the Church of the Nativity in Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 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]

Father Donald P. Schmitz, right, talks with Shane McCabe, 10, before the start of Mass at the Church of the Nativity in Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Father Donald P. Schmitz prepares himself before the start of Mass at the Church of the Nativity in Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 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]

Father Donald P. Schmitz prepares himself before the start of Mass at the Church of the Nativity in Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Bill Kiehne talks with us as he drops off a load of beans at the Agri Services business in Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 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 Kiehne talks with us as he drops off a load of beans at the Agri Services business in Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Kari Schroeder, foreground, and Jackie Ward talk outside of the Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 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]

Kari Schroeder, foreground, and Jackie Ward talk outside of the Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Steve Schroeder stands outside of the Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 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]

Steve Schroeder stands outside of the Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 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.

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.