Tag Archive for: #cbusgram

Mr. B.B. King captured as he plays at the Palace Theatre late Monday night January 23, 2006.

The many faces of the most expressive musician in the business: B.B. King (born Riley B. King; September 16, 1925) was an American blues musician, singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him at No. 6 on its 2011 list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time (previously ranked No. 3 in the 2003 edition of the same list), and he was ranked No. 17 in Gibson’s “Top 50 Guitarists of All Time”. According to Edward M. Komara, King “introduced a sophisticated style of soloing based on fluid string bending and shimmering vibrato that would influence virtually every electric blues guitarist that followed.” King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. King was also inducted into 2014 class of the R&B Music Hall of Fame. He is considered one of the most influential blues musicians of all time, earning the nickname “The King of Blues”, and one of the “Three Kings of the Blues Guitar” (along with Albert King and Freddie King). King is also known for performing tirelessly throughout his musical career, appearing at 250-300 concerts per year until his seventies. In 1956 it was noted that he appeared at 342 shows. King continues to appear at 100 shows a year. Over the years, King has developed one of the world’s most identifiable guitar styles. He borrowed from Blind Lemon Jefferson, T-Bone Walker and others, integrating his precise and complex vocal-like string bends and his left hand vibrato, both of which have become indispensable components of rock guitarists’ vocabulary. His economy and phrasing has been a model for thousands of players. King has mixed blues, jazz, swing, mainstream pop and jump into a unique sound. In King’s words, “When I sing, I play in my mind; the minute I stop singing orally, I start to sing by playing Lucille.”

 

The many faces of the most expressive musician in the business: Mr. B.B. King captured as he plays at the Palace Theatre late Monday night January 23, 2006. B.B. King (born Riley B. King; September 16, 1925) is an American blues musician, singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him at No. 6 on its 2011 list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time (previously ranked No. 3 in the 2003 edition of the same list), and he was ranked No. 17 in Gibson's "Top 50 Guitarists of All Time". According to Edward M. Komara, King "introduced a sophisticated style of soloing based on fluid string bending and shimmering vibrato that would influence virtually every electric blues guitarist that followed." King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. King was also inducted into 2014 class of the R&B Music Hall of Fame. He is considered one of the most influential blues musicians of all time, earning the nickname "The King of Blues", and one of the "Three Kings of the Blues Guitar" (along with Albert King and Freddie King). King is also known for performing tirelessly throughout his musical career, appearing at 250-300 concerts per year until his seventies. In 1956 it was noted that he appeared at 342 shows. King continues to appear at 100 shows a year. Over the years, King has developed one of the world's most identifiable guitar styles. He borrowed from Blind Lemon Jefferson, T-Bone Walker and others, integrating his precise and complex vocal-like string bends and his left hand vibrato, both of which have become indispensable components of rock guitarists' vocabulary. His economy and phrasing has been a model for thousands of players. King has mixed blues, jazz, swing, mainstream pop and jump into a unique sound. In King's words, "When I sing, I play in my mind; the minute I stop singing orally, I start to sing by playing Lucille." (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The many faces of the most expressive musician in the business: Mr. B.B. King captured as he plays at the Palace Theatre late Monday night January 23, 2006. B.B. King (born Riley B. King; September 16, 1925) is an American blues musician, singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him at No. 6 on its 2011 list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time (previously ranked No. 3 in the 2003 edition of the same list), and he was ranked No. 17 in Gibson's "Top 50 Guitarists of All Time". According to Edward M. Komara, King "introduced a sophisticated style of soloing based on fluid string bending and shimmering vibrato that would influence virtually every electric blues guitarist that followed." King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. King was also inducted into 2014 class of the R&B Music Hall of Fame. He is considered one of the most influential blues musicians of all time, earning the nickname "The King of Blues", and one of the "Three Kings of the Blues Guitar" (along with Albert King and Freddie King). King is also known for performing tirelessly throughout his musical career, appearing at 250-300 concerts per year until his seventies. In 1956 it was noted that he appeared at 342 shows. King continues to appear at 100 shows a year. Over the years, King has developed one of the world's most identifiable guitar styles. He borrowed from Blind Lemon Jefferson, T-Bone Walker and others, integrating his precise and complex vocal-like string bends and his left hand vibrato, both of which have become indispensable components of rock guitarists' vocabulary. His economy and phrasing has been a model for thousands of players. King has mixed blues, jazz, swing, mainstream pop and jump into a unique sound. In King's words, "When I sing, I play in my mind; the minute I stop singing orally, I start to sing by playing Lucille." (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The many faces of the most expressive musician in the business: Mr. B.B. King captured as he plays at the Palace Theatre late Monday night January 23, 2006. B.B. King (born Riley B. King; September 16, 1925) is an American blues musician, singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him at No. 6 on its 2011 list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time (previously ranked No. 3 in the 2003 edition of the same list), and he was ranked No. 17 in Gibson's "Top 50 Guitarists of All Time". According to Edward M. Komara, King "introduced a sophisticated style of soloing based on fluid string bending and shimmering vibrato that would influence virtually every electric blues guitarist that followed." King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. King was also inducted into 2014 class of the R&B Music Hall of Fame. He is considered one of the most influential blues musicians of all time, earning the nickname "The King of Blues", and one of the "Three Kings of the Blues Guitar" (along with Albert King and Freddie King). King is also known for performing tirelessly throughout his musical career, appearing at 250-300 concerts per year until his seventies. In 1956 it was noted that he appeared at 342 shows. King continues to appear at 100 shows a year. Over the years, King has developed one of the world's most identifiable guitar styles. He borrowed from Blind Lemon Jefferson, T-Bone Walker and others, integrating his precise and complex vocal-like string bends and his left hand vibrato, both of which have become indispensable components of rock guitarists' vocabulary. His economy and phrasing has been a model for thousands of players. King has mixed blues, jazz, swing, mainstream pop and jump into a unique sound. In King's words, "When I sing, I play in my mind; the minute I stop singing orally, I start to sing by playing Lucille." (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

The many faces of the most expressive musician in the business: Mr. B.B. King captured as he plays at the Palace Theatre late Monday night January 23, 2006. B.B. King (born Riley B. King; September 16, 1925) is an American blues musician, singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him at No. 6 on its 2011 list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time (previously ranked No. 3 in the 2003 edition of the same list), and he was ranked No. 17 in Gibson's "Top 50 Guitarists of All Time". According to Edward M. Komara, King "introduced a sophisticated style of soloing based on fluid string bending and shimmering vibrato that would influence virtually every electric blues guitarist that followed." King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. King was also inducted into 2014 class of the R&B Music Hall of Fame. He is considered one of the most influential blues musicians of all time, earning the nickname "The King of Blues", and one of the "Three Kings of the Blues Guitar" (along with Albert King and Freddie King). King is also known for performing tirelessly throughout his musical career, appearing at 250-300 concerts per year until his seventies. In 1956 it was noted that he appeared at 342 shows. King continues to appear at 100 shows a year. Over the years, King has developed one of the world's most identifiable guitar styles. He borrowed from Blind Lemon Jefferson, T-Bone Walker and others, integrating his precise and complex vocal-like string bends and his left hand vibrato, both of which have become indispensable components of rock guitarists' vocabulary. His economy and phrasing has been a model for thousands of players. King has mixed blues, jazz, swing, mainstream pop and jump into a unique sound. In King's words, "When I sing, I play in my mind; the minute I stop singing orally, I start to sing by playing Lucille." (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

(© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Ashlee Simpson performs at the Palace Theatre Monday evening December 12, 2005.

 

Ashlee Simpson performs at the Palace Theatre Monday evening December 12, 2005. Ashley Nicolle Simpson Ross known by the stage name Ashlee Simpson, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. The younger sister of Jessica Simpson, she rose to prominence as a participant in her sister's reality show Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica, and starred in the spin-off program The Ashlee Simpson Show which portrayed her creating her debut album, Autobiography (2004). That album, and its follow-up I Am Me (2005), reached the top of the album chart. Her third album Bittersweet World (2008), debuted at number four on the album charts. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses] Ashlee Simpson performs at the Palace Theatre Monday evening December 12, 2005. Ashley Nicolle Simpson Ross known by the stage name Ashlee Simpson, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. The younger sister of Jessica Simpson, she rose to prominence as a participant in her sister's reality show Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica, and starred in the spin-off program The Ashlee Simpson Show which portrayed her creating her debut album, Autobiography (2004). That album, and its follow-up I Am Me (2005), reached the top of the album chart. Her third album Bittersweet World (2008), debuted at number four on the album charts. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses] Ashlee Simpson performs at the Palace Theatre Monday evening December 12, 2005. Ashley Nicolle Simpson Ross known by the stage name Ashlee Simpson, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. The younger sister of Jessica Simpson, she rose to prominence as a participant in her sister's reality show Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica, and starred in the spin-off program The Ashlee Simpson Show which portrayed her creating her debut album, Autobiography (2004). That album, and its follow-up I Am Me (2005), reached the top of the album chart. Her third album Bittersweet World (2008), debuted at number four on the album charts. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses] Ashlee Simpson performs at the Palace Theatre Monday evening December 12, 2005. Ashley Nicolle Simpson Ross known by the stage name Ashlee Simpson, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. The younger sister of Jessica Simpson, she rose to prominence as a participant in her sister's reality show Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica, and starred in the spin-off program The Ashlee Simpson Show which portrayed her creating her debut album, Autobiography (2004). That album, and its follow-up I Am Me (2005), reached the top of the album chart. Her third album Bittersweet World (2008), debuted at number four on the album charts. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Ashley Nicolle Ross (née Simpson), known by the stage name Ashlee Simpson, is an American singer-songwriter and actress. The younger sister of pop singer and actress Jessica Simpson, Ashlee began appearing in television commercials at the age of 15. She later pursued a career as an actress, and had a recurring role on the family drama 7th Heaven. Her breakout came following her appearance on the reality show Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica (2003–05), which focused on her sister Jessica and her then-husband Nick Lachey. While working on her debut studio album, Simpson became the star of her own spin-off reality series, The Ashlee Simpson Show (2004–05). The show became a ratings hit, and earned Simpson widespread recognition. Like her sister before her, Simpson became the center of considerable media attention, much of which focused on her relationship with musician Ryan Cabrera.

Simpson’s debut single, “Pieces of Me” (2004), became a top five hit in the United States, and topped the BillboardMainstream Top 40 chart based on radio airplay. The success of the single and her reality show helped propel her debut album, Autobiography (2004), to the top of the Billboard 200 albums chart. The project went on to sell over five million copies worldwide, making it her most successful album to date. Simpson had a leading role in the film Undiscovered (2005), which became a critical and commercial flop. The failure of the film, along with multiple critically panned performances, led to much media scrutiny towards Simpson. Despite this, Simpson’s second studio album, I Am Me (2005), debuted atop the Billboard 200, becoming her second album to do so. The album went on to receive a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

In 2006, Simpson began a relationship with Fall Out Boy member Pete Wentz, which gained much media attention. Following her appearance as Roxie Hart in the West End production of Chicago, Simpson announced that she had begun working on her third studio album. The album differed from the pop-rock sound of her previous efforts, featuring a dance-pop and 1980s themed sound.

 

All images photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses.

Glass Artist Martin Blank at the Hawk Gallery during a gallery open house of his work Thursday night November 17, 2005.

Martin Blank is an American glass artist. He received a BFA degree from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1984 with a major in glass. He studied with Dale Chihuly and by the 1990s was working independently. Blank has taught at Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington and Pratt Fine Arts Center in Seattle, Washington. He lives and works in Seattle.

The Corning Museum of Glass (Corning, New York), the Honolulu Museum of Art (Hawaii), the Mary & Leigh Bloch Museum of Art (Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois), the Millennium Museum (Beijing, China), the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Montreal, Canada), the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Palm Beach Community College Museum (Palm Beach, Florida), the Shanghai Museum of Fine Art (China), and the Tampa Museum of Art (Tampa, Florida) are among the public collections holding glass sculptures by Martin Blank.

 

Martin Blank, right, adjusts some live nude models in the Hawk Gallery during a gallery open house of his work Thursday night November 17, 2005. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Martin Blank, right, adjusts some live nude models in the Hawk Gallery during a gallery open house of his work Thursday night November 17, 2005. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Martin Blank's Amber Landscape II on display in the Hawk Gallery during a gallery open house of his work Thursday night November 17, 2005. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Martin Blank’s Amber Landscape II on display in the Hawk Gallery during a gallery open house of his work Thursday night November 17, 2005. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Martin Blank's Female Amber Torso on display in the Hawk Gallery during a gallery open house of his work Thursday night November 17, 2005. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Martin Blank’s Female Amber Torso on display in the Hawk Gallery during a gallery open house of his work Thursday night November 17, 2005. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Martin Blank's Convergence on display in the Hawk Gallery during a gallery open house of his work Thursday night November 17, 2005. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Martin Blank’s Convergence on display in the Hawk Gallery during a gallery open house of his work Thursday night November 17, 2005. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Martin Blank's Whispering Tales on display in the Hawk Gallery during a gallery open house of his work Thursday night November 17, 2005. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Martin Blank’s Whispering Tales on display in the Hawk Gallery during a gallery open house of his work Thursday night November 17, 2005. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Martin Blank makes a sketch from some live models in the Hawk Gallery during a gallery open house of his work Thursday night November 17, 2005. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Martin Blank makes a sketch from some live models in the Hawk Gallery during a gallery open house of his work Thursday night November 17, 2005. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Martin Blank's Veils on display in the Hawk Gallery during a gallery open house of his work Thursday night November 17, 2005. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Martin Blank’s Veils on display in the Hawk Gallery during a gallery open house of his work Thursday night November 17, 2005. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Martin Blank, right, sketches some live models in the Hawk Gallery during a gallery open house of his work Thursday night November 17, 2005. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Martin Blank, right, sketches some live models in the Hawk Gallery during a gallery open house of his work Thursday night November 17, 2005. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

The Longhorn World Championship Rodeo held February 3, 2005 at the Ohio Expo Center.

 

Jim Rakovec, Wooster, Ohio, wrestles a steer to the ground during Thursday February 3, 2005 Slack competition in the Longhorn World Championship Rodeo being held all weekend at the Ohio Expo Center. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Jim Rakovec, Wooster, Ohio, wrestles a steer to the ground during Thursday February 3, 2005 Slack competition in the Longhorn World Championship Rodeo being held all weekend at the Ohio Expo Center. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Amber Mostoller, Valley City, Ohio, makes her way around a barrel during Thursday February 3, 2005 Slack competition in the Longhorn World Championship Rodeo being held all weekend at the Ohio Expo Center. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Amber Mostoller, Valley City, Ohio, makes her way around a barrel during Thursday February 3, 2005 Slack competition in the Longhorn World Championship Rodeo being held all weekend at the Ohio Expo Center. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Amber Mostoller, Valley City, Ohio, makes her way around a barrel during Thursday February 3, 2005 Slack competition in the Longhorn World Championship Rodeo being held all weekend at the Ohio Expo Center. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Amber Mostoller, Valley City, Ohio, makes her way around a barrel during Thursday February 3, 2005 Slack competition in the Longhorn World Championship Rodeo being held all weekend at the Ohio Expo Center. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Barbee Evans makes her way around the Cowgirls Barrel Racing course during Thursday February 3, 2005 Slack in the Longhorn World Championship Rodeo being held all weekend at the Ohio Expo Center. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Barbee Evans makes her way around the Cowgirls Barrel Racing course during Thursday February 3, 2005 Slack in the Longhorn World Championship Rodeo being held all weekend at the Ohio Expo Center. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Noel Garmon, Lititz, PA, makes her way around the Cowgirls Barrel Racing course during Thursday February 3, 2005 Slack competition in the Longhorn World Championship Rodeo being held all weekend at the Ohio Expo Center. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Noel Garmon, Lititz, PA, makes her way around the Cowgirls Barrel Racing course during Thursday February 3, 2005 Slack competition in the Longhorn World Championship Rodeo being held all weekend at the Ohio Expo Center. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Carie Proctor, Addison, MI, makes her way around the Cowgirls Barrel Racing course during Thursday February 3, 2005 Slack competition in the Longhorn World Championship Rodeo being held all weekend at the Ohio Expo Center. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Carie Proctor, Addison, MI, makes her way around the Cowgirls Barrel Racing course during Thursday February 3, 2005 Slack competition in the Longhorn World Championship Rodeo being held all weekend at the Ohio Expo Center. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Jim Rakovec, Wooster, Ohio, wrestles a steer to the ground during Thursday February 3, 2005 Slack competition in the Longhorn World Championship Rodeo being held all weekend at the Ohio Expo Center. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Jim Rakovec, Wooster, Ohio, wrestles a steer to the ground during Thursday February 3, 2005 Slack competition in the Longhorn World Championship Rodeo being held all weekend at the Ohio Expo Center. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Ashley Bowers, Kewanee, IL, makes her way around the Cowgirls Barrel Racing course during Thursday February 3, 2005 Slack competition in the Longhorn World Championship Rodeo being held all weekend at the Ohio Expo Center. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Ashley Bowers, Kewanee, IL, makes her way around the Cowgirls Barrel Racing course during Thursday February 3, 2005 Slack competition in the Longhorn World Championship Rodeo being held all weekend at the Ohio Expo Center. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon 1D MkII cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses]

Below are images from the scene of a mass shooting at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004.

Four people were killed and seven wounded in the crossfire during one of the concerts. Concerts scheduled for the night included Damageplan (with 2 former members of Pantera) DimeBag and Vinne with special guest Position 6 and 12 Gauge.
Damageplan was an American heavy metal band from Dallas, Texas that formed in 2003. Following the demise of their previous group Pantera, brothers Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul Abbott wanted to start a new band. The pair recruited former Diesel Machine and Halford guitarist Pat Lachman on vocals, and later Bob Zilla on bass. Damageplan released its debut album New Found Power in the United States on February 10, 2004, which debuted at number 38 on the Billboard 200, selling 44,676 copies in its first week. While Damageplan was promoting the album at a concert on December 8, 2004 at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio, a man named Nathan Gale climbed on stage and killed lead guitarist Darrell and three others, and wounding another seven, before being shot dead by police officer James Niggemeyer.
Although no motive was found, some witnesses claimed Gale blamed the brothers for Pantera’s breakup and believed that they had stolen his lyrics. The band’s manager confirmed there are unreleased Damageplan recordings, although they have not surfaced, and the band has not performed since the incident. Abbott and Zilla have joined the band Hellyeah, and Lachman joined The Mercy Clinic.

 

Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics transport one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics transport one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics transport one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics transport one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

People hug in the parking lot as Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

People hug in the parking lot as Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

People hug in the parkinglot as Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

People hug in the parkinglot as Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

Columbus Police guard the doors from the parking lot as Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Columbus Police guard the doors from the parking lot as Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

Columbus Police guard the doors from the parking lot as Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Columbus Police guard the doors from the parking lot as Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

Columbus Police guard the doors from the parking lot as Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

Columbus Police guard the doors from the parking lot as Columbus, Worthington & Clinton Twp Medics work on one of seven shooting victims at the Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road late Wednesday night December 8, 2004. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366)

 

Darrell Abbott also known as Dimebag Darrell and Diamond Darrell, was an American musician and songwriter who was a co-founder of Pantera alongside his brother Vinnie Paul, and founder of Damageplan. He was considered to be one of the driving forces behind groove metal.

Abbott was shot and killed by a gunman while on stage during a performance with Damageplan on December 8, 2004, at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio. He ranked No. 92 in Rolling Stone magazine’s 100 Greatest Guitarists and No. 1 in the UK magazine, Metal Hammer.

On December 8, 2004, 34 dates into the Devastation Across The Nation tour, Abbott was shot on-stage while performing with Damageplan at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio. A crowd of approximately 250 had watched four support acts (two local bands entitled Volume Dealer and 12 Gauge, and the tour support Shadows Fall and The Haunted), when moments into Damageplan’s set, 25-year-old former Marine Nathan Gale shot Abbott five times in the head with a 9 mm Beretta 92FS pistol. Some in attendance initially believed the shooting was part of the act, but as Gale continued shooting, the audience quickly came to the realization that the event was not staged. Firing a total of 15 shots, Gale killed three other people and wounded seven more.

Jeff “Mayhem” Thompson, the band’s head of security, was killed tackling Gale, as was Alrosa Villa employee Erin Halk. Audience member Nathan Bray was killed while trying to perform CPR on Abbott and Thompson. It was rumored that one crowd member leapt in front of the gunman, saving the lives of several band members. Damageplan’s drum technician, John “Kat” Brooks, was shot three times as he attempted to disarm Gale, but was overpowered and taken hostage in a headlock hold. Tour manager Chris Paluska was also injured.

Responding within three minutes to a dispatch call made at 10:15pm, seven police officers entered through the front entrance and moved toward the stage. Officer James Niggemeyer came in through the back door, behind the stage. Gale only saw the officers in front of the stage; he did not see Niggemeyer, who was armed with a 12 gauge Remington 870 shotgun. Niggemeyer approached Gale from the opposite side of the stage past a group of security guards, and saw Gale lift his gun to Brooks’ head, and fired a single shot as Gale noticed him. Gale was struck in the face with eight of the nine buckshot pellets and killed instantly. Gale was found to have had 35 rounds of ammunition remaining.

Two fans administered CPR on Abbott until paramedics arrived, but were unable to revive him and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Early speculation about motive suggested that Gale, who was a Pantera fan, might have turned to violence in response to the breakup of the band, or the public dispute between Abbott and Pantera singer Phil Anselmo, but these were later ruled out by investigators. In VH1‘s documentary, Behind the Music, Damageplan’s sound engineer Aaron Barnes stated that the whole time, after shooting Dimebag, Gale was looking for Vinnie, possibly planning to murder him too. Another conjecture was that Gale believed Abbott had stolen a song that he had written. About six months prior to the shooting, Gale got into an altercation at a Damageplan concert in Cincinnati where he damaged $5,000 worth of equipment while being removed from the stage by security.

 

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.

 

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.