Week Six:  The Re-Elect—Campaigning With a Record

Unlike a president's first general election, a re-election campaign requires the ability to defend a record that touches all aspects of the power of the executive branch.  Policies are judged not only on their wisdom, but also on the executive branch's ability to implement them in an efficient and effective manner.  President's not only "own" the impact of their decisions, but also the successes (and failures) of individuals across the government they lead.  Challengers facing sitting Presidents must also run a different kind of race, targeting the incumbents record while articulating a vision of their own.  Week six will focus on the challenges inherent in running this type of campaign, looking specifically at the differences and similarities faced by Presidents Bush and Obama in their 2004 and 2012 re-election efforts.

Special guest: Stephen Krupin