The post-September 11 popularity slowly declined as initial success in Afghanistan was followed by the problems of rebuilding the nation and fighting Taliban forces. The October 2001 invasion was followed by the creation of a Department of Homeland Security and passage of the PATRIOT Act to prevent future attacks. In the wake of the September 11 attacks, Bush’s approval ratings reached 89% as the administration supported military action in Afghanistan to find terrorist Osama bin Laden. The Bush campaign promoted the president’s national security policies as a key argument for his re-election. Following Super Tuesday, Edwards withdrew from the race and became the vice presidential nominee at the Democratic National Convention. Kerry’s campaign continued its momentum by winning New Hampshire and most Super Tuesday races. This lead evaporated, however, when Dean placed third in the Iowa caucus behind Kerry and North Carolina Senator John Edwards.
Dean also generated interest from progressive activists by advocating universal health coverage and middle-class tax cuts. Dean led the field in fundraising through online engagement and a focus on individual donors. Vermont Governor Howard Dean was an early leader for the Democratic nomination by criticizing Bush’s foreign policy. Nine Democratic candidates were active in the primaries with four candidates winning at least one primary. The Democratic nominating process was more contentious as the party lacked a clear standard bearer for the first time since 1992. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney were renominated without meaningful opposition in the 2004 Republican primaries.
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