In 2000, George W. Bush (Republican) won 271 of 538 electoral votes, defeating Al Gore by 5 EV during the Modern Polarization era. In 2004, George W. Bush (Republican) won 286 of 538, defeating John Kerry by 35 EV during the Modern Polarization era. Turnout: 54.2% vs 60.1%.
vs
2000
Modern Polarization
George W. Bush
Republican
Electoral votes
271 of 538
EV margin
5
Popular vote
47.9%
Turnout
54.2%
Runner-up
Al Gore (Dem)
One of the closest and most disputed elections in US history. After 36 days of recounts in Florida, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in Bush v. Gore to halt the recount, awarding Florida and the presidency to Bush. Gore won the national popular vote by over 543,000 but lost the Electoral College 271-266. Ralph Nader's Green Party candidacy won 97,421 votes in Florida — far more than Bush's final margin of 537 — making Nader a controversial spoiler. One Gore elector from DC abstained in protest.
2004
Modern Polarization
George W. Bush
Republican
Electoral votes
286 of 538
EV margin
35
Popular vote
50.7%
Turnout
60.1%
Runner-up
John Kerry (Dem)
Bush won re-election over Senator John Kerry by focusing on national security and the War on Terror following 9/11. The 'Swift Boat Veterans for Truth' campaign attacked Kerry's Vietnam War record, despite Kerry being a decorated veteran. Bush's narrow popular vote majority (first since 1988) was built on strong evangelical Christian turnout energized by ballot measures opposing same-sex marriage. Ohio was the decisive state, and Kerry conceded the next morning without legal challenges.