Seymour Martin Lipset believed in democracy as a competition of interests and values--a process.

Bill Clinton and Karl Rove agree that gay marriage was an overwhelming factor in the defeat of John Kerry.

It was difficult for voters to see John Kerry as a uniter when they saw him as wavering and inconsistent. That was the image Karl Rove worked hard to create.

George W. Bush won a popular majority by running on divisive, social issues that succeeded in rallying his coveted conservative base.

John Kerry won all three debates, which got Kerry back into the game. In September, President George W. Bush was building up a lead. Now the race is neck and neck.

In a close election, everything matters, including two wild-card issues that have suddenly emerged at the end of this presidential campaign: flu vaccines and reinstating the draft.

Because of the three presidential debates, a close race has gotten closer.

Recent polls have shown President George W.Bush with a big lead, or a small lead, or no lead in the presidential race. What's going on with the polls this year?