President
About this race: The president is the leader of the executive branch of the federal government and is in charge of ensuring that U.S. laws are carried out and that the government runs effectively. Although the president cannot enact legislation, he or she has the power to approve or reject bills passed by Congress. He or she also oversees foreign policy and appoints members of the presidential Cabinet, U.S. Supreme Court justices and federal judges. As commander in chief of the U.S. armed forces, the president has authority to deploy those forces with congressional approval and may ask Congress to declare war on other nations.
Multimedia:
Oct. 7 debate: Watch video excerpts at Spin Control 2.0
Oct. 1 candidate statements on the financial bailout plan: Watch video
Sept. 22 candidate statements on the economy: Watch video
Constituency: The United States.
Salary: $400,000
Candidates running for this office
John McCain (R)
Barack Obama (D)
