After you have followed kewlynx comments to rule out electrical problems and that the fuel pump is getting power, you need to check the fuel pump pressure..

Hard starting (and hesitation and bucking at full throttle under load) is an indicator of low fuel pump pressure. Low fuel pump pressure is a strong indicator of impending fuel pump failure.. Been there done that, and best that it happen while it's in the garage as opposed to on the road.

btw on the 3.4 engine, pumping the accelerator does nothing so far as priming the engine. accelerator pumps are long gone history..

The system depends upon the computer sensing a cold engine, knows the ignition switch is in the start position and fires the injectors a bit longer to prime the engine at start up; this system is set up for best starting with your foot off the accelerator with only idle air bleed as opposed to open throttle.