Last night George W. Bush was declared the winner of Florida’s presidential election, and therefore president-elect of the United States. But – and it’s a big “but” – Al Gore is determined to contest the election results with a view to overturning them. The difference is a mere 537 votes, and Gore is convinced that those votes remain uncounted in yesterday’s certification. The courtroom conflicts continue, with the Republicans due to argue before the United States’ Supreme Court on Friday that the Florida Supreme Court overstepped its bounds, and Gore’s lawyers contesting the results of three counties today.
It may be the court of public opinion that ultimately breaks the electoral tie. George W. Bush has embraced the mantle of president-elect, and hopes to convince a recount-weary populace that it’s time for “closure.” And Al Gore takes the airwaves today to make his toughest campaign speech since the Democratic convention. Contest or concede, this hour on the Connection.
(Hosted by Christopher Lydon)
Guests:
David Brooks, editor at the Weekly Standard Magazine
Jeffrey Rosen, legal affairs writer for the New Yorker and New Republic magazines and law professor at George Washington University
and NPR commentator Steve Stark.