2000+Election

George W. Bush versus Al Gore
The 2000 election was one of the closest, most contested elections in the history of the United States. Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Al Gore were the candidates in this historical election. Bush had prior experience in government as the Governor of Texas and won over many with his laid-back, personable nature. Al Gore had been Vice President under the relatively prosperous Clinton administration, but many considered him to have a stiff, wooden personality. Throughout the campaigns, Bush came under attack for events in his past, but he and Gore remained close in the polls. Going into the election, the polls were too close to call a winner. After the election, Gore had gained the popular vote, but the Electoral College votes were separated by such a narrow margin that whichever candidate claimed Florida’s electoral votes would win the election.

Florida Debacle
Florida’s votes in the election were also too close to call. Due to the extremely narrow margin between votes for the two candidates, a recount of the votes was ordered. Debates over ballot design and hanging chads on the ballots arose after another, manual recount. The nation watched and waited as the recounts continued until the debate eventually became a legal issue that went to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court ordered the recounts in Florida to stop. Eventually, the votes were awarded to Bush, allowing him to become America’s 43rd president. Bush’s brother, Jeb Bush, was the governor of Florida at the time of the chaos, which created some controversy for the president elect. However, soon after the final decision to award the votes to Bush, Gore conceded to the decision. After the ballot recount debacle in Florida, the state called for better regulation of elections and counting of ballots.

The Inauguration
With the controversial election and legal battles behind him, Bush prepared for his term in office. In January 2001, George W. Bush took the Oath of Office and became America’s 43rd President. In his Inaugural Address, Bush thanked President Clinton for his eight years in office and Vice President Al Gore for his graceful behavior after the final Supreme Court decision. The President continued his address by calling for the unity of all Americans, economic reform, education and better defense. Bush also addressed the citizens of the United States and their duties:

“ What you do is as important as anything government does. I ask you to seek a common good beyond your comfort; to defend needed reforms against easy attacks; to serve your nation, beginning with your neighbor. I ask you to be citizens: citizens, not spectators; citizens, not subjects; responsible citizens, building communities of service and a nation of character” (“George W. Bush’s Inaugural Address”).

Within months of Bush taking office, the American people found how true these words were as their spirit was tested by the tragedy and war.