| Vice President Gore was the clear choice to succeed President Clinton. Governor Bush of Texas the son of President Bush, was the choice of the Republican establishment. Bush was challenged for the nomination by Senator John McCain of Arizona. When Bush won a bitterly fought primary in South Carolina he became the presumptive nominee. Throughout the campaign polls showed the race very close. Bush initially stumbled but regained his momentum during the three debates. The Republicans effectively defined the game of expectations . When Bush did better then expected he won the debates. When election night came the results were so close that neither candidate was declared the winner. Gore won the nationbwide popular vote but outcome of a recount in Florida would have determined the results of the Electoral vote. The initial numbers in an election marked with a number or irregularities had given Bush a Florida lead of less then 1,000 votes. The Supreme Court intervened and stopped the recount thus giving the election to Bush.
Participation of Eligible Voters: 51% |
