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Presidential Election of 2000
With a booming economy and stable world on the horizon of the 21st century, the legacy of President William Jefferson Clinton was one, that based on historical observation, would have been highly compelling as one to follow. Clinton's charisma certainly magnetized and mesmerized millions.

However, with the Monica Lewinsky Scandal shocking families coast to coast, the stellar domestic and foreign accomplishments paled in comparison to the media charade of scandal and deceit. Clinton's coverup of his infidelity stole prophecy from his Vice President Al Gore's chances in becoming his successor.

Faced with the realization of a close election, Al Gore decided it was important to have a Vice President who could boost his chances in a critical state without alienating large swaths of voters. He found this in Senator Bob Graham of Florida, who now increased Gore's chances of carrying the Sunshine State tenfold.

He found competition in youthful and charismatic Governor George Walker Bush, son of Former President H.W. Bush. Bush, along with seasoned politician Dick Cheney of Wyoming, provided a formidable ticket, castigating at "budget responsibility" and "marital infidelity" with equal glee and vigor.



(Vice President Gore at a rally comprised of union workers in Ohio, 2000.)



(Governor George Bush (R) of Texas greets supporters at a rally, 2000.)

Domestic issues dominated the debate, from the budget and taxes to social welfare reforms. The Clinton-Lewinsky scandal also made headway, presenting Gore and the Democrats with a difficult choice, should Bill Clinton, a highly popular yet polarizing president, be involved in the campaign?

The answer was no. "Keep it safe", Gore said. "The economy can speak for itself. World peace can speak for itself."

The decision proved costly, as Clinton's infidelity and lying under oath already angered millions; Clinton's presence on the campaign trail had no bearing over that. The election turned very close and many started predicting a Bush presidency:




Gore/Graham (D) - 292 (48.4%)

Bush/Cheney (R) - 246 (47.9%)

Nader/LaDuke (G) - 0 (2.74%)


Except that didn't happen. Gore's choice of choosing Graham was a sensible one, awarding him victory in Florida even with many senior Jewish citizens in retirement homes accidently voting for Bush. What could have turned into a major scandal was merely a humorous trifle in election history. "What ifs" were presented, mostly on casual lines, for the sake of analysis amongst political and judicial wonks.

Albert Arnold Gore Jr. had been elected as the 43rd President of the United States. Now it was time for Gore to shape his own legacy, and also be shaped by currents at both home and abroad.

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