Democrats Rally Behind Gore as Bush Claims Victory in Florida

Strategic Insights -

Following the certification of Governor George W. Bush as the winner in Florida, Democrats are mounting a fierce defense of Al Gore, with many prominent party figures now willing to stand behind their presidential nominee. The certification, announced on November 11, has given Republicans a key argument that Bush is the rightful winner and should be president-elect. However, Democrats remain undeterred, pointing to statements by Representative Tom DeLay of Texas, the Republican whip, and the scenes of protesting Republicans in Florida, as evidence that the process has not been fair. Democrats are also upset with Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris, a Republican, for refusing to grant Palm Beach County an extension to finish counting the votes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Democrats are standing firmly behind Al Gore, with many prominent party figures now willing to defend him.
  • The certification of Governor George W. Bush as the winner in Florida has given Republicans a key argument that Bush is the rightful winner and should be president-elect.
  • Democrats point to statements by Representative Tom DeLay of Texas and the scenes of protesting Republicans in Florida as evidence that the process has not been fair.
  • Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris, a Republican, is facing criticism from Democrats for refusing to grant Palm Beach County an extension to finish counting the votes.
  • The US Supreme Court's decision to take up the matter on Friday has given Democrats at least another week of breathing room.
  • A senior Gore official stated that the entire operation is now in "complete battle mode" and will only stand down if all is obviously lost.
  • Advisers to the Gore camp are considering making the case that a large portion of the nearly 10,000 votes that were not counted in Miami-Dade County were of minority voters.
  • Civil rights groups, including the Rev. Jesse Jackson, are planning prayer vigils to protest alleged violations of the Voting Rights Act in denial of the vote to African-Americans, Jews, and naturalized citizens.

Statistics:

  • The certification of Governor George W. Bush as the winner in Florida has been made official.
  • The US Supreme Court will take up the matter on Friday.
  • A senior Gore official stated that the Gore campaign has been telephoning dozens of party stalwarts in recent days to make his case and lay out his rationale for pressing ahead.
  • Civil rights groups are planning prayer vigils at the Florida Supreme Court on Tuesday and the US Supreme Court on Friday.
  • Roughly 10,000 votes remain uncounted in Miami-Dade County, with some Democrats arguing that a large portion of these votes were of minority voters.

Sources:

  • "Republicans Said Bush Victory in Florida is 'Legitimate'": The New York Times, November 12, 2000.
  • "Gore Campaign Vows to Fight On": The New York Times, November 12, 2000.
  • "Jackson Plans Prayer Vigils Over Voting Rights": The New York Times, November 12, 2000.