by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright November 28, 2000
All Rights Reserved.

etting that sinking feeling, Vice President Al Gore took to the airwaves, begging for more patience as his legal battalion descended onto Tallahassee to wage what amounts to his grandiose last stand. Declaring George W. Bush the winner of Florida’s 25 electoral votes, the much maligned secretary of state Katherine Harris proclaimed, ". . . Accordingly, on behalf of the state Elections Canvassing Commission and in accordance with laws of the state of Florida, I hereby declare Gov. George W. Bush the winner of Florida’s 25 electoral votes for the president of the United States." Adding an emphatic explanation mark, " . . . You know, Yogi Berra once said, 'it’s not over till it’s over.' Well, it’s over and we have a winner, and it’s time to move on," said election commissioner Bob Crawford, unable to contain his glee over the long-awaited official announcement. Florida’s Supreme Court only postponed the inevitable, giving Harris the green light on November 26, 2000 to certify the election. Just as expected, Democrats' worst nightmare was sinking in—Florida’s official certification would turn public opinion against Gore.

       "The election was close, but tonight, after a count, a recount and yet another manual recount, Secretary [Dick] Cheney and I are honored and humbled to have won the state of Florida, which gives us the needed electoral votes to win the election . . . We will therefore undertake the responsibility of preparing to serve as America’s next president and vice president," said Gov. Bush in prepared remarks following Florida’s official certification. Assuming the sale, Bush’s public relations strategy picked up the ball and starting running toward inauguration day. With so much riding on the polls, Harris’ official ceremony served as a powerful publicity stunt stamping-in the finality needed to turn public opinion against Gore. Judging by the latest read, it might have pushed Bush over the top, with ABC News-Washington Post and CNN-USA Today-Gallup polls showing Gore losing ground. Prior to Harris’ certification, the public was trying to keep an open mind. With growing numbers of Americans wanting closure, Gore faces the unenviable task of selling people on the idea that he hasn’t gotten a fair shake. "I believe our Constitution matters more than convenience . . . ," said Gore during a 5-minute, prime-time speech, hoping to counter the ominous shift in public opinion.

       Covering old ground, Gore was hard pressed to find any new angle, sounding the weathered refrain that "every vote counts." Choosing platitudes over concrete ideas, "A vote is not just a piece of paper, a vote is a human voice, a statement of human principle, and we must not let those voices be silenced . . . Ignoring votes means ignoring democracy itself," said Gore, keeping the ivory tower atmosphere, rather than giving voters any compelling excuse to hang on awhile longer. With all the swirling controversy, you’d think that Gore’s strategy would have raised the specter of doubt over the legitimacy of the Florida vote. Pounding the "every vote must count" theme, Gore failed to convince voters that hand recounting is more accurate than verified flaws with Florida’s punch-card system. Baker’s consistent remarks about bias and mischief-making left many people leery of hand counted results. Poking fun at "dimpled chads" and highlighting the extreme subjectivity of manual recounts, Republicans have managed to cast doubt on the whole process.

       Pointing to over 10,000 uncounted ballots in Miami-Dade and potential irregularities with 5,000 absentee ballots in Seminole counties, still doesn’t erase the growing suspicion over more hand recounting. Without making a strong case for fraud, Democrats have a tough sell convincing voters—and the courts—that the certified results don’t best reflect the will of Florida’s voters. With Harris certifying the results, the public’s now questioning the legitimacy of more tampering with recounts. Florida’s vote will always be shrouded in controversy. "We believe we have the votes to win," said Democratic congressional leaders Rep. Richard Gephardt and Sen. Tom Daschle, trying to drum up public support for Gore’s uphill legal fight. With Bush officially winning Florida by 537 votes, more recounts seem unthinkable—at least to Republicans. While some Democrats believe recounts are only fair, others, like former labor secretary Robert B. Reich, have "great doubts" about a bottomless legal quagmire. Stepping into legal quicksand, both sides face unending challenges, no matter who wins Florida.

       Waiting in the wings are ambitious Florida legislators, led by Speaker of the House Tom Freeney and Senate President John McCay, prepared to take unilateral action should Gore eventually prevail. "If this controversy is . . . unresolved by Dec. 12, the Legislature has the authority and may have the responsibility to step in," said McCay, suggesting that the Legislature would name its own electors loyal to Gov. George W. Bush. With the U.S. Supreme Court set to rule on hand recounts on Dec.1, Gore’s challenge will either gain momentum or be nipped in the bud. If the high court rules that Florida’s Supreme Court acted properly, Florida’s legislature would go to the mat to invalidate the current slate of electors. Talking tough whips the opposition into believing that they’re fighting a hopeless cause. After Harris’ certification, Gore’s speech did little to allay doubts about Bush’s current aura of inevitability. Naming a chief of staff, appointing Cheney to head his transition team, and fueling speculation about cabinet appointments also creates the perception that Bush is indeed president-elect.

       Discrediting hand recounts, the Bush team has presented a more credible case for why America should leave the current results alone. Unable to counter GOP spin about the legitimacy of manual recounts, Gore’s support is now unraveling. Without making a dramatic case for extreme voting irregularity or fraud, public opinion isn’t likely to change. One more legal setback could pull the rug out from underneath Gore’s uphill legal challenge. With the public’s patience wearing thin, Gore needs a major victory to continue hand recounts in Miami-Dade or invalidate absentee ballots in Seminole counties. Cries for a new election in Palm Beach County seem out of reach. Gore’s pleas for more recounts appear to be falling on deaf ears. Unless he pulls a rabbit out of his hat, the fat lady’s about to whistle Dixie.

About the Author

John M. Curtis is editor of OnlineColumnist.com. He’s also the director of a West Los Angeles think tank specializing in human behavior, health care and political research and media consultation. He’s a seminar trainer, columnist and author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

©1999-2000 Discobolos Consulting Services, Inc.
(310) 204-8300
All Rights Reserved.