>After delaying the recount for about four weeks, the election was certified
>for Bush, since Gore was too wimpy to push the issue any further.
Safire writes in today's NYT:
>Nixon's most unselfish hour was when he refused to contest the
>excruciatingly close results. Former President Herbert Hoover called
>him to say that Joe Kennedy wanted to set up a meeting with his son,
>the president-elect. After meeting with J.F.K., Nixon told us that
>court challenges would be "disruptive." He refused to undermine the
>legitimacy of the election.
>
>Gore and Bush have lawyers observing the recount now going on as if
>Florida were a third-world nation. Well and good; an automatic
>recount is not a challenge. But after the numbers come out today,
>the loser should address the nation in prime time with a gracious
>speech resolving any doubts, allaying suspicions and directing
>electors in the Electoral College to remain faithful to their
>charge. In the way he brings closure to this election, he will avert
>finality in his own political career.