The Election of 2000 / The End of the Election

Wednesday - May 14, 2025

When was the 2000’s Election finally decided?

December 12, 2000

What were the 3 major themes of the 2000’s election?

3rd parties, Florida’s EC vote, and how voting works

What were the two different ways people could vote in 2000?

paper OR computer-based ballots

Who was the Democratic Party’s representative?

Al Gore

What kind of political history did Al Gore have?

He was Clinton’s VP for 8 years

Where was Al Gore from?

Tennessee

Why didn’t Gore make many appearances w/ Bill Clinton during his campaign?

Gore distanced himself because of Clinton’s affair with Monica Lewinsky

What was Gore’s main focus during his campaign?

The environment & climate change

Who was the Republican Party’s representative?

Bush 2, George HW Bush’s son

What was Bush 2’s problem before he became President? How did he handle it?

He had a bad drinking problem, but gained control after receiving pressure from his wife

Bush quitting alcoholic supported his beliefs in?

strong family values

How was Bush 2 as a campaigner?

Average

What political history did Bush 2 have before running for President?

He was a successful governor of Texas

In Spring 2000, what was the “Straight Talk Express”?

John McCain’s Bus for political campaigns in 2000 & 2008

What was the name of the 3rd political party in the 2000s election?

The Green Party

What was the Green Party’s primary focus?

The environment

Who was the representative of the Green Party?

Ralph Nader

How did Ralph Nader contribute to modern-day driving?

He created seatbelt laws

What was Ralph Nader’s overall goal for the 2000’s Election?

To gain at least 5% of the popular vote

Why did Nader want at least 5% of the popular vote?

To secure federal funding for the Green Party in future elections, specifically in 2004’s election

Why would it have been a good political strategy for Ralph Nader to visit California & NYC?

These states were more progressive & aligned with his beliefs

Why did people call Nader a spoiler for Al Gore?

They believed his votes ruined Gore’s chances of winning in 2000

What did Nader think of Gore & Bush 2?

He disliked both. To him, Gore & Bush 2 were the same.

Where was Ralph Nader in Late October, 2000?

Florida

The voting polls were ____ for both candidates in Florida.

close

What will automatically trigger a recount during an election?

A close popular vote between both candidates

In mid-Nov, how many Floridian counties held a recount?

4

Which 4 Floridian counties were ruled for a recount in Bush v Gore?

Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, & Volusia

What happened in December of 2000?

There was a 2nd recount in all 4 counties. The POP vote was found to be even closer than before.

Why did the Supreme Court think recounting was unfair in those 4 Floridian counties?

They were ONLY recounting in 4 Floridian counties

How many Republicans voted to end the 2000’s election?

5

How many Democrats voted to keep the election going & fair?

4

When did the Supreme Court ultimately end the election of 2000?

December 12, 2000

After the Supreme Court ruled that ballot recounting in Florida must halt, tilting the election to George W. Bush, how did Democrats/Americans start feeling about the voting system?

They distrusted it