Presidential Election 2000

The 2000 Presidential Election was one of the most suspenseful and unclear presidential elections for more than a century. For weeks after November 7, it had been uncertain to America who had won the presidency. The election’s closeness and bitter words between parties over the results will leave controversy for years to come.

When the elections began, the Republicans and Democrats chose their candidates. Caucuses were held in each state to choose delegates. It had begun like any other election, and there was a lot of competition in the primaries. There were six Republicans running for party nominations. As the son of former president George Bush, George Bush Jr. had more money than any other candidate for campaigning. On the other hand, Al Gore had a good reputation, serving two terms as vice president under the Clinton administration.

From July 31st to August 3rd, the Republican National Convention was held in Philadelphia. The Republican Party nominated Bush, he chose Dick Cheney for vice president. Under Bush’s father’s administration, Cheney had been secretary of defense. The Republican’s platform had been made to appeal to conservatives, with set positions on taxes, defense, education, and health care.

From August 14th through 17th, the Democratic National Convention was held in Los Angeles, California. Al Gore was nominated the Democratic candidate for president, with his choice of Joseph Lieberman as vice president. Lieberman was the first Jewish vice presidential candidate of a major party. The Democratic platform outlined the achievements of the Clinton administration.

There had been big differences between Gore and Bush on key issues. For example, Gore proposed a $500 billion tax cut, while Bush proposed $1.3 trillion. Bush was leaning for more defenses, and Gore was going for education. On the other hand, the two candidates had common opinions on issues. Both had supported stronger enforcement on the current gun laws. They both wanted to reform education in public schools.

When the campaign had first begun, the polls had shown that the election would be very close. The candidates appeared on television talk shows, and had visited key states whose electoral votes would be important in the outcome. Gore and Bush’s previous positions also played a big role in the campaign.

“Third Party” candidates played a role in the 2000 presidential campaign. The strongest of the candidates was Ralph Nader. He is a member of the Green Party, and is a consumer rights activist.