And then, of course, there's the moral issue. One thing is patently clear, notwithstanding previous public statements by GOPwinger Bush hardliners that Palm Beach County is a "Buchanon stronghold," elderly Jewish voters of this county did not intend for Buchanon. If Bush chooses to ride into the presidency on their backs and their good intentions, well, frankly, that'd be very small of him. Wouldn't it? Even if those votes were properly assigned to Gore--without the disqualified 19,000--Gore would still win Florida.
No one wants a president who skimps into the office.
Bush should opt to ride the high road and concede Florida to Gore and become a national hero in the process. Given his young age, he'd virtually assure himself the presidency in a future election and he'd arrive to that election with more experience as governor of Texas. No question about it, he'd be a shoe-in for a future presidency. But more importantly, doing so would keep honor to the process, something rarely seen in elections these days.
I find it ironic that sound Republican thinkers don't see it this way. It'd be the best course for: a) the nation; b) the Republican Party; and c) Bush himself. The other irony is both the media and the nation of opinion would end up eating crow as Bush would assume the status of a Ghandi in geopolitical historical circles. |
