What if Florida is still undecided?

[Newbie]

If Al Gore can successfully contest the results of the Florida election to the point where it is still not settled on December 18th, does he then become president since the Florida electoral votes won't be counted in the total?

[Shimora]

Who Cares. Put both of them in the Octagon and the winner is the President.

[Atomic]

Yes, that's possible. Basically, if FL doesn't have their delegates appointed, Gore can win the majority with 257 delegates and become president. I don't see this happening, because Bush would probably go for recounts in other states before then, specifically states Gore won, screwing it up. Hell, the republicans are already saying they may do this anyway. I think it's funny how they'll condone this stuff when it suits them.

Atomic

[Tony10]

It will all work out, despite the hysterical partisanship being displayed by party lackeys on TV.

Most likely scenario: Bush/Gore agree to a complete recount--by hand--of Florida and agree that whichever way that goes, so goes the presidency. No lawsuits, no continuation.

However, if the court today upholds the Flordia Secretary of State's directive that there will be no more recounting after 5pm today, Bush wins.

But we will never get to a situation wherein there's a consitutional crisis, Gore would cave before that happened.

[fascistfury]

goddamn!!! it amazes me how little you people know about the election of our president! it doesn't matter who has the majority of electoral votes if neither of the candidates obtains 270 electoral votes. if neither of the candidates obtains 270 electoral votes, then it goes to the House of Representatives, where each state has one vote and the president is decided by a majority vote...hence, bush wins. later!

[Tony10]

Facistfury, without legal intervention the race will be decided in Florida, whichever way that goes.

Florida's electoral votes would have to be thrown out completely for your scenario to play out (which is correct by the way).

[Atomic]

Facist--

Partially right, but wrong, given the senario we put forth. If FL doesn't elect their delegates and that state is in limbo (meaning, FL isn't counted in the electoral college), then the new majority is 257 votes and the vote will not go to the house!

I suggest you read CNN and some other news sources for more information.

[Tony10]

CORRECTION:

Atomic is right; it goes to the house if there is an electoral tie;

If Florida is unable--via legal wrangling or whatever--to provide an electoral winner by December 12th, then it's whoever has the most electoral votes WITHOUT Florida.

[Newbie]

fascistfury

"goddamn!!! it amazes me how little you people know about the election of our president! it doesn't matter who has the majority of electoral votes if neither of the candidates obtains 270 electoral votes. if neither of the candidates obtains 270 electoral votes, then it goes to the House of Representatives, where each state has one vote and the president is decided by a majority vote...hence, bush wins. later!"

Guess what happens if the House vote is tied. According to the Constitution, the Vice President casts the tie-breaking vote. Even though I would like to see Bush win, it would alomst be worth it just to see Al Gore get into the White House that way.