"The world's oldest republic has demonstrated the youthful vitality of its institutions and the ability and the necessity to come together ... after a hard-fought campaign. The clash of partisan political ideas does remain just that - to be quickly followed by a peaceful transfer of authority." The preceding statement was proclaimed by the former U.S. President Gerald Ford merely two days after the divisive, yet nonviolent outcome of the 2000 presidential election between Al Gore and George W. Bush, which had two unusual circumstances that made this presidential race extraordinary. This…
