Election 2000 coverage December 14, 2000 Top stories 'We will stand together behind our new president.' The vice president says he "strongly" disagrees with the Supreme Court decision but will accept it. 'I was not elected to serve one party, but to serve one nation.' AUSTIN, Texas -- Before a cheering crowd of friends, family and Texas state legislators, George W. Bush accepted the presidency Wednesday evening, saying he is "optimistic that we can change the tone of Washington, D.C." 'This is America and we put country before party' Text of Vice President Al Gore's concession speech Wednesday, as transcribed by eMediaMillWorks Inc. 'Our nation must rise above a house divided' Text of President-elect George W. Bush's speech Wednesday. Columns and analysis Historic battle leaves a changing Florida changed The image appears familiar, yet the changes are unmistakable. Courts may find little haven from partisan storms The big loser in this year's presidential election is not Vice President Al Gore. In deciding winner, justices lost In many ways, Tuesday's ruling was unusual to the point of being baffling, even jarring. Around Florida 10 reasons why Al Gore lost Florida Just days before the Nov. 7 election, 60-year-old Thomas Hauck and 78-year-old Charles Kane were laboring in front of a computer at the local Republican headquarters in Stuart. Rev. Jackson: Florida is the scene of the crime He and other black leaders say they will target Republicans in the 2002 elections. Change: $200 million Addressing voting problems and changing methods will be costly, an election official says. And not everyone considers it a top priority. Checks reveal thousands of tainted votes It is impossible, however, to determine which of the presidential candidates the invalid votes favored. The last words All across the Tampa Bay area Wednesday, supporters of Vice President Al Gore struggled with their emotions. Their candidate was about to make the concession speech that could finally bring an end to an election battle that has been riveting, frustrating and downright bizarre from start to finish. More coverage Experts predict ruling to spur more lawsuits The U.S. Supreme Court's 5-4 ruling that ended Vice President Al Gore's bid for the presidency also created a new standard for voting laws and procedures that is likely to lead to further suits over elections, according to legal scholars and elections experts Wednesday. Senate waits, guards against surprise Uncertainty about what the final speeches would say, and whether they would be final, led the Senate to hold off on naming Bush electors. A weary world hopes U.S. saga is finally over The media reaction shows foreign skepticism as well as fatigue. Democrats wary of cooperating They say the next president's commitment to working together has got to go beyond words. For both, relatives help cushion frantic final day WASHINGTON -- George W. Bush and Al Gore turned to family in the final hours, a time filled, too, with the chatter of advisers and the rustle of fingers rifling through paper in search of the essence of the Supreme Court opinion. Bush under pressure to name staff, get moving WASHINGTON -- George W. Bush says he has chosen the top people he wants to run the White House and key Cabinet departments. Aides in Austin, Texas, indicated Wednesday that he could announce a number of top White House staffing appointments this week. Too long to wait? It was only 37 days Can you believe the election dragged on this long? Can you believe it took five whole weeks for us to finally get a president? Election notebook 20 states are missing at first Electoral College roll call Click for previous Times coverage

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