Gore Concedes - Calls for Healing

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Dateline: 12/14/00

As one one of the first Democrats to officially call him "president-elect," Vice President Al Gore conceded this year's historic presidential election to Republican George W. Bush and promised he would now work to "heal the divisions" left by the disputed outcome.

Minutes before addressing a nationwide TV audience, Gore called Bush to offer his congratulations for the second time since the early morning of November 8th, when TV networks declared Bush the winner before the closeness of the Florida vote came to light. Gore quipped, "I promised him that I wouldn't call him back this time."

"I offered to meet with him as soon as possible so that we can start to heal the divisions of the campaign and the contest through which we've just passed," said Gore.

Speaking from the Eisenhower Executive Building, Gore stated "I say to President-elect Bush that what remains of partisan rancor must now be put aside, and may God bless his stewardship of this country." 

While stating that he "strongly" disagreed with yesterdays 5-4 Supreme Court ruling that ended the recount of Florida votes, Gore said he had accepted it.

"Tonight, for the sake of our unity as a people and the strength of our democracy, I offer my concession," stated the Vice President.

Summing up his feelings on the election, Gore stated, "I do believe as my father once said, that no matter how hard the loss, defeat might serve as well as victory to shape the soul and let the glory out."

• Transcript of Al Gore's Concession Speech

• Transcript of President-Elect Bush's Acceptance Speech

• High Court Not Political, Justices Say
After concurring in a 5-4 ruling that ultimately decided a presidential election, Chief Justice William Rehnquist and Justice Clarence Thomas appeared on cable TV where they denied that partisan politics plays any role in the Supreme Court.