Plucking the Eagle's Wings

The Prophetic Implication of Election 2000

candidates are also similar. Hayes dealt with the effects of Andrew Johnson's impeachment, along with the scandals of the previous President, Ulysses Grant. Bush's election followed the impeachment of the 42 nd President and a series of numerous scandals. Hayes' administration focused largely on the economics of the middle class. Bush's proposed plans emphasize tax cuts to help the middle class and not just the wealthy. Hayes stressed the need of all Americans to be educated, and historians report that education was Hayes' strong point. Likewise, Bush's top priority is education, and he emphasizes that every child must learn to read. Hayes served two terms as Governor of Ohio and Bush was serving his second term as Governor of Texas at the time of his election. Hayes came out of retirement to serve a third term. He was noted for uniting rival factions even within his own party. Those close to Bush have praised his ability to unite factions. Hayes was a Washington outsider compared to his opponents. Compared to Gore, Bush was considered an outsider. Hayes did not campaign for the presidency, but made two appearances at the Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition. The Republicans nominated George W. Bush in Philadelphia. In 1876, it appeared that the Democrats had won, but Republicans disputed ballot tabulations in four states, including Florida. In 1876, a large number of Democrat ballots were disqualified. The Democrats cried foul, but the Republicans produced evidence to show that thousands of blacks who wanted to vote for Hayes had been kept from the polls. Much criticism has come from black Americans concerning the 2000 election. In 1876, Congress appointed an electoral commission to validate the electoral votes. The commission included five Supreme Court justices. The 2000 election was contested in court and eventually, five out of nine Supreme Court justices ruled that the Florida recount method was unconstitutional. In 1887, an eight to seven commission majority gave the election to Hayes, generating a one-vote win. In the 2000 election, the Supreme Court voted to stop the Florida recount, thus giving Bush a one-vote electoral win. The Democrats in 1876 attempted to delay the inauguration and create a Constitutional crisis. This was considered during election 2000. Hayes only served one term, perhaps because of the controversy. He and Lucy were so loved by the public that, when they left the White House, people across America cried (Source: The Readers Companion to the American Presidency ). 247