House of Representatives Selects Gore
After the first ballot, it becomes clear there is a problem for the Bush: too many Republican Representatives are leaning toward Gore to give the GOP an easy win. The House briefly adjourns so Members can speak with one another off the floor.
When they reconvene, the second ballot clinches it: several of the delegations with Republican majorities slide into the Gore category, thanks to Representatives who believe the winner of the popular vote should be the next president. In a squeaker, Gore wins 26 states.
The Senate, which is responsible under the Twelfth Amendment for picking a Vice President, prudently awaits the decision of the House before making its choice. (Naturally, the Senate would want to choose the running mate of the man who wins in the House.) So shortly after the House makes its decision, the Senate elevates one of its own, Joseph Lieberman, to be Vice President.
At noon on January 20, 2001, Vice President Al Gore becomes the 43rd President of the United States. Joseph Lieberman becomes the 46th Vice President.
Because of the cooperation of many moderate Republicans in making Gore the next president, the 107th Congress begins with signs of cooperation between Republicans and Democrats in the House. However, many of the Republicans who helped in the selection of Gore are likely to face challenges from within their party when they run for reelection in 2002.
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