The Electoral College Picks Bush
Each state's members of the Electoral College are required by law to "meet and give their votes on the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December." In 2000, that day is December 18.
After the 50 sets of electors meet in their state capitals on December 18, it is clear that George W. Bush has received at least half of the Electoral College ballots.
On January 6, 2001, at precisely 1 p.m. Eastern Time, the House and Senate meet together to formally count the votes of the Electoral College. Even though it's just a ceremony, they confirm that George Bush has won.
In charge of the formal count is the President of the Senate. That person happens to be lame duck Vice President Al Gore, who has the strange honor of presiding over his own defeat.
At noon on January 20, 2001, Governor George Bush becomes the 43rd President of the United States. In a moment of irony repeatedly pointed out by every uncreative network news anchor, Bush's father is on the platform to see him sworn in, as is Bill Clinton, the man who defeated Bush, Sr. in 1992.
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