Al Gore Becomes President
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. After some behind-the-scenes wrangling, and some consultation with experts in constitutional law, the Congressional leaders decide to count the ballots cast by "faithless electors."
The count confirms that Al Gore has been elected president, so the Electoral College decision and the popular vote actually match.
Strangely, since the President of the Senate is supposed to be in charge of the official count of Electoral College ballots, and the Vice President is the President of the Senate, Al Gore might actually preside over the formal ceremony himself.
At noon on January 20, 2001, Vice President Al Gore becomes the 43rd President of the United States. His running mate, Senator Joseph Lieberman, has resigned his Senate position to become Vice President, and a Republican is appointed to his seat. (Mind you, there is no guarantee with the Senate so nearly split that Lieberman would resign his seat and agree to become Vice President.)
George W. Bush returns to Texas to complete his term as governor.
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