Loser isn't going away Precedents in Gore's favor for 2004 election

He came closer to the presidency than anyone else in our lifetime.

With a strong finish that surprised nearly everyone, Al Gore wonmore than 50 million votes and a plurality of more than 300,000 votesover President-elect George W. Bush. Only Ronald Reagan in 1984 gotmore votes than Gore.

On election night, Gore appeared to have clinched the White Housewhen networks declared him the victor in crucial states includingFlorida. Then he nearly conceded when Bush was prematurely awardedthe Sunshine State by the networks.

By pressing for a manual recount in the critical state of Florida,Gore showed toughness in refusing to give up hope even when mostAmericans wanted …