While
the American democratic process is certainly a viable system with well-documented
pros and
cons, I think an interesting point is that this may be the first time an
election could be decided by
litigation.
Both candidates have immediately brought out their lawyers to do battle as to how the Florida situation should be tackled. Gore's lawyers have already demanded that the Presidency should be handed over to Al regardless of a recount. I expect that Bush's team have announced something similar (or more likely, worse).
It was only a matter of time I guess, as it's well known that the legal system in America lets anyone walk free provided they are sufficiently wealthy. Becoming President just lets you get away with murder on a larger scale.