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Polls And The Election’s Aftermath
WASHINGTON (IslamOnline) - More Americans are in agreement with the certified results of the Florida elections, accepting that George W. Bush won, concurring that the country should move on, but differing on what Al Gore should do.
In the latest poll conducted by ABC-Washington Post, results indicate that six in 10 said Gore should concede. A CNN-USA Today-Gallup poll said the same with 56% stating the same. Both polls were taken after the Florida certification Sunday night, but before Gore spoke to the nation Monday night
An NBC poll conducted on Monday showed that 61% percent believe Bush won, but almost one-third of Americans believe the contested Florida election has yet to be decided. Half think the Florida vote has been settled - with Bush winning it - while only 16% think Gore took the Sunshine State.
Should Gore Concede?
The NBC poll showed an even split as to whether Gore should concede the election now, with 49% saying he should and an equal number say he should not.
Close to 40% in the ABC-Post poll taken Sunday night said Gore should concede because the vote was fair, while almost 20% want him to quit because they "want to get this over with."
Behavior of the Candidates
However, it is clear that Americans are displeased with the post-election behavior of both men: 47% disapprove of Gore’s behavior, while 41% are unhappy with Bush’s. On November 13th, the percentages were 38% and 36%, respectively.
Moreover, Bush’s claim of victory on Sunday has been perceived as a misstep. Fifty-one percent disapproved of Bush’s move.
Four in 10 in the Gallup poll, taken Sunday and Monday, approved of Gore's decision to challenge the results of the Florida election, while more than half, 57%, disapproved.
The CNN-USA Today-Gallup poll showed popular partisan differences as much as impatience with the long fight. Just over eight in 10 Bush supporters say it's more important for the race to end quickly; three in 10 Gore supporters say the same.
The poll did not reflect a shift in feeling about who should be president. That was still split, as it was on Election Day, with 43% saying they favor Bush and 42% favoring Gore. Some Gore supporters were happy for him to fight on.
Still, most Americans say they would be willing to support the winner, no matter who it is.
According to the NBC poll, almost two-thirds say they would be comfortable with Gore as the winner, and slightly more than that feel comfortable with an eventual Bush win.
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