- Aug 2, 2001
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Reuter-AP: Tallahassee, FL
In an outcome no one anticipated, and sent the Democratic party reeling, republican President George W. Bush won a clear majority of votes in Tuesday's Democratic Presidential primary, pulling in 83% of returned results. When questioned about his unexpected victory, President Bush responded, "This is a clear message from the American people they want a President with strong, decisive leadership in foreign affairs, including the War on Terror, and also a long-term vision for prosperity and economic growth domestically. My record as your President demonstrates this unquestionably. Any election of a Democratic nominee would undoubtedly reverse the progress I have made. The American people understand this. Democrats understand this. God Bless America."
Democratic front-runner Sen John Kerry-(MA) commented on the loss last night after return results were confirmed. "My strong showing in the Florida race once again has shown that the American people are tired of the incompetent and reckless tax-cut and spend Bush adminstration. They want a President who will restore American confidence and dignity in the world arena, and spur real econmic recovery and job-growth at home. We will ride this victory to all the remaining primaries and then into the Presidential election in the fall!" When Sen. Kerry, who only garnered only 12% of the vote, was further questioned on his loss to a canidate not even listed on the ballot, Kerry responded with "no comment," and was wisked to a fund-raiser in Colorado. Aides reveled that they had been concerned that Sen. John Edward's now abandoned election bid may still draw signifigant number of votes in this southern state, undermining the unity behind the remaining Democratic contender, but Bush's surge was completely unexpected.
The morning was met with chaos for the Democratic party and DNC Chariman Terry McAuliffe. After a series of major election losses, notably the 2000 Presidential Election and the 2002 Senate races, the loss of an election where their party was the only party listed on the ticket drew sharp criticism from democratic supporters around the country. McAuliffe: "Last nights result's were a complete aborration of the primary process. I am annoucing the immediate creation of a special investigation task force to look into the Florida results. A full report will be forthcoming shortly." Before concluding the press conference McAuliffe added, "We have reason to believe there may have been foul-play in the Florida election. We do not accept the returned results. We will be taking the appropriate action as soon as the investigation concludes. No way we're losing this time."
Florida's republican governor, and brother to President Bush, only commented, "Hey, don't look at me. I didn't have anything to do with this one!"
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