Where I Stand — Brian Greenspun: A memorable election

Thursday, Nov. 9, 2000 | 11:07 a.m.

Brian Greenspun is editor of the Las Vegas Sun.

Congratulations to the president-elect.

As soon as the voting authorities sort out the mess in Florida, we can give a name to our new chief executive. Until then what has to be the most bizarre election and outcome will continue to be the topic of conversation in this country. And for a very long time thereafter.

Voter confusion, voter involvement, voter excitement, voter apathy and voter waste are all catchwords that will be used to describe and explain whatever the final result will be. In the meantime I have a few observations to add to the mix:

While certainly the winning presidential candidate can claim victory, he cannot claim much more because a handful of votes in Florida will determine the outcome of one of the closest Electoral College outcomes in history. For one of the rare times in our history, if George Bush wins, he will have squeaked through the Electoral College while losing the popular vote of the people. And if the next president turns out to be Al Gore, his margin of victory will be less than one half of 1 percent. Hardly a mandate either way. It would be a mistake by either person to think otherwise.

And speaking of expectations, now that Nevada has narrowly voted for George Bush, it will be up to Ensign and Gov. Kenny Guinn to hold George Bush -- should he become president -- to not only his commitment regarding nuclear waste but to the protection of our state from the long-term effects of a permanent dump. Our governor sold us on his pal, Bush, so now it is his responsibility to make sure the new president protects our state from a nightmare future. President Clinton has done his part for Nevada. Now we'll see how well the next fellow does.