Abstract
Elections offer significant insight into ethical and value issues related to candidates and political parties and changes in the electorate including the non-voters. This election brought numerous value issues to the fore that will continue to be relevant to political activity. The winner of the popular vote lost in the Electoral College after a contentious vote count in Florida. The election brought into focus issues of direct popular election with a loss of power to less populated states and reform of ballot/election procedures and campaign financing. Overall, the Supreme Court and Ralph Nader lost credibility; John McCain, Hillary Clinton and Joe Lieberman gained. The belief that every vote counted was shown to be false in this as in other elections. The press gave life to the issue of capital punishment even though the issue did not separate the two major presidential candidates. The election revealed significant geographical differences in voting patterns and minority vote choices with significant implications for the future.
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