What did Al Gore say to George Bush when he called him to retract his concession? "Circumstances have changed dramatically since I first called you," Mr Gore told Mr Bush, according to aides to both men who heard each side of the conversation. "The state of Florida is too close to call," Mr Gore said.
"Are you saying what I think you're saying?" Mr Bush asked brusquely, disbelievingly. "Let me make sure that I understand. You're calling back to retract that concession?" "Don't get snippy about it!" Mr Gore spat back. "Let me explain," he continued.
If Mr Bush prevailed, Mr Gore would immediately offer his "full support . . . But I don't think we should be going out making statements with the state of Florida still in the balance."
Mr Bush was incredulous. Did Mr Gore not realise that Mr Bush's brother, Jeb, the governor of Florida, had been on the phone to Tallahassee for hours, monitoring vote patterns that he understood as well as anybody? Jeb's research showed a Bush victory, as George W. now reported to Mr Gore.
"I don't think this is something your brother can take care of," the Vice-President answered coolly. "Do what you have to do," Mr Bush said frostily.
Mr Gore put down the phone. The suppressed bile of a long campaign had bubbled through the 90-second call.
