8 o'clock in the evening, Eastern Standard Time, Tuesday, November 7 (Election Day)

TV networks and news services declare Al Gore the winner in Florida, based on results in a few counties. Though it turns out to be a premature call, it is the vice president's first big win of the evening, helping him catch up to George W. Bush, who had jumped to an early lead with victories in Indiana and Kentucky. After apparently taking Florida, though, Gore looks in command. The networks soon project him winning the crucial toss-up states of Pennsylvania and Michigan. Bush changes his plans to watch the election results at a hotel, and returns to the governor's mansion in Austin, Texas, with his closest family.