The point is
Bush became POTUS after Gore was declared as POTUS
as the great Kenny Rogers once sung
You've got to know
When to hold 'em
Know when to fold 'em
Know when to walk away
Know when to run
You never count your money
When you're sittin' at the table
There'll be time enough for countin'
When the dealin's done
..and the dealin' aint done yet cowboy
