How does the election of 2000 compare to other presidential elections?

The 2000 presidential election pitted Republican George W. Bush against Democrat Al Gore.

Initial election returns showed that Gore had won the popular vote, but neither candidate had garnered the 270 electoral votes required to win the presidency.

The election hinged on results from the state of Florida, where the vote was so close as to mandate a recount.

The outcome of the election was ultimately decided by the US Supreme Court in Bush v. Gore. The court, in a 5-4 vote, ruled in favor of Bush.