AUSTIN, Tex. - In the hill country of Texas, the song "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" resonated throughout the thin steel walls of Hangar One at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The crowd murmured in anticipation, tapping their feet to the soulful rhythm of the music. Suddenly, the music stopped, the lights dimmed, and the Texans fell silent. Dubya's plane had landed, his bus was near. Texas Chairman Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams stepped up to the microphone, and with a booming voice shouted the question that most certainly was on everyone's mind. "Who let the dogs out?" came his baritone.
In answer, the crowd erupted, Tex. Gov. George W. Bush entered the hangar, and the Welcome Home Rally was under way. Twenty-four hours later, this "dog" is the new president-elect of the United States And what an interesting 24 hours it has been.
For various reasons, many Americans - 49 percent of the popular vote and 271 electoral college votes with Oregon and Wisconsin not reporting - believed that Bush was the man for the job. Throughout the hectic 24-hour period from welcome rally to celebration rally, I encountered some things I will never be lucky enough to take part in again.
The Welcome Home Rally was, simply put, out of control. Dozens of big-haired Republican women paraded their youngins around like bait for Bush's baby-kissing. Even more men wore cowboy boots, but unfortunately only one brave soul sported the ever-chic mullet. But more importantly, these people came out to a hangar in the middle of nowhere to show their support for our new president-elect. And that was just the beginning.
Election Day brought wind and rain that was not appreciated. Who knew you could see your breath in Texas? But fortunately many voters weathered the storm to come out and show their support of Bush. Outside the Travis County Courthouse, Christy Cooper said she voted for Bush because she's "heard good stuff about him and bad stuff about Gore." This girl's got a political career in her future.
Longtime Texas resident Rick Castleberry was very decided in his choice. "I voted for Bush because I'm from Texas, no wait, because I'm a Republican, no just kidding, it's because I'm a conservative." Sabrina Thomas had something more in depth to say. "Oh geez, I love Bush, how much time do you have?" After citing a few reasons for her support, she promised, "If you want more out of me just gimmie a glass of wine and I can talk all night." I unfortunately declined this polite request.
The courthouse offered many more special moments. But the most exciting moment came when Bush himself came in to vote with his wife Laura, and walked right in front of yours truly. I took a few pictures like any true tourist would do, and even extended my arm in hopes of a handshake. Unfortunately, Bush prefers to grasp the hands of older women and babies, but I'm not one to sulk.
None of the day's excitement prepared me for last night. As the media grouped together here in the filing center, vigorously taking notes on every CNN electoral result, I couldn't help but feel like I was watching game seven of a World Series. When Bush went up 20-0, it was like he hit a leadoff homerun. When numerous states came up too close to call, it was like some electoral god kept throwing one wicked curve ball after another. To make things more nerve racking, Gore was up by only one at a nail biting 121-119 and later 230-229.
Cell phones were ringing off their hooks; cameras were rolling non-stop. It truly was a media circus straight out of the movies.
The lead switched hands back and forth all night. Then came the big shocker, the blown call at home plate. CNN and other stations gave Florida to Gore before they had enough polls reported. But upon reviewing the play, the score was reduced, and the score eventually settled at Bush 246, Gore 242. Then came the waiting. And more waiting, as the game went into extra innings.
The polls collected their data agonizingly slowly. Larry King actually ran out of things to say. Then, just as Austin was about to collapse in exhaustion in the re-energized Texas thunderstorm, the final result came in. Bush is our next president. Everyone here is unbelievably tired. But now that the circus is over, the partying will begin.
Editor's note: Gov. Bush's apparent victory is pending a vote recount in the state of Florida.
(Brandon Almond is a Cavalier Daily associate editor.)
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