#presidential-elections

#presidential-elections

People trying to understand politics in the United States today often turn to history for precedents and perspective. Are our current divisions like the ones that preceded the American Revolution or the Civil War? Did the dramatic events of the 1960s generate the same kind of social and political forces seen today? Are there lessons from the past that show us how eras of intense political turmoil eventually subside?

Today in history: On Nov. 8, 2000, a statewide recount began in Florida, which emerged as critical in deciding the winner of the 2000 presidential election between Republican George W. Bush and Democratic Vice President Al Gore. The recount would officially end on Dec. 12 upon orders from the U.S. Supreme Court, delivering Florida's electoral votes and the presidency to Bush. Also on this date: In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln won reelection as he defeated Democratic challenger George B. McClellan.

On Nov. 5, 1872, suffragist Susan B. Anthony defied the law by casting a vote in the presidential election; she was later arrested and charged with knowingly voting without having a lawful right to vote. Found guilty at trial, she was fined $100, which she refused to pay. Also on this date: In 1605, the Gunpowder Plot failed as Guy Fawkes was seized before he could blow up the English Parliament; Fawkes and his co-conspirators were later convicted of treason and hanged.

"My elimination from the electoral list by the Independent Electoral Commission is a sad but eloquent example of Ivory Coast's drift towards a total absence of democracy," said Tidjane Thiam.