The election in quotes

The Orlando Sentinel put out four different election editions

After an historic night in American politics, when the nation waited in vain for the name of the 43rd president to be announced, the quotes tell their own story.

"I'm confident when it's all said and done that we will prevail." Bush campaign chairman Don Evans

"I've been in politics a very long time but I don't think there's ever been a night like this one... This race is simply too close to call, and until the recount is concluded and the results in Florida become official, our campaign continues." Gore campaign chairman William Daley

"We owe it to the country to do it as absolutely quickly as possible." Florida Attorney-General Bob Butterworth on recount

"No American will ever be able to seriously say again 'my vote doesn't count'."President Bill Clinton

"If you're disgusted with us, frankly, I don't blame you." CBS television anchor Dan Rather, addressing viewers

"We're not absolutely sure quite what to do next." ABC anchor Peter Jennings

"We stopped the presses, and pulled back just about all of them." Matthew V. Storin, editor of The Boston Globe

"This is one of the strangest nights in the history of American politics." Film-maker Rob Reiner, Gore supporter

"He is dead, yes, but I could never see myself voting for Ashcroft." Bryon Myers of Kansas City, after voting for deceased Governor Mel Carnahan in Missouri

"Sixty-two counties, 16 months, three debates, two opponents and six black pantsuits later, because of you, here we are." Hillary Rodham Clinton victory speech in New York

"It's time for us to hold our heads up high and unify our state." Republican Rick Lazio's concession speech, New York

"You can't spoil a system spoiled to the core." Green Party leader Ralph Nader