I'm confused as to why some of the foreign media think that this is a majoy crisis in America. They conclude that just because the election is close it means that our government is in total disarray. Obviously, the squabbling over the vote tally is unsettling, but the fact that two candidates are equally disliked isn't really a tragedy. Obviously if the Republican party had done the intelligent thing and nominated John McCain this problem would have never arisen.

Also, why would a machine recount be unacceptable? It doesn't favor any side. It would make just as many mistakes for Bush as it would for Gore. The hand count is obviously more subjective and has a greater chance of mistakes. As in the World Series, does the best of seven win?