US ELECTIONS: Bush HQ Live, Hillary Makes History NZ Reaction, Arkansas Falls, Florida To Bush? – OTHER NEWS: One Tramper Found Another Missing – Pakeha No More – Melbourne Cup
US ELECTIONS: It is too close to call. The cliffhanger that everyone was predicting. All the computers America can muster cannot figure out a winner. George Bush was feeling pensive after Florida, Michigan and Pennsylvannia were declared to Al Gore. However later US TV networks reversed their calls saying Florida was too close to call. It could be days before the results are known. Absentee votes could take some time to count and these could decide the result.
BUSH HQ LIVE: The mood in Austin Texas is bouyant they think they have won Florida. This is definitely closer than the Bush camp thought. Al Gore may win the popular vote. It is theoretically possible that we will not get a result from Washington for some time.
HILLARY MAKES HISTORY: The first First Lady to win an election while her husband is in office, Hillary Clinton has comfortably won a New York senate seat. Rick Lazio became known during the campaign as “Rick Who”.
NZ REACTION: If Gore is confirmed NZ will probably avoid a wait for a new ambassador. Carol Moseley-Braun says the relationship with NZ will remain close however. Kiwis in the street were largely behind Al Gore. Meat New Zealand sees a possible advantage in a Bush victory however. Pleasing everyone is impossible however.
ARKANSAS FALLS: George Bush has won Arkansas, Bill Clinton’s home state.
FLORIDA: In late breaking news CNN is now predicting a Bush win in Florida. This is the news the George Bush camp have been waiting to hear.
OTHER NEWS:
MISSING TRAMPERS: A tramper missing in the Kaweka ranges has been found alive. Searchers on Mt Taranaki have given up on a search for a missing elderly British tourist. Searchers are not leaving the mountain however.
PAKEHA NO MORE: Census forms will no longer use the term “pakeha” next year. Some MPs are not happy with being called NZ European. A government MP is wondering how much consultation went into the decision. Statistics NZ is defending the decision. In the streets some people don’t care and some favour either option.
MELBOURNE CUP: Melbourne Cup winner Brew is considering an Asian campaign. Owners of the winner say it is a dream come true. Trainer Mike Moroney is also rather pleased. Second Coming is also getting a fair share of attention today. The horse nearly didn’t run due to soreness. The party may be over but Brew is considering racing in Hong Kong.