In fact, there is already talk that the GOP will demand recounts in New Mexico and Wisconsin, two states which Gore lost by very slim margins. The entire election would then be placed in limbo for an indefinite period of time while allegations and recrimination fly back and forth, depositions are taken, political arm-twisting occurs, and the like. Inauguration Day would then arrive with no President-elect to take office. Fortunately, the U.S. Constitution has addressed this contingency to some extent. Amendment XX deals with our pending national crisis more squarely, clarifying Article II, Section 1, Clause 6.
Trouble is definitely on the horizon.
Unless this election is finally decided quickly, we run the risk of devolving into infinite loops of chaos, back-biting, and sniping. It should be clear by now that the Gore campaign is doing what it can to hijack the electoral process, throw Florida's results into dispute, and spark a Constitutional crisis. And the intent of this, no doubt, is to attempt to sway the Electoral College into voting for him. Hayes was not the declared the winner until 54 days before Inauguration Day. Most significantly, though, his single term in office was largely ineffective due to the chaos which surrounded his election.