Both sides understood that there had to be some give and take in the process. Less obvious, though, is whether Friday's vote was a sign of healing or hypocrisy. Rep. Chris Smith, a Democrat who served on the committee that brokered the agreement on the overhaul, said he was struck by the difference in the Republicans' tone since the lawmakers last were in session. At the time they were saying nothing was broken. That was campaign rhetoric.
Today shows the reality that Florida had problems.
And Democrats who were quick to say just a day ago that had the improvements been in place in November, Al Gore would be president, downplayed that argument Friday. Gov. Bush agreed. Fortunately, I've got a job that kind of requires me to move on, and that's what I'm doing right now. Others lingered a little longer on the significance of the changes that will be in place by Florida's next general election in 2002. The counties that can afford more expensive touch-screen technology can opt for that system.