Kerry hangs on, promises that 'every vote will count'

BOSTON -- The outcome of the 2004 presidential election was left in doubt in the early hours of the morning due to a very close race in Ohio, and the Democratic challengers refused to concede.

Several news networks called the state for President George W. Bush around 2 a.m., but Democrats raised questions about the contents of provisional ballots, claiming they could make up the nearly 150,000 vote difference.

"It's been a long night, but we've waited four years for this victory, and we can wait one more night," vice presidential candidate John Edwards said in a brief statement delivered at about 2:30 a.m. "John Kerry and I made a promise in this election that every vote would count, and every vote would be counted."

It is practically impossible for Kerry to win the election if he loses Ohio, but provisional and absentee ballots remain uncounted in New Mexico and Florida. Additionally, Kerry would need to win Wisconsin and Nevada, which had not been declared for either candidate at 4 a.m.

Some Democrats hinted that they may legally challenge particularly close states, possibly forcing a repeat of the 2000 election's chaos that occurred in Florida.

Democrats gathered in Boston for last night's election party.

While the career politicians remained inside the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, the public piled into Copley Square to express support for Kerry.

A lineup of musicians, including Sheryl Crow, the Black Eyed Peas and Jon Bon Jovi performed to entertain the crowd during the long night. The performers praised fellow Democrats for assisting with the campaign and raising awareness, and they took the opportunity to express their own political views.

"The country's more polarized than I've ever seen in my lifetime," Bon Jovi said, adding, "What's most important about tomorrow, regardless of the outcome, is that we begin that reconciliation."

Major Democratic Party figures appeared throughout the night to tout Kerry. Many also noted that turnout has been particularly high in this election, which commentators believed would work in Kerry's favor.

"There are a record number of people coming out to the polls," Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe said earlier in the night, confident in Kerry's chances of success. "We're sending George Bush back to Crawford, Texas."

Screens hanging by the stage displayed news coverage of the election. The crowd followed races other than the presidential one cloesly through the night.

Cheers from the group greeted every poll that was favorable for Kerry or Democrats in gubernatorial and senatorial races.

Yet, as the night dragged on, the entertainment ended and the rain began to fall.

As networks repeatedly pointed to the number of uncertain states, predictions of an inconclusive outcome combined with the inclement weather to drive people out of the square.

Some more dedicated supporters remained, however, hoping to catch a glimpse of Kerry, even if they were standing on the outskirts of the square.

"There's always hope. All you can do is hope," said Boston College student John Washburn, who had been standing outside for several hours. "I won't give up until [Kerry] does."

"I'm going to be crushed if Kerry doesn't win," Eileen Crehan said. "I don't think we're going to see a result tonight."

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.