Arkansas Representative Asa Hutchinson on the coming political climate

(CNN) – Vice President Al Gore is scheduled to address the nation at 9 p.m. Wednesday, December 13 to announce that his bid for the United States presidency is over. Gore’s decision follows Tuesday night’s Supreme Court ruling that continued recounts in Florida’s contested election could not be fairly implemented in time for the Electoral College vote on December 18. Republican Governor George W. Bush, the presumed president-elect, will speak to the nation one hour later.

Representative Asa Hutchinson is in his second term as representative of Arkansas' 3rd Congressional District. He is a former prosecutor and state Republican Party chairman.

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CNN Host: Thank you for joining us today, Representative Asa Hutchinson, and welcome.

Asa Hutchinson: Good to be with you. I look forward to the discussion.

CNN Host: What do Gore and Bush need to say in their speeches to bring closure to this election process and reunite America?

Asa Hutchinson: Well, Vice President Gore is the key one. He must acknowledge that Governor Bush is President Elect. He will pledge his full support and ask his supporters to do the same. Governor Bush needs to be gracious and reach out and ask for the support of those who did not support him in the election.

Question from CrossfireTime: Why do you think the tone of Mr. Gore's speech is going to be so looked at tonight?

Asa Hutchinson: Because there has been so much intensity in this post election campaign and the rhetoric has been strong. People will listen to his tone to see if he has really accepted the contest as being over.

CNN Host: Bush is talking about creating a bipartisan administration. Is this realistic?

Asa Hutchinson: I don't think it would be bipartisan administration in terms of equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats, but I do believe he will appoint a number of Democrats in sub-Cabinet posts and perhaps one in the Cabinet to send a message that he wants to be open and reach out to the other side. But it would be a mistake to abandon his principles and the issues he campaigned on. He cannot do that.

Question from SoreLoser: What is your reaction to Jessie Jackson's comment that "Bush has legal authority but no MORAL authority?"

Asa Hutchinson: I agree with Representative Hastings who said this is not the time for rallies and harsh rhetoric. This is a time that our national leaders must set the example of national unity, as I expect Vice President Gore to do tonight.

Question from busymom: Representative Hutchinson, what can we look for after the speech in regards to George W.'s Cabinet?

FLORIDA SUPREME COURT DOCUMENTS Florida Supreme Court opinion Briefs filed on behalf of George W. Bush Briefs filed on behalf of Al Gore (These require Adobe Acrobat Reader)

RELATED LAWS Florida Code Title IX - Laws concerning Florida Electors and Elections (Florida Legislature Web site)

INTERACTIVE Electoral College: FAQ Election timeline Fact check: What Gore and Bush camps say about the issues Florida undervotes by county Key players in the dispute The presidential race wasn't the only one that went into overtime Previous close elections Not ready for Webster's: What is a pregnant chad?

MESSAGE BOARD Presidential race 2000 Election 2000 The Election process     TRANSCRIPTS Chat Transcripts main page CNN's Patty Davis on the Gore campaign after the Supreme Court decision 12/13/00 CNN's Mike Boettcher on the Florida Legislature's special session 12/12/00 Los Angeles Times' Ron Brownstein on the Florida recount question before the Supreme Court 12/12/00

Asa Hutchinson: I think starting tomorrow you will see announcements and I think he is simply going to try to get the best people. I don't think he will take very many, if any, from the US Congess because our margin is so thin. I would expect a couple governors to be selected and some new faces that will reflect the new Bush style.

Question from rightside: What do you think this has done to the credibility of the U.S. around the world?

Asa Hutchinson: I think the only damaging aspect is the impression that the most powerful country in the world and the greatest democracy is not invested in the tools of democracy: modern voting equipment. I don't think the closeness of the election or the contest itself was damaging.

CNN Host: What political actions and legislation should Bush focus on in his first days as President?

Asa Hutchinson: He should first meet with key leaders on both sides and listen to them. As to what is doable, he should push the agenda he campaigned on. Then he should add election reform, resurrect the bipartisan Medicare support and a few other items.

Question from CrossfireTime: Do you feel Governor Bush's speech will be affected by Mr. Gore's?

Asa Hutchinson: I think Governor Bush will have his speech ready to go and I don't think he will adjust it for what Vice President Gore says. There won't be any surprises tonight. The thing I look for is whether Gore says once again "count all the votes." I hope not.

Question from Veralyn21: What do you think the probability of anything surprising coming from the Electoral College might be?

Asa Hutchinson: Good question, I think that it is doubtful because I expect Vice President Gore to discourage any challenge. The probability of a challenge will be impacted by any surprises between now and Jan 5th.

CNN Host: Do you have any final thoughts you would like to share?

Asa Hutchinson: I just want to assure everyone that I think Congress can work together despite the intensity of this election. I hope everyone listens to reasoned leaders and tries to turn off the harsh voices.

CNN Host: Thank you for joining us today.

Asa Hutchinson: I enjoyed this... thank you!

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