The Florida Recount Of 2000: A Nightmare That Goes On Haunting

Judge Robert Rosenberg of the Broward County Canvassing Board uses a magnifying glass to examine a dimpled chad on a punch card ballot on November 24, 2000 during a vote recount in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Robert King / Getty Images

Want to feel old? Consider the fact that babies who were crying in cribs while their parents agonized over Florida’s protracted presidential recount in 2000 are now of voting age.

Eighteen years is a long time. Even so, when we think of that time, many of us conjure up memories as sharp as barbed wire, roll our eyes or sigh out loud when anyone mentions “Florida 2000.”

That phrase is being invoked a lot in light of this year’s ultra-tight Florida statewide elections.