By
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON - President Clinton asked the nation yesterday to be patient until it learns whether Al Gore or George W. Bush becomes the next occupant of the White House. "It'll be over soon," he said.
At the same time, Clinton declined yesterday to accept Florida's certification of Bush as the winner of the state's electoral votes, saying, "It's not up to me to accept or reject."
As he gathered his Cabinet for a meeting, Clinton told reporters he would encourage the nation to allow the legal challenges mounted the vice president to play out.
"There is a legal process here," Clinton said. "Let's just watch this happen. It'll be over soon, and we'll be ready for the transition."
But Clinton made clear that he is not buying into Bush's claims to the presidency.
"In all this interplay, it is easy to lose what is really important, which is the integrity of the voter, every single vote," Clinton said. "They have to sort that out in Florida."
In the meantime, Clinton signed an executive order creating a coordinating council to oversee the transition into the next presidency. "This action, and other efforts by the Cabinet, will well ensure we are as prepared as we can possibly be," Clinton said.
Gore, who normally attends Cabinet meetings, was absent yesterday. Clinton said he spoke with Gore on Thanksgiving Day to wish him and his family a happy holiday.
