The gathering featured a "George W. Dartboard" where anxious Gore supporters could relieve stress. The relatively partisan crowd also included a group of first-years that swore that if Bush won they would dress in all black today to mourn Gore's loss.

But all of the festivities aside, the focus of all the parties was the outcome of the election. As the hours crept by and Tuesday night became Wednesday morning, watchers became visibly more tense, and signs of wear began to show.

Shortly after midnight, before the election was called in favor of Bush, Marc Stad stood before the College Democrats, telling them regardless of the outcome, they should be proud of the work they put in and that they should stay involved in the political process.

While Stad and others maintained a brave front, it was clear that most were pessimistic at best about Gore's dwindling chances.

"I'm really scared of the prospects," said Evan S. Day '03. "It was really disappointing when the announcement that Gore had won a key state like Florida was recalled."

Following his short speech, Stad invited those who were interested to leave Lowell to go to his room in Quincy House to watch the coverage and partake in a few refreshments.

At Sigma Chi, the much more confident Bush supporters cheered, laughed and taunted First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton's victory speech with cries of "You may have won, but we've got the presidency!"

Jubilant Republican students took to the streets after Bush was declared the victor in Florida returns, even stopping by The Crimson to chant and wave signs. Earlier in the night, they had promised to parade from Tommy's House of Pizza to the Institute of Politics (IOP) to celebrate a Bush victory.