In Focus delivers deeper coverage of the political, cultural, and ideological issues shaping America. Published daily by senior writers and experts, these in-depth pieces go beyond the headlines to give readers the full picture. You can find our full list of In Focus pieces here.

The night and early morning of Nov. 7 and 8, 2000, is one that serves as a true inflection point for the United States. The time was around 7:50 p.m. Eastern, and all the major networks called Florida for Vice President Al Gore, effectively handing him the election with 272 electoral votes.