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Visitors to an Atlanta Landmark Remark on a Landmark Decision

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

LOU WATERS, CNN ANCHOR: It's all been about a four-year lease on that beautiful mansion on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington. A really nice place. We've heard from the judges, the politicians, the analysts, the historians and the reporters.

Now how about we, the people? CNN's Brian Cabell is with the people in Atlanta. Brian, what are you hearing?

BRIAN CABELL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Lou. I'm with the people at an Atlanta institution known as The Varsity, where you get chili dogs, naked dogs, onion rings, and chicken wings. And we also get some political views. Let's bring in a few folks here right now. This is Larry Fulbright (ph), from the airport. As a matter of fact, you were just canceled on your flight. So, let me ask you.

We understand Mr. Gore is going to make a speech tonight. Should he concede? Do you want him to concede?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I would say it's time for him to go ahead and concede. I think it's been long enough now. We voted like the 7th of November and didn't even know who the president was, so I think it's time.

CABELL: Will this country unite behind Mr. Bush, do you think?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't think it's an issue. I really don't. And I think they'll unite just fine behind him. The Varsity's an institution; America's an institution and we'll survive this one, too.

CABELL: Thank you very much, Mr. Fulbright. Let's talk to another gentleman, Kevin Washington. Mr. Gore apparently, we think, is going to concede. Are you happy about that?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Not really.

CABELL: Why not?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Because I don't really think that the vote was actually handled right. My opinion -- I think what they should have done, they should have went back and redid all the votes in Florida. Instead of going to counting over, they should have went back, throw all vote that they had at first into a box and burned them up and then start over. That's my opinion.

CABELL: It looks like Mr. Bush, though, will be your next president. Can you accept him as your new president?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Don't have no other choice, but I think that, like I said, it should have been handled a little different. And then another opinion I think due to the brother Bush, the governor of Florida might have had a part in that.

CABELL: Thank you very much, Mr. Washington. Let's talk to a young lady here, Debbie Snipes (ph), also here from the airport to visit The Varsity. Are you happy to finally see this come to an end?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, yes. Most definitely.

CABELL: Was this done fairly? Do we have a fair and accurate count, do you think finally?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, I think we do. I think it's time to put it all to a stop and let's get on with the business at hand.

CABELL: Have we learned anything through this 36-day ordeal, do you think?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I hope that they realize that it's time to take a look at the laws and go in and clarify them, that we do have problems with that.

CABELL: Is Mr. Bush going to be accepted as a legitimate president, do you think?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think the people that voted for him, yes, he will. The opponents, probably never.

CABELL: Are you worried about next couple of years?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No, not too much. I think once they get in and get started we'll be OK.

CABELL: Thank you very much.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: OK, thank you.

CABELL: And Debbie Snipes -- a couple people here, a few people here at The Varsity enjoying lunch, and we'll let them get back to dining.

I'm Brian Cabel, CNN, live in Atlanta.

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