Bush also reckons that with a large portion of the undecided vote made up of so-called independents, enshrining individualism is a winner. The high-tech workers of the New Economy are no fans of Washington, either. Finally, Bush may be trying to drive up his numbers with male voters, who disproportionately back his candidacy. Men are far more receptive to bureaucrat-bashing than women, according to Gore pollster Stanley B. Greenberg, since the latter tend to see government in a more nurturing role. For starters, the federal government is smaller today than it was when Bush's father reigned in the White House, largely because of military downsizing and the shift of policy responsibilities to the state level.
Deregulation occupies most of the energies of capital lawmakers.
Besides, the 10th year of an economic boom isn't the ideal time to get folks riled about their federal government. Gore's attempts at symbolism are also problematic. To hear the Vice-President tell it, his GOP rival is Newt II, an economic and social radical who has emerged from charm school but harbors the same sinister plans as his predecessor to dismantle the federal safety net. Bush, of course, is nothing of the sort. His commitment to improving schools is genuine.