Subscribe to one of our news e-mail lists . Like so many of the policy differences between them, the leadership styles of presidential rivals Texas Gov. George W. Bush and Vice President Al Gore are sharply different in nature, and reflect their longstanding views of how government works best. Gore, running on eight years of unprecedented economic progress, hopes to harness that boom to directly help those who have been left behind, mainly through government programs. But those are the campaign promises. Political landscapes change.
Congressional lawmakers are often divided and sometimes downright hostile to a president's wishes.
I think he found issues, especially in his early years in the House, which he felt were not too heavily occupied. Although not the most exciting of administration's early undertakings, Gore clearly relished the task. That mastery of public policy was clearly evident during the presidential debates as Gore dissected Bush's tax-cut and prescription drug proposals. What's unclear is what impact his impressive detail knowledge would have on his decisions if elected president. Gore tends to be something of a loner on procedure, although he's very open on issues and getting information, and surrounding himself with experts.