After the primaries, Mr Bush immediately fired off an e-mail to Mr Gore, congratulating him on his victory and inviting him to hold an initial debate in two weeks. It's up to you and your party whether you want to start the ad war arms race. Mr Bush was quick to dismiss the offer. If I believed him, I might be willing to accept it. In an encouraging sign for the Republican candidate, exit polls suggests that Mr Bush ran stronger among Democratic voters than Mr Gore did among Republican voters.
Polls show the Texas governor is strong in the south.
Mr Gore believes he has a chance to win Florida, Louisiana and Tennessee in November. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Links to other Americas stories are at the foot of the page.