Bush and Republicans are talking about these issues. Last week, Bush delivered speeches on both education and the environment. Republicans in Congress have also been busy rehabilitating their image. They have passed legislation cutting the oppressive marriage penalty and killed the earnings limit for seniors on Social Security. They are challenging the Clinton administration to articulate a plan to deal with the rising cost of gasoline.
Republicans know the issue that drives their success is checking the size and scope of government.
The GOP took over Congress. Democrats also dismiss the continuing power of moral values as an issue. But swing voters aren't likely to look to a party headed by Gore as long as Bush is seen as the best candidate to restore honesty and integrity to the White House. Furthermore, voters like Bush. Finally, there is the impact of Bush as the presumptive GOP presidential nominee.