Gore looked and sounded more natural than during the first debate. He seemed reasonable and relaxed. The governor didn't do an effective job answering Gore's charges about health care in Texas, and that means that the Democrat has hit upon an issue that he may be able to use over the next few weeks. Overall, however, Bush did well in the second debate. He handled international policy questions with ease, and he came across, as usual, as relaxed and self-confident.
Polls show the presidential race virtually even.
If anyone has the edge, it may be Bush. This means that anything, including the third debate, could separate victory from defeat for the two candidates. Gore must continue to press Bush on Texas, hoping to raise doubts about the governor's performance and priorities. And he must continue to be comparative on matters such as taxes, prescription drugs, Social Security, and abortion. Gore must make the 2000 election about issues and policies, but he must also worry about style.