By and large, Americans aren't giving Gore much credit for the boom. Other polls have been much closer. Theories abound to explain this puzzle. One is that it's temporary and that Gore will reverse it. Then there's the possibility that people have split credit between the White House and Congress.
Presidents have only modest powers to influence the economy.
If you're looking for issues where a president can make a difference, the economy normally shouldn't rank high on your list. Consider President Clinton as a case in point. Few presidents have been so blessed by the economy. As a candidate, it was his biggest ally. In 1992 unemployment averaged 7.5 percent.