Although both campaigns see the coming week as the introductory phase of a much longer battle, Bush and Gore are approaching the task differently. Bush advisers said the governor's initial campaign trips will be used to introduce broad themes, not to unveil detailed policy positions. Policy details will come after the themes and values have been established. But we're trying to put it off as long as possible. Gore is more anxious to get to the meat of the issues, not only to move him out of Clinton's shadow but also to seize the middle ground politically before Bush can claim it.
Nobody knows who the vice president is.
Part of what he's going to have to do is define himself and define himself on the issues. Gore's announcement tour has been planned with the idea of planting markers at every stop. His opening speech in Carthage likely will focus on his biography and broad themes. From there on, however, he will use events in other cities to talk about specific issues. Privately, Gore advisers say the more he talks about issues, the more they hope it will pressure Bush to define himself, and in so doing, have to choose between the GOP's conservative base and centrist swing voters.