Gore leads Bush on experience and maturity. But only a third say either candidate says what he really believes most of the time, and just half say they can trust either Bush or Gore to keep his word as president. 20 Views of both Gore and Bush in their current jobs are favorable. By 42 percent to 16 percent, voters say their view of the job Bush has done as Governor of Texas is favorable. By 51 percent to 37 percent, voters say the same thing about the job Gore has done as vice president.
Voters say issues matter more than candidate's qualities - except when they get specific.
Half the sample was asked whether a candidate's position on the issues or his personal qualities matters more in deciding their vote. But when asked to choose among honesty, leadership abilities, and agreeing on policies with a candidate, policy agreement finished a poor third. Just 7 percent named policies, while 43 percent cited honesty, and 42 percent cited leadership. Both candidates are seen as not saying what they really believe most of the time. Presidents eventually are judged by their legacy to the country.