The times are good. As a result, much of this campaign has been obsessed with micromanagement, not big issues. It is not whether government should pay for prescription drugs that matters to Democrat Al Gore or Republican George W. Bush. It is how the payment is to be conducted. And, Bush's constantly repeated tax-cut promise may excite his party's base.
Tax cuts are a defining Republican issue.
Which brings us to the candidates. Gore and Bush may be first-class individuals, but they make mediocre campaigners. One listens to them and snoozes, hungry for the soaring themes, long-range vision and uplifting optimism of a Ronald Reagan or a Bill Clinton. Each offers a menu of goodies they hope will build a winning coalition out of some voting groups while ignoring others. Gore offers tax breaks according to needs, like sending your kids to college or taking care of an elderly parent.