The public also saw a clear winner in the debate between the vice-presidential candidates last Thursday. Perhaps as a result of their debate, which has been portrayed as one of the best VP debates in recent times, both running mates have made gains in personal popularity. Lieberman's image has also improved, although not by the same margin - 39 percent of voters view Lieberman favorably, up seven points from before the debate. Despite that, the poll suggests that many voters are dubious about getting a tax cut, let alone getting one they consider fair. Just 25 percent say Gore is likely to reduce taxes, while 63 percent say he is not.
Voters see little difference between the two on the issue of tax fairness.
By 46 percent to 41 percent voters say Bush, if elected, would be likely to make sure the tax system is fair. Gore performs only slightly better - 49 percent say he is likely to make sure the tax system is fair, but 39 percent still disagree. Despite this, there is a distinct perception that the Bush and Gore tax cut plans would benefit very different people. In contrast, voters feel the middle class has the most to gain from Gore's plan. While taxes was the focus of much of the first presidential debate, it ranks only fourth in voter's minds when asked what issue they would most like the government to address.