Bush and Gore Secure Party Nominations in Comprehensive Electoral Shows

Vice President Al Gore and Governor George W. Bush emerged victorious in their respective party primaries, securing nominations for the Democratic and Republican presidential tickets. The national primary, which saw 16 states hold contests, was a decisive turning point in the election cycle. Bush and Gore demonstrated their party's unity, while their opponents, Senator John McCain and former Senator Bill Bradley, struggled to gain traction.

Key Takeaways:

• Gore won 16 states, including California and New York, which account for over 40% of the delegates chosen, while Bush secured victories in 13 Republican contests, including California and New York.
• Gore's victories were impressive, as he was supported by a majority of every demographic group in the 16 states with Democratic contests, and women backed him by ratios of 2 to 1 or better in several states.
• Bush's margin of victory was more pronounced in the Southern state of Georgia, where he won by comfortable margins, while McCain captured four small New England states.
• The size of Gore's triumph allows him to move more quickly to patch up relations with Bradley's backers, a move that could strengthen his party's nomination bid.
• Bush's victory was not as pronounced, but he won the backing of men and women, the young and old, and voters who are well-educated and those who are not in Ohio and Missouri, two pivotal battlegrounds in the fall.
• Voters in exit polls said they were more concerned about candidates' morals than about issues, with Bush seen as having high moral values and McCain as someone who stands up for his beliefs and tells people the truth.

Statistics:

• 40% of the delegates chosen yesterday came from California and New York.
• Gore won 16 states, including California and New York, with a total of 142 delegates.
• Bush won 13 Republican contests, including California, New York, Ohio, and Missouri, with a total of 902 delegates.
• McCain captured four small New England states: Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Vermont, with a total of 24 delegates.
• Bradley won no states and was defeated by Gore in every contest.
• In Ohio, 7 in 10 voters described themselves as Republicans, and 7 in 10 of them voted for Bush.
• In Massachusetts, nearly 6 in 10 voters described themselves as independents, and 7 in 10 of them backed McCain.
• The Democratic race was far less climactic because while Bradley emerged as a threat last fall, that spurt of popularity never translated to the voting booth.

Sources:

• Transcript of Bush's speech, Page A23.
• Excerpts from Gore's speech, Page A24.
• Polls of voters conducted by a consortium of television networks and The Associated Press.
• Interview with Pat Robertson, Fox News Channel.