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Bush, George W.

Republican Worries Grow as Bush's Candidacy Appears to Flag

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Concerns are mounting among top Republicans about the pace of Governor George W. Bush's presidential campaign, as the party's nominee struggles to regain momentum following Vice President Al Gore's strong showing at the Democratic convention. Prominent GOP officials, including several advisors to Governor Bush, have expressed worries that the vice president's surge has caught them off guard and has left the Republican ticket vulnerable.

Key Takeaways:

  • Worries about Governor Bush's candidacy are growing among top Republicans, with several advisors to the governor expressing concern that Vice President Gore's surge has caught them off guard.
  • Republicans are concerned about Governor Bush's handling of himself, citing instances of him seeming defensive, bumbling, weary, detached, or peevish during key moments in the campaign.
  • Several Republicans said that Governor Bush's refusal to participate in the proposed debate schedule has made him look timid and diverted attention from issues that he should be discussing.
  • Republicans are also concerned about the impact of Vice President Cheney's selection as Governor Bush's running mate, citing negative news coverage and questions about his financial dealings.
  • Some Republicans have expressed reservations about the party's tongue-in-cheek TV commercial challenging Vice President Gore's truthfulness and political consistency.
  • Several GOP officials said that Governor Bush needs to be more aggressive in explaining his proposal for a $1.3 trillion tax cut over 10 years.
  • Some Republicans have also criticized Governor Bush's decision to question the format of the televised debates, citing concerns that it may alienate voters.

Statistics:

  • According to a Republican official, Mr. Bush's aides had forecast that recent polls would show the race in a dead heat, but now believe Vice President Gore may have a 3-to-5-point advantage.
  • A Washington-based advisor to the Bush campaign said that, if forced to wager on the outcome of the election, he would bet in favor of Vice President Gore.
  • Voter surveys showing Vice President Gore having pulled even or ahead of Governor Bush nationally and in some key states, including Florida, Pennsylvania, and Missouri, have caused concern among Republicans.
  • According to a poll cited by Representative John R. Kasich of Ohio, Vice President Gore has a 12-point lead in the state of Ohio, a crucial battleground in the election.

Sources:

  • William J. Bennett, former secretary of education
  • Representative John R. Kasich of Ohio, chairman of the House Budget Committee
  • Representative Fred Upton, a Michigan Republican
  • Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania
  • Senator Peter Fitzgerald of Illinois
  • Representative Joe Scarborough of Florida
  • Ari Fleischer, Bush campaign spokesman
  • Washington Post article (date not specified)
  • Republican National Committee officials
  • Bipartisan Commission on Presidential Debates
  • Halliburton energy services company
  • University of Texas government professor Bruce Buchanan

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