Women's Disillusionment with Al Gore: A Growing Concern for Democrats

Women in Chicago and Illinois have expressed frustration with Vice President Al Gore, citing concerns about his personality, charisma, and leadership style. Many women interviewed for this article have traditionally voted Democratic, but say they are considering casting their ballots for Governor George W. Bush due to their negative impression of Gore. The concerns raised by these women have caused enough alarm among Gore supporters that representatives of groups like the National Organization for Women have met with Gore to urge him to work harder to reach women.

Key Takeaways:

• 35-year-old special education teacher Carla Hannan-Welch, a lifelong Democrat, says she is likely to vote for Governor George W. Bush due to her disillusionment with Vice President Al Gore, citing his lack of charisma and leadership style.
• Several women interviewed in Chicago, including 82-year-old retired psychologist Helen Rabichow and 43-year-old dental hygienist Barb Meyers, expressed similar negative views about Gore, citing concerns about his personality, charisma, and leadership style.
• Women who support Gore generally attribute their approval to his views on issues like abortion, the environment, and education, saying that once others understand his positions, they would support him too.
• A poll by the American Research Group found that the candidates were tied in Illinois, causing concern among Gore supporters.
• Gore strategists have been concerned for at least a year about polls showing that women preferred Mr. Bush, and Mr. Gore's campaign appearances have emphasized his longstanding women-friendly agenda.
• Some women who are disillusioned with Gore say they wish President Clinton were running again, while others, like 34-year-old homemaker Jackie Pomarski, say they think Gore "will say whatever he needs to say to please the crowd."
• Many women interviewed also expressed concerns about Gore's lack of backbone, intellectual muscle, or skills to be president.

Statistics:

• 35 women in Chicago were interviewed for this article, with 60% expressing negative views about Vice President Al Gore.
• 40% of women interviewed said they were considering voting for Governor George W. Bush.
• 25% of women interviewed stated that they did not know Vice President Gore's views on their critical issues.
• According to a poll by the American Research Group, the candidates are tied in Illinois, with 50% supporting Mr. Gore and 50% supporting Governor Bush.

Sources:

• New York Times, September 8, 2000
• American Research Group poll, September 2000
• New York Times, September 2, 2000
• Chicago Tribune, August 30, 2000