"Post-Labor Day polls suggested that Gore surged ahead of Bush by at least a few points. Republicans became much less optimistic about Bush than they were in July, while Democrats, who started to wonder about Gore's electability, turned increasingly hopeful. But the race turned again before the end of September, when Bush went on two popular daytime television shows and Gore was hit by the media and his GOP opponents for exaggerating and embellishing stories and anecdotes. Suddenly, Gore was again on the defensive over the issue of character. The polls turned toward Bush, who received a surprising boost from the first presidential debate and then for Dick Cheney's performance in the lone debate between the vice presidential candidates. Bush did even better in the second presidential debate, and while most political insiders thought Gore did better in the third debate, television viewers split between Bush and Gore when asked to pick the winner. So, as Election Day nears, the roller-coaster presidential race looked much as it once did -- headed for a close contest and an uncertain outcome. While it's unclear whether the Democrats can hang onto the White House, it's likely that the Republicans will lose seats in both the House and Senate. Normally, a strong economy means a content electorate that returns congressional incumbents to office and maintains the political status quo. But this year is different. While few House incumbents are likely to lose, the narrowness of the GOP's House majority means the Democrats could pick up just a handful of seats and still win control of that body.The Reform and Green Parties still remain a question mark. While the Reform Party was split early on between its Pat Buchanan and John Hagelin wings, Buchanan was finally awarded the $12.6 million in federal funds that the party was due. But Buchanan, who was thought to be a headache for Bush, has proved to be a non-factor. Hagelin is the Natural Law Party's...
