Bush, Nascar Dads and Wal-Mart Moms

Abstract

In 2000 the outcome of the presidential election rested upon perceptions of a fight on the grounds of morality, economic success during the Clinton years and a battle to shape the global position of America, in advance of the unforeseen terror issues which would later impact upon the nation. Gore’s prominent position as vice president granted him partial credit for the marked upturn in the American economy, balanced by the liability of occupying the same White House as a president largely discredited on personal terms. His campaign for the presidency appeared to be a logical and natural progression into an office he might have inherited even though Clinton had endured impeachment and survived a trial in the Senate. Bush by contrast emerged from a successful period as Governor of Texas, with a political track record that was generally admired, particularly in conservative circles. However his past was chequered, particularly in the realm of his personal finances, with questions being asked of his position during the savings and loans scandal, and how his assets had been managed during periods when he appeared to elude financial disaster through unconventional means. Neither candidate had a pristine past, but the election was not merely about their individual political or personal merits, it rested as much on the legacy and record of the Clinton years and how the new millennium would be perceived by the American people.KeywordsPolitical IdentityVoter ChoiceAmerican PeopleRepublican PartyPersonal WealthThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.