Ad Watch: A Look at the Candidates’ Commercials

George W. Bush

Title: “Once in a Generation”

Announcer: Gov. George W. Bush. He’s a once-in-a- generation leader with a bold agenda, a successful governor with a fresh leadership style. So every child reads, he’ll fight for education reforms hailed as the most sweeping in a decade. While Washington deadlocked, he delivered a patients’ bill of rights that’s a model for America. He’s the candidate with a tax cut called “Reaganesque” and “worthy of a new president.” Seeking the best solutions; doing what’s right. Bush: “I fight for what I believe in and I get results.”

Analysis: In sweeping terms, Bush touts his record

as Texas governor and promises similar federal programs. He would give federal funds to students at failing public schools for private tuition. In 1997, Bush signed a bill requiring HMO report cards and guaranteeing specialty care. He let stand without signing it a bill giving patients the right to sue an HMO. Now he takes more credit for that bill. He has proposed a 10-year $1-trillion tax cut. In a state with a weak governor system, some say Bush takes too much credit. For instance, an anti-tax group says he and the Legislature cut taxes after he proposed increases. Bush says he is Reagan-esque, rebutting Arizona Sen. John McCain’s claim that he is the “Reagan Republican.” He poses with a Latina girl, aiming at diverse voters.