Gore has the economy on his side and the statistics he will be able to produce will be an impressive argument. I am expecting a very close election,

It will help to define him as just another Republican, and that's not good for him in this state.

If a year from now the public mood is similar to what it is now, Republicans will be in trouble, ... a bit premature, but not crazy.

Today's numbers show that consumers are not very optimistic about the economy. As a result, we will see consumer spending reduced until we see some relief on energy prices. If we don't get some relief, it looks like it will be a very weak holiday season.

It suggests the drag on the economy from the trade deficit in the third quarter will not be as great and could help revise up third-quarter GDP a bit,

The implication is that the economy is strengthening, but that inflation is not substantial, and the Fed will be able to handle it if it should become so.