SPECIAL NOTE: We are currently in the process of performing an upgrade on the Sound Off bulletin board. As a result, there will be no new Sound Offs until Tuesday, October 31. You may still post your opinion on this topic, but all your posts will be directed to the Election 2000 bulletin board. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Consider Vice President Gore’s dilemma: for 8 years he has served as the number 2 man in a Clinton administration characterized by both success and scandal, national prosperity and personal embarrassment. And now, when running for President, he has to decide what to do with these last 8 years of his political career.

Should he pledge allegiance to the President with whom he has worked so closely and trumpet their achievements? Or, should he distance himself from that same President whose personal scandals dominated his second term and served to polarize a nation?

The way Gore answers these questions over the next few weeks could go a long way in determining whether he or Governor George W. Bush of Texas succeeds Clinton as our next President. So what do YOU think Gore should do? How big of a role, if any, do think President Clinton’s legacy is playing in this election? Here are some additional issues to consider:

• The Gore campaign has not announced any joint appearances for Gore and Clinton between now and Election Day. Why do you think they’ve made this decision? Do you think it’s a smart decision? Do you think Clinton will eventually appear with Gore before the election? 

• Despite Gore’s resistance to enlist Clinton’s help directly, the President has been doing his own stumping on Gore’s behalf. On Saturday, the President appeared at a Democratic rally in Indianapolis, Indiana and told the crowd that the choice of Gore over Bush was a decision on whether “you continue the prosperity.” He further endorsed Gore yesterday at a rally in support of his wife's campaign for Senate in New York. What do you think of Clinton’s comments? Do you think his campaigning will help or hurt Gore? 

• Bush running mate, Dick Cheney, recently appeared on CNN to comment on Clinton’s role in the campaign, saying, “the fact now that they're apparently talking about bringing (Clinton) out is an indication that they think they're in big trouble.'' Do you agree with Cheney’s comments? 

• Governor Bush is not without his own links to a previous presidential administration. How much does George Bush Senior’s legacy factor into this campaign? Is it as strong an influence as the Clinton legacy?  

• Finally, if you were running Gore’s campaign, how much would you play up, or downplay, the link to the Clinton administration? And conversely, if you were running Bush’s campaign, how much would you tie Gore to the Clinton administration?