An enormous American flag hovered over Mr. Bush.

NBC was not alone in choosing entertainment over Mr. Bush.

And yet, Iowa chose Michael Dukakis over Mr. Bush in 1988.

First, he still has a modest advantage over Mr. Bush when Republicans are asked which candidate has "strong qualities of leadership."

After months of briefings and informal discussions, the advisers' influence over Mr. Bush has become more evident with every speech, news conference and debate.

Many Democrats really are not wild about him, yet they know they have to vote for him over Mr. Bush.

Still, much of the immediate concern in Republican circles is over Mr. Bush himself and his stall in the polls.

Deep disappointment washed over Mr. Bush, for example, one April afternoon when he was a junior at Yale.

The fallout from the uranium charge hung over Mr. Bush and his entourage during their recent African tour.

When the run was officially over Mr. Bush got back in his limousine and turned on the loudspeaker.