Gore hits back at Bush

Al Gore fights back with the fire fighters

Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore has reacted with incredulity to his rival George W Bush's nomination acceptance speech at the Republican Party conference.

Mr Bush attacked the Democrats for poor leadership and said that a time of plenty meant that the United States should tackle major problems.

On the right track? Bush rallies supporters in Pittsburgh

Mr Bush said the Democrats had failed leadership tests - on issues such as the military, education, social programmes and moral leadership: "They had their chance. They have not led. We will."

"Lost opportunity? Just coasting? Taking the path of least resistance?" Mr Gore said, mockingly quoting Mr Bush's words. "What planet have they been on?

Addressing the International Association of Fire Fighters in Chicago, Mr Gore said: "This is day one of the fight for working families and with your help we are going to win."

Compassion

Following the Republican convention in Philadelphia, Mr Bush has set out on a train tour of the key Midwest states of Ohio, Michigan and Illinois as he starts the final three months of the campaign in earnest.

Setting off after a prayer breakfast on Friday morning, he promised to "use these good times for great goals".

Bush gets a big send-off from Philadelphia

"As we depart the city of brotherly love, we depart with a good feeling in our heart," Mr Bush said, stressing the cross-party, feel-good message he had put over in his acceptance speech.

"Our jobs as Republicans, Democrats, nonaffiliates is to rally that compassion of America."

At his first stop, in Pittsburgh, he appealed to voters: "Give us a chance to change the country for the better."

Poll boost

In the wake of his acceptance address, Mr Bush's approval rate jumped from 24% to 34%, according to an NBC poll.

Overall, 47% said they would back Mr Bush for the presidency, with 36% saying they preferred Mr Gore.

Dick Cheney has been even tougher on defence than Bush

But polls usually reflect a boost for candidates after a convention, and Mr Gore can hope for a similar effect after the Democratic convention, which begins on 14 August.

"Campaigns ebb and flow, and I understand that," said Mr Bush.

"The main thing is to keep our eyes on the finish line."

Defence rebuttal

The Pentagon has denied Mr Bush's claims that miltiary morale and combat readiness have fallen under the Clinton presidency.

"Our military is low on parts, pay and morale," Mr Bush told the Republican convention.

But Defence Department spokesman Ken Bacon told Reuters news agency that spending on military pay, benefits, weapons and training were now increasing under President Clinton.

"All 10 of our Army divisions are fit to fight and ready to deploy as required by our war plan," Mr Bacon said, adding that problems with recruitment had now largely been solved.

Mr Bush's running mate, Dick Cheney, who was Defence Secretary during the Gulf War in 1991, has been even more critical of supposed military shortcomings.