Although you wouldn't know it from the press given to Bradley's surge in the Northeast, the vice president is still a strong candidate elsewhere. He leads Bradley in super-delegates-- "uncommitted" members of the party elite who traditionally give their support to the favored candidate.
And Gore has recently taken a number of steps to improve his image. He's fired pollsters, reshaped his campaign staff moved his operation to Nashville and has taken to challenging Bradley directly on the issues.
When it comes to what Democratic voters are looking for--attention to issues such as public education quality and access to health care--pundits can't fault Gore for not talking about what matters most to the party's core.
When two candidates are so similar, voters can turn to their respective styles. Gore's eager-beaver, combative-yet-folksy manner contrasted with Bradley's didactic sternness Wednesday night.
But that's just the opinion of the media.