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Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

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The Race To Be President Heats Up

Now it's getting serious. Actual voters got involved in the state-by-state presidential popularity contest last week. The candidates turned a little nastier when criticizing one another.

"I don't need a lecture from you," Republican John McCain informed rival Alan Keyes. Democrat Bill Bradley said he'd "had it" with his opponent, Al Gore.

The top winners of the Iowa caucuses on January 24 were no surprise. Democratic front runner Gore won with 63% of the votes, and Republican leader George W. Bush won with 41%. Republican Steve Forbes finished a strong second with 30%. But Iowans didn't warm up to Republican Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah. He drew just 1% of the vote and quit the race.

After Iowa, the candidates dashed to New Hampshire to fight for votes in the February 1 primary election. About 1.2 million people live in the state, and the candidates seemed determined to shake all 2.4 million of their hands! They went to day-care centers, workplaces and parties. They also held debates in the city of Manchester to try to win voters with their positions on the issues.

"He showed a little more vitality last night," said voter Sherry Taylor, 76, after watching Bill Bradley in the debate. "I felt better about him, and I was all set to go for Gore." Such a change in voter loyalty is exactly what the candidates will be fighting for until the race ends in November.

Next: Whiteout!