ith his strong performance in the third presidential debate last week, it appears Al Gore got his groove back.
Despite the view from pundits and pollsters that Gore and George W. Bush did equally well, or that Gore barely won, even Bush partisans would have to privately acknowledge that Gore's performance was his best of the debates and Bush's, his poorest.
Gore compared his three debates to the tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears: The first porridge she tasted was too hot, the second too cold, and the third just right.
The vice president achieved two important goals Tuesday. He was able to move beyond his much-publicized tendency to embellish stories, something Bush was using to attack his integrity and character. And he was able to return to the offense, attacking Bush's programs and his record in Texas.
At least one undecided voter interviewed on CNN after the debate said what most political pundits were reluctant to say: Gore clearly did a much better job explaining the issues important to her, and that may have won her over.
Gore and his campaign, in fact, feel that he did so well that, according to some media reports, they are considering using the debate as 90-minute paid commercial in a key battleground state.
But reenergized though his campaign may be, Gore knows that his debate success does not guarantee him the election on Nov. 7. He must continue to push his own issues: Social Security, Medicare, education, and middle-class tax cuts. In other words, continue the populist themes that helped him to easily win the primaries and that pushed him ahead of Bush in the polls after the Democratic convention.
There are two other important things Gore must accomplish. First, he must continue pressing his attack on Bush's tax cut for the rich and his record in Texas - particularly that state's poor record on health care, the environment, and even education. Second, he has to energize his base of support, which includes President Clinton's constituency of women, the elderly, union workers, liberals, African-Americans, Jews, and other traditional Democrats.
In the end, Gore's election may hinge on how many people go to the polls on Election Day. Most pollsters believe that a low voter turnout, which has been the case in recent presidential elections, would hurt Gore's chances and help Bush's. In a race this close, turnout becomes especially important.
To help energize the party's base, Clinton himself will spend the final days of the campaign in key battleground states on Gore's behalf.
Although Clinton is still popular with voters, the Gore campaign is aware of the risks behind this strategy. No doubt Clinton's presence will remind voters of the great economic prosperity that the nation has enjoyed during his administration, but it may also remind voters of the Lewinsky scandal and Clinton's impeachment - a fact that the Bush campaign may try to capitalize on. Thus, the plan for Clinton and Gore to campaign separately. If any risk remains, the Gore team has apparently decided it is well worth taking.
It also may be time for Gore to enlist the help of another charismatic Democrat who can also move a key part of his core support: the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson.
Jackson has been much less visible on the Gore campaign trail than he was on Clinton's in elections past. That is worrisome to those Democrats who see a strong African-American vote as crucial to a Gore victory - especially in key states with large black populations, such as Michigan and New Jersey.
With both Clinton and Jackson on the stump, it is more likely that the traditional Democratic base - including African-Americans and union workers - will turn out in force. Some pundits believe Clinton's presence will help Gore win Florida's large elderly and Jewish vote.
Most voters have already made up their minds whom to vote for on Election Day. But about 10 percent remain undecided. Those are the voters who could win the election for Gore - presuming he can also count on a large turnout from his party's base.
So, after this last, best debate, Gore is energized and enthusiastic for the final days of the campaign. But he still needs key people who can rouse energy and enthusiasm among the electorate. And few campaigners can do that better than Clinton and Jackson.
Robert A. Jordan is a Globe columnist.
