Things are going so fast in this year's political arena that many people can't guess at the next presidential election's outcome. This year's election is crucial for the direction of the United States and following generations.

The two main contenders are Al Gore and George W. Bush. Both are widely recognized. Both have the solid support of their party. Both have money to throw around.

Dirty politics and smear campaigning will be just around the corner.

What do these men have to offer our country?

Bush is re-offering the concept of morals in the Oval Office. Morals are something that have been lacking ever since his father left office. I agree that morals are necessary, but don't be caught fighting a dirty political campaign and tell me you are fighting for morality.

Bush is bringing leadership experience from his eight years as governor of Texas. George Jr. is saying, "I'll lower taxes."

I like that. We don't need a big gobbling government. I would rather have freedom. I don't think George Jr. shares my idea of government, though. That is -- small government.

What I do not like about Bush is that I do not know him. Only Texans seem to have heard about his past decisions. I don't know what he stands for, other than championing Republican causes. I do not have enough information to know if he will be a strong leader or not.

Now for the Liberal Leftfoot, Al Gore. What does he have going for him? Much.

The liberal press champions his cause. He has popular environmentalist views. Probably most important, he has Bill Clinton.

My reaction is to snicker. Bill Clinton as an asset is one I could forgoe. That is not taking Mr. Clinton seriously. Bill Clinton is arguably one of the most popular presidents this last half of the century. Bill claims that the state of the nation is his handiwork. With unemployment low, a stock market that has risen from 3,500 to 11,000 points, and peace and rescue actions happening instead of war, Bill is sitting in a comfortable chair.

Al Gore would like to sit in that chair. But there is one problem. The closer the ties to Bill Clinton, the closer Gore is to any scandals that might arise in the next eight months. People may decide they are through with the immoral Clinton years and the only option they have is to choose a name they know, and a man they don't know.

Stay informed, weigh the agendas of these leaders, and vote according to the peace God gives you.