The Republican answer to Bill Clinton, Mr Bush appeals to a broad political spectrum. He has stayed deliberately vague on the issues, but preaches "compassionate conservatism", with government caring for society's most vulnerable citizens in an economy in transition.
Smoother than his notoriously tongue-tied dad, but has made some gaffes. He confused Slovakia and Slovenia. Expressed concern for the Grecians and the East Timorians. But the US public forgives those it embraces, like Ronald Reagan.
