WASHINGTON -- There are three defining events for a candidate in the U.S. presidential campaign, events that reveal the candidate in a unique and important way. They are the selection of the vice-presidential candidate, the candidate's appearance at the convention, and the debates.

The selection of a running mate tells a lot about the candidate and his perceptions of himself, of the job he seeks and of his personal strategy for the campaign. The candidate's speech at the conclusion of his nominating convention is his best opportunity to explain himself and his program to U.S. voters. It is the first time that many of them will pay any attention to the candidate and begin to make judgments about him. The debates provide a crucible in which to test both candidates' mettle.

Two of those three events happen at convention time. Texas Gov. George W. Bush named former Defense Secretary Richard Cheney as his vice-presidential selection two weeks ago, and he made his coming-out speech at the Republican National Convention last week in Philadelphia. Vice President Al Gore, vacationing in North Carolina, announced that he would make his vice-presidential choice public Aug. 8. His convention appearance will take place Aug. 17. The debates will be in October.