The 2000 U.S. presidential election campaign closely resembles a roller-coaster ride. The candidates are gyrating up and down in the polls, both in momentum and in spirit.

Two weeks ago, Vice President Al Gore's staffers were deciding on decorations for their new offices in the West Wing of the White House. Their man was on a roll and he looked unbeatable. Now, thanks to a couple of Gore gaffes and the indomitable spirit of Texas Gov. George W. Bush, the campaign is looking dead even in the national polls. Clearly, either candidate can win.

Experts all thought that the debates would prove to be defining events in the campaign. But here we are, with one presidential and one vice-presidential debate completed, and still the uncertainty remains. It is the closest presidential race in America since 1976.