US Presidential Elections: Perot may be near his peak

A FORCEFUL George Bush hammered at Bill Clinton's character and leadership qualities yesterday, in a new attempt to capitalise on the inroads that the independent candidate, Ross Perot, seems to be making into the large lead previously held by the Democratic challenger for the US presidency.

In a big speech in Denver, Mr Bush emphasised his military achievements in the Gulf, and his part in America's victory in the Cold War, ending with three questions: 'Who's got the right vision; which candidate has the character; and who do you really trust?'

The signs, however, are growing that the Texas billionaire's impact may be reaching its peak. After a spate of polls suggesting Mr Clinton's lead may have slipped as low as 5 points, new surveys showed the gap back up to about 10 points, with Mr Bush unable to rise above 30-35 per cent.

A CNN/USA Today survey, conducted over the weekend, gave Mr Clinton an 11-point lead over Mr Bush with 42 per cent support, with 19 per cent for Mr Perot. The previous day's poll showed Mr Clinton at 39 per cent, Mr Bush at 32 per cent and Mr Perot at 20 per cent. Yesterday's poll was the first to show a decline for Mr Perot after a week of steady gains.

Despite the erosion of the Arkansas Governor's support last week, he still holds a commanding electoral college lead, according to figures compiled by the Independent. On the basis of states either solidly in his camp or leaning in his direction, Mr Clinton can count on 280 electoral college votes - 10 more than required to win.

'Inspector Perot', page 9