If they can manage to forget about Elian Gonzalez for a few days, Vice President Al Gore '69 and Texas Gov. George W. Bush should continue to develop their general election advertising strategies, decide the issues that will define their candidacies and consider their options for the vice presidency.

In the past several elections, the vice-presidential candidates have had little or no impact. Jack Kemp utterly failed to create excitement for the 1996 Dole ticket, and Gore has a tough time being exciting about almost anything. In all fairness, Gore did a solid job in the 1992 vice presidential debates, but his presence on the ticket wasn't instrumental in President Clinton's election success.

This year, however, has the potential to change the trend. On the Republican side, Bush came out of his primary battle with Arizona Sen. John S. McCain appearing extremely frail in several areas, most notably foreign policy. Whereas McCain had a clear and coherent grasp of geopolitics, Bush was badly bruised by failing his hot spot pop quiz. In the primary race, Bush claimed to have extensive international relations experience with Mexico. This may, however, ring hollow in a general election against a two-term vice president who has spent the last eight years personally dealing with the very leaders that Bush cannot name.

It would therefore behoove Bush to ask General Colin Powell (Ret.) to join his White House ticket. With extensive experience in foreign and military affairs as a general and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Powell would add credibility to a Republican ticket that may otherwise lack substance. In addition, some of his more liberal social positions would allow the Republicans to appeal to a wider base than the GOP traditionally attracts. Moreover, Powell is already well known around the country. Bush's father chose an obscure and illiterate Indiana Senator as his running mate. George W., however, cannot afford to make a similar mistake.

Unfortunately, Powell has denied any interest in the number two slot. Even so, candidates have a history of changing their mind when confronted with a genuine ticket offer. Bush ought to spare no effort to try to convince Powell to join him. If Powell can be persuaded to enter the campaign, he would transform an otherwise unremarkable ticket into a formidable adversary for Gore.

On the other side of the aisle, Gore emerged victorious from an easier primary contest, but his campaign finance indiscretions over the last eight years--not to mention his connection to President Clinton--leave him vulnerable to attacks on his character. Gore's attempt to make campaign finance reform the centerpiece of his campaign is more laughable than his claim to have invented the Internet. Gore's choice for Vice President should instill a dose of idealism into a race sorely lacking it.

One prominent person who would invigorate the ticket is former Maine Sen. George J. Mitchell. Mitchell has extensive legislative and government experience: He was the Senate majority leader for five years. In the Senate, he worked tirelessly on the Clean Air Act, the Iran-Contra affair and health care legislation. Most importantly, Mitchell was a prominent mediator and architect of the Good Friday agreement in Northern Ireland. His efforts in this area have shown him to be a selfless public servant dedicated to peaceful resolution of the most prickly international issues. "[Mitchell] makes it a special ticket," said Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, who has attempted to enlist other mayors in the push to promote Mitchell.

Like Powell, Mitchell has demurred when asked if he would accept a vice presidential nomination. "There are many others who would be far more attractive," he said when asked about the possibility. However, these comments may be nothing more than humble denials of an offer that has not yet been put on the table. If he could be convinced to run, he would be an invaluable asset to the Democratic campaign.