It must be as perplexing to his many admirers as it is frustrating to himself that a man of Vice President Gore's many talents, great skills and strong beliefs is one of the most consistent losers in American politics.

"All political careers end in failure," said Enoch Powell; Gore has not won an election on his own since his 1990 re-election to the Senate from Tennessee.  His 1988 presidential bid ended well short of the nomination.  Many observers felt Gore was headed for defeat in a third Senate campaign as the south continued to swing...