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To assess what he would do as President, one wonders whether to read his lips or his footprints. Would he use government, as he did in Tennessee, to improve the nation's infrastructure and education and to attract better jobs? He says not. He says he would shrink the Federal Government and empower Governors--and ministers and parents--to do what he and the people of his state did.
While Alexander struggled last week to duck the "liberal" label, another danger lurked: that his smooth, smiling, political persona would remind voters too much of that other former Southern Governor now sitting in the White House. The trademark red-and-black plaid shirt, which seemed fresh 18 years ago, now seems to some voters to be as contrived as some of Alexander's new political positions. No wonder he's the candidate Bill Clinton fears the most.
--With reporting by Adam Cohen/Nashville with Alexander and Michael Duffy/Manchester