Dole Grasps At Weak Economic Numbers

By Candy Crowley/CNN Dole

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 30) -- New statistics show the nation's economy has slowed down dramatically. GOP nominee Bob Dole jumped all over that news today.

"This is a real economic slowdown," Dole told a crowd in Tennessee. "And I might say it is disastrous news for American workers and businesses. And even worse news for low- and middle-income Americans who have been squeezed and squeezed and squeezed by lower wages and higher taxes in this administration."

Moving through rural Tennessee Wednesday, Dole put in another push for his own tax cut plan and offered dire warnings about the consequences of another four years: "It's your money. Give people more of their money back and let them decide how to spend it. Let them decide how to spend it. So if this is a recovery, I can hardly wait for the recession."

It's a tough sell at a time when most Americans say they feel pretty good about the economy.

But increasingly, the Dole campaign has evolved into a chaotic underdog search for an issue that will kick in, and states where he still has a chance.

Dole stopped by the Lincoln Memorial on his way out of town for some inspiration. Lincoln "never lost his focus and did what he set out to do and that was to save the Union," Dole said. "Keep us together. That is what I, in a different sense, am trying to do. Keep America together. Honor the public trust in America. Honor the public trust in America."

With or without Lincoln's inspiration, Dole himself has taken over control of the schedule, sometimes arguing with strategists, and sending aides scrambling as he nixes planned stops or adds on others.

But while the effect is a campaign that is careening, Dole shows no sign of frenzy. He seems relaxed, upbeat, and ever-hopeful: "We're gonna win this election, Mr. Lincoln," he said.

Despite the open optimism, Dole is realistic about his chances as this final campaign week unfolds. This is a man who spent decades on Capitol Hill learning to count votes. He still knows how.

This story originally appeared on CNN's "Inside Politics."

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