I recall reading many of the Democratic post mortems ("blame games") in early 2001 on the Gore loss. He appears to have a very big mistake in the campaign - in his eagerness to distance himself from Bill Clinton, he also distanced himself from the American public's perception of Clinton's successful management of the economy for 8 years. This was especially damaging among male, centrist voters who otherwise couldn't find a reason to prefer Gore to Bush.

The great news for Bush right now (admittedly, it's very early) is that most of the serious concerns Americans had about his Presidental capabilities have totally vanished, and his high standing appears to be lasting and permanent, and not a temporary bounce due to the war.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washdc/2002/05/02/bush-poll.htm

Bush's rating not just wartime bounce

By Richard Benedetto, USA TODAY

There is more to President Bush's relatively high approval ratings than just the patriotic, rally-round-the-flag effect of his leadership in the war on terrorism, a new USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll suggests.

Built on the faith Americans showed in him following his response to terror attacks on Sept. 11, the poll shows that almost eight months later Bush has developed an image among most Americans as a strong, competent, leader who shares their values and has elevated respect for presidency.

Once seen by many as not quite up to the job, analysts say he has effectively used the groundswell of support that buoyed him after the attacks to earn high marks for his overall conduct in office and forge strong personal bonds with a broad majority of Americans.