1]economy--yeah it's improving but they will still try to beat up the republicans for the lost jobs, lost wages, stock market losses, etc. No matter that it was a result of the business cycle, poor decisions by the fed and a lack of oversight by the Klintons. The libs believe what they want to believe.
2]deficit--more of the same.
3]9/11--It appears that white house staffers and perhaps the prez were given warnings of potential attack using airplanes. Further, Bin Laden gave interviews prior to the attack specifically noting plans for a major attack against the US. The Dems are going to go after this one if doing so seems to turn the polls. Ifnot, they will clam up fast.
4]Bin Laden remains at large
5]Iraq--need I explain?
6]The AW ban. The soccer mommies are already decided on this one. Fortunately they like the way GWB looked in his flightsuit and he is willing to torch the edges of the Consitution to give them some illusion of security. Like all women, just tell 'em what they want to hear.
7]Mad Cow. The AG dept was warned. There has been lax oversight.
8]Mercury in emissions
The media will, as always, have a major impact. They didn't particularly care for Gore so they were lukewarm and the press was not terribly one-sided. Flip a coin on this one.