Bush attacks Gore's trustworthiness

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Presidential candidate George W. Bush on Saturday called his Democratic rival a good family man but questioned his right to be trusted with the presidency.

In an interview with CNN's "Evans, Novak, Hunt & Shields," the Texas governor said he would not attack his White House opponent's character, but he raised anew questions about Vice President Al Gore's 1996 fund-raising activities.

Bush criticizes Gore for not joining in debate on the Tim Russert show

"This election is going to be won based upon ideas and philosophy," Bush said via satellite from his ranch in Crawford, Texas. "But it's also going to be won based upon who the people of this country will trust to hold the highest office of the land. And the vice president is a good family man, no question about that, but he has been a part of an administration that's violated financing laws."

"He did go to the Buddhist temple," Bush said. "He made phone calls from the White House and then uttered the famous phrase, 'No controlling legal authority.'"

Bush was referring to the explanation Gore gave at the time in defense of his fund raising. Republicans have maintained that Gore broke the law at the time, but Attorney General Janet Reno has refused to appoint an independent prosecutor to investigate the matter.

'I'm running against a formidable opponent'

Bush discounted recent polls showing Gore with a lead, saying other polls have shown him ahead.

AUDIO George W. Bush points out the differences between himself and Al Gore 174K/16 sec. AIFF or WAV sound Listen to George W. Bush explain why trust plays an important role in the election 286K/26 sec. AIFF or WAV sound

"It's a close race," Bush said. "I never thought it would be anything but a close race. I'm running against a formidable opponent."

The Republican nominee also sought to downplay the recent disagreement over debates. Bush had sought to engage Gore in more informal debates, but the vice president had insisted on debates hosted and organized by the bipartisan Commission on Presidential Debates.

The Bush camp has since agreed to three presidential debates organized by the commission.

"Look, I want to debate the man," Bush said. "Now I understand that he's a great debater, but I've got something to say."

Bush said conservatives should not worry about the race, despite some private grumbling from Republicans that Gore's momentum is building.

"My supporters have got to know something," Bush said. "They're working hard and I'm working hard right along with them."

As he has in the past, Bush touted his friendship with retired Gen. Colin Powell and hinted again that the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff would join the Republican administration -- if Bush wins.

"We're not going to be passing out jobs in the middle of a presidential campaign, but Colin Powell is one of the best of the best," Bush said.