Gore Readying Bush Attack

Ex-Vice President Al Gore is said to be readying a blistering attack on President Bush, set for public debut at the Democratic Party's annual Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner in Iowa on Sept. 28.

A Gore insider tells next week's U.S. News & World Report's "Washington Whispers" that "He is focusing on Bush's economic stewardship, foreign policy, and the environment. He has been both sharp and sharp-tongued."

Gore has already road-tested his Bush-whack in smaller venues in San Francisco, New York and D.C. and is said to be happy with audience reaction. 

Backers are describing the upcoming Iowa speech as Gore's "coming out party."

Gore's early attack could set a new precedent. After Bush's father lost the White House to Bill Clinton in 1992, the Bush family avoided criticism of the new administration for seven years.