Al Gore: “From Red Tape to Results: Creating a Government That Works Better and Costs Less”

Al Gore’s political career as a senator and vice president occurred during an important shift in the American electorate’s attitudes and voting habits. Following the “Reagan revolution” of the 1980s most voters, including those who identified themselves as Democrats, became more conservative, favoring a smaller federal government. Groomed for politics from an early age, Gore molded himself as a different kind of Democrat, one whose agenda would resonate with centrist voters. As vice president, Gore undertook an evaluation of the federal government, known as the National Performance Review. His preface to the final report, “From Red Tape to Results: Creating a Government That Works Better and Costs Less,” signals to the public that government is moving in the direction of the private sector in seeking greater efficiency in its use of resources.