EDITORIAL AND IN THIS CORNER . . .

WHAT a contest: Fightin' Al vs. Compassionate George. May the best oxymoron win.

With the conventions over, Americans have a lot of contradictions to wade through during the 11-week battle for the presidency of the United States.

Republicans feared that Bush lacked the gravitas. Democrats worried that Gore didn't have the charm. Maybe they were both wrong, or maybe the candidates' weaknesses have canceled each other out.

Either way, this match-up between two perceived welterweights fighting for the heavyweight crown promises to be close and fierce.

Will Al Gore really convince us that he's tough enough to tackle those ``powerful interests and groups'' and restore ``the people'' to the rightful place in this great democracy?

Will he bring into line the unions, trial lawyers and special interests that corrupt the politics of his own party?

The vice president has announced to the world that he is his ``own man.'' The question now is: Is he man enough?

For George W. Bush, the public has to wonder whether the Republican with a heart has enough guts to turn compassionate conservatism into a real political agenda.

Will he soften the harshness of Republican politics to create a fairer and more equitable society?

Will he fight to level the playing field so that neither race, nor class nor any other ``identity'' matters?

Which candidate will deal with national concerns about the poor, the young, the elderly and the struggling middle class?

We'll find out between now and Nov. 7, when Americans go to the polls to elect a new president.

Until then, let's get ready to rumble.