IT'S SMOOTH SAILING ON `LEEZA' FOR CANDIDATE DOLE'S BETTER HALF.

Byline: Keith Marder Daily News Staff Writer

A day after first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton addressed the Democratic National Convention, potential first lady Elizabeth Dole addressed an equally partisan crowd inside a studio on the Paramount Studios lot.

Dole was the sole guest on ``Leeza'' for an hourlong interview that was taped Wednesday and will air Sept. 10. The name of the game seemed to be making her look good and helping Republican nominee Bob Dole secure some female votes. No hard questions, and she was given ample opportunity to plug the careers of herself and her husband, whom she billed as one loving but tough tax-cutter who has helped the careers of many women.

Dole, who wore a peach-colored suit and traveled with Secret Service agents, was charming, gracious and didn't say Bob Dole nearly as much as Bob Dole says Bob Dole. Only three times. Her husband, who, like Bo Jackson, is fond of referring to himself in the third person, could have reached double figures in an hour.

Leeza touched on Elizabeth Dole's modeling career and her decision to shun being a housewife to go to Harvard Law School, and the show took a ``surprise'' call - go figure - from Elizabeth Dole's mother, who tells us that she still sees the same ``compassion'' that her little Liddy had.

The mainly female audience was stacked with Dole supporters. One woman wore a sequined flag vest, which she had picked up in San Diego during the Republican National Convention. Others wore campaign buttons. And, for those who were not in Dole's camp, the audience was warned that no matter what their political affiliation was, they should enjoy an hour with an amazing woman.

Gibbons' questions made Larry King look like Morley Safer. For instance, Gibbons said that she didn't want to be ingratiating. ``I don't want to go there, but you truly do look amazing. If this is what 60 looks like, I can't wait to get there.''

Dole was more intent on winning votes for her hubby, whom she didn't marry until she turned 39. ``I waited for the man I love. We were not blessed with children, but we've been able to help so many children with the work we do. ... I'm convinced Bob Dole is going to win the election,'' she said.