The second candidate is a far-right Republican from Texas. He has been governor for only 6 years, and his father was a controversial former President. He is essentially the result of nepotism. He nominates an ailing crony from Wyoming as his running mate.
Don't view the past too much through the lens of today.
GWB did not have a record that would characterize him as "far right" in 1999-2000. HIs track record was in fact one of accomodation with the Democrats who controlled the Texas legislature. It surprised more than one observer that Washington took on a polarity that was inconsistent with Bush's governance from 1994-2000.
Bush 41 at one time had popularity that mached his son after 9/11. He failed to turn his attention to looming domestic issues and relied too much on his foreign policy successes. There was almost a deficit of controversy during his term compared to the presidents that preceded or followed him.
