That is the single most important question that the Democratic Party candidate for the U.S. presidency must answer in the months ahead. What is most troubling for Mr. Gore and his party is that, despite his 24 years of public service as a congressman, senator, vice president and two-time presidential candidate, the public does not seem to have a ready answer. Mr. Gore must provide one soon if he is going to have a chance in the November ballot.

The Democratic Party concluded its four-day Los Angeles love fest with the most important speech of Mr. Gore's political career. After securing the nomination in an uncontested roll-call vote, he took the stage to define himself, his image and his vision for the future. It called for a delicate balance.

Mr. Gore is pulled in two directions. He wants a share of the credit for his country's unprecedented economic expansion, yet he must look firmly to the future. He wants to tap the charisma of President Bill Clinton -- whose popularity among the party faithful is undiminished -- but he must distance himself from the president's character flaws. He must appeal to the Democratic Party's traditional base of support, while reaching out to the moderates and undecided voters who will determine the winner in November.