A Pre-Primary Report

MOST REALISTIC ECONOMIC AGENDA

DOLE. His Senate leadership, his record as a fiscal realist and his willingness to consider a spending freeze put him on top.

BABBITT. First and frankest on deficit reduction; advocates "workplace democracy," encouraging employee ownership.

BEST GRASP OF FOREIGN POLICY

HAIG. Despite his syntax-slaughtering demeanor, he knows his stuff. At one debate, all turned to him to clear up confusion about an INF detail.

GORE. Edging rightward in pursuit of Sam Nunn fans, he showed a solid grasp of arms control and diplomacy. Hart is his equal, but few are listening.

BOLDEST STAND

ROBERTSON. While campaigning in the Carolinas, he called for an end to subsidies for tobacco farmers.

HART. Joined only by Jackson, he has condemned Israel's two-by-four policy in dealing with the latest Palestinian uprisings.

BEST USE OF LIVE TV

BUSH. Other candidates should demand equal time with Dan Rather.

BABBITT. O.K., his stand-up was hokey. But it worked.

MOST DUBIOUS PROPOSAL

ROBERTSON. His advocacy of a higher birthrate to produce more taxpayers and thus solve the Social Security crunch.

DUKAKIS. His insistence on sharply reducing the deficit by going after uncollected taxes.

SNEAKIEST PLOY

DOLE. For persuading Reagan to invite him to the White House to announce his INF support and to the Senate to make him lead-off witness for the treaty.

HART. For re-entering. Runner-up: the Dukakis campaign for releasing the attack video on Biden, then fueling the rumor that Gephardt's people did it.

BEST DRESSER

KEMP. He gave up the collar pin, but still sports a Gucci belt and tasseled loafers. Haig is runner-up with his sharply tailored suits.

JACKSON. High fashion, garnished with a pocket square. Hart gets the booby prize for his rumpled-tweed look.

MOST HUMOROUS

DOLE. Calls the vice presidency "indoor work with no heavy lifting." Runner- up: Haig. "I'm throwing my helmet into the ring."

BABBITT. "If Gary Hart had seen Fatal Attraction two years ago, he'd probably be President."