Bob Dole has traveled a long road to get to these final days before the election.
In the remaining five days, the Republican presidential nominee still has a lot of ground to cover.
If elected, he said he will bring change to the nation.
"This is a battle for the future," Dole said. "It's about agendas; it's about ideas."
Dole offers a message of economic resurgence.
"The economy is not good enough. It's not on the right track," Dole said. "I want to be CEO of America."
He said he can achieve his economic goals by working closely with state governments and giving them more power. "I want to reach out and work with governors," he said.
Republicans credited Dole with having concrete plans to boost the economy.
"His vision goes beyond the election to the next generation," said Michigan Gov. John Engler.
The former Kansas senator has centered his campaign on a tax cut. He proposes a 15-percent across-the-board tax cut be phased in during the next three years. He also supports instituting a $500 per-child tax credit, rolling back estate taxes and reducing the capital gains tax by 50 percent.
"I think it's time to put the shoe on the other foot and tell the big spenders to take a hike," Dole said. "You know how to spend your money better than the government."
Dole said he wants to "end the IRS as we know it," and to "finally balance the budget by 2002."
He said he wants to help families by allowing citizens to set up Income Revenue Accounts of up to $2,000 for spouses not in the workplace and establishing a significant home-office tax deduction.
During the last few weeks of the campaign, Dole has spoken out strongly about character and trustworthiness. Maintaining that President Clinton is weak in that area, Dole has pointed to himself as an example of straightforward honesty.
Those who know him well said Dole is indeed trustworthy.
"Bob Dole's word is his bond," said Elizabeth Dole, his wife.
John Truscott, an Engler spokesperson, agreed. "He's a very decent, honest person that you can trust," Truscott said. "I've seen him operate and he tells it like it is."
Elizabeth Dole said her husband's strong character is supplemented by his faith in other people. She said one example of his inclination to offer people opportunities is his avid support of women's rights.
"Bob Dole is strong in fighting for women," Elizabeth Dole said. "Bob Dole puts a lot of faith in women and their abilities."
She said Dole has routinely placed women in traditionally male jobs. He appointed the first female secretary of the Senate and both the political and financial directors of his campaign are women.
The long-time politician said his wealth of experience makes him the better choice for the presidency. Others also point to Dole's record of "hard work," citing things like his involvement in welfare reform and his efforts to help people with disabilities.
"Bob Dole works hard," Elizabeth said. "Bob Dole rolled up his sleeves and figured out how to save social security in 1983."
For all his ideas and campaigning, Dole is lagging in the polls. He currently trails Clinton in Michigan and nationally.
But Dole said he will still emerge as the victor on Election Day. He said he has overcome unfavorable odds in the past and fully expects to do it again.
"I've made it through tough times before," Dole said. "It's got to be better if it comes the hard way."