The lecture reviewed the general environment in the United States and the major issues debated by candidates for the 1998 congressional election, as well as for states and local government offices. It presented analysis of the midterm election, and discuss its outcomes and implications for US policies.

In reviewing the general environment of the United States, Dr. Gubser discussed the US economy, interest in trade and investment, the end of the Cold War and the isolationist trend currently experienced in the US. The lecture also shed light on the most important issues of the election -- economic and social. It discussed the Lewinski case and its relevance to the election campaigns.