Before he started the "competence" crap, he was up by 17.
People want to be led, not managed. This is the reason Romney was such a poor choice.
It's also the reson he won't pick a leader as VP - might show him up.
How about “Competent Leadership (for a change...)”
And, Dukakis could use any campaign theme in the world and people would still laugh at his “Tank Commander” photo op.