Vice President Gore and Senator Bradley spoke to delegates about their respective bids for the Democratic presidential nomination. In his speech, Bradley criticized Republican front-runner George W. Bush for his failure to enact hate-crime legislation, and promised to make it an issue if he wins the nomination. Vice President Gore delivered an animated speech, stepping out from behind the podium also to criticize Bush for his views on gun control. Both men pledged to improve health care, upgrade schools, and promote civil rights. Before the candidates' speeches, Mayor Rendell assumed the chairmanship of the DNC, taking over the post from outgoing chair Governor Roy Romer. Mayor Rendell promised to ensure the nomination process would be fair to both candidates.