1.   The Democratic president straddles the middle.

2.   Though Bush and Gore tried to straddle the middle, the race was about a cultural divide more than one over narrow issues.

3.   The top three leaders represent a balance of views, ranging from security-minded Anh to reformist Kiet, with Muoi straddling the middle.

4.   The three represent a balance of views, ranging from security-minded Anh to reformist Kiet, with Muoi straddling the middle.