Discuss the major personalities and issues of the 1988 presidential election, and explain the outcome of the election.

The 1988 presidential election was a highly contested and significant event in American political history. The major personalities involved in the election were George H.W. Bush, the Republican candidate, and Michael Dukakis, the Democratic candidate. Bush, who had previously served as Vice President under Ronald Reagan, ran on a platform of continuing Reagan's conservative policies and promoting a strong national defense. Dukakis, the Governor of Massachusetts, focused on domestic issues such as healthcare and education.

One of the major issues of the 1988 election was the economy. The country was experiencing a period of economic growth, but there were concerns about the federal deficit and trade imbalances. Another key issue was foreign policy, particularly the ongoing Cold War and the relationship with the Soviet Union. Additionally, social issues such as crime and drug abuse were also prominent in the campaign.

The outcome of the election was a victory for George H.W. Bush, who won with 426 electoral votes to Dukakis' 111. Bush's victory was attributed to his strong performance in the debates, his experience as Vice President, and his ability to appeal to a broad base of voters. Additionally, the infamous "Willie Horton" ad, which criticized Dukakis' record on crime, is often cited as a factor in Bush's win.

Overall, the 1988 presidential election was a significant moment in American politics, with major personalities and issues shaping the outcome and the direction of the country for the next four years.