Democrats see in Mr. Lazio's record a cautious, calculating politician who can be portrayed on the stump as an opportunist with no clear philosophical core.

At the philosophical core of their housing plan was the creation of a shared open space.

Together they present the philosophical and practical core of classical Taoism.

"But we will be getting into much more of the philosophical core of the candidates and what their policies will do for us."

Mr. Clinton's decision ends months of sharp debate among his aides over an issue that cuts to the welfare program's philosophical core.

Interpretations adapted to contemporary society allowed for flexibility within Confucianism, while the fundamental system of modeled behavior from ancient texts formed its philosophical core.

The issue, little understood by the public, cuts to the philosophical core of the welfare debate.

The details sound trivial, but they cut to the philosophical core: Is there a safety net or not?

The issue is being contested with unusual fervor because it cuts to the program's philosophical core.

The terms of this bargain and the debate it sparks form the moral and philosophical core of "Dedication."