November 7, 1999

Article assesses crisis at Mattel Inc and on adverse impact chief executive Jill E Barad seems to be having on company's stature and performance as world's largest toy maker; industry insiders and those who know her well say Barad lacks financial acumen, is undisciplined, has severe problems delegating authority and chronically overpromises and underdelivers; photos; graph (L)

Microsoft Corp's lobbying, focused on swaying Congress and creating friendlier climate in Washington, has had little if any effect on current antitrust litigation in Federal District Court, where company was dealt major setback by Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson's initial findings that it has used monopoly power to stifle competition; lobbying campaign is long-term strategic push intended to alter political terrain where future power struggles will be fought; company's lobbying budget nearly doubled in 1998 from previous year, to $3.74 million, and is on pace in 1999 to surpass that figure; Microsoft made $1.3 million in political contributions in 1998, with bulk of money going to Republicans; photos (M)

Americans seem to be grappling genuinely with the question of how nation can best put its prosperity to use, and there is renewed willingness on part of politicians across the ideological spectrum to focus more on those who have not benefited from the current boom; photo (M)

Prominent conservative leaders, fearful that Gov George E Bush's stand on abortion could cost him crucial support, are working behind scenes to persuade their followers to put aside misgivings and rally behind Texas governor; Bush opposes abortion, but he has taken pains not to appear to be single-issue crusader; many conservative leaders are urging their supporters to oppose any third-party contenders, most notably Patrick J Buchanan in his drive to win Reform Party nomination; concede that Buchanan has more appealing record on abortion, but say that he will only drain votes from Republican nominee; photo (M)

Gretchen Morgenson Market Watch column on impact on Dow Jones Industrial Average of its recent addition of Microsoft, Intel and SBC Communications; graph (M)