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CAMPAIGN 2000 MM (Gore and Bradley debating at Apollo By HELEN KENNEDY and WILLIAM GOLDSCHLAG DAIUT NEWS STAFF WRITERS The Amazing Disappearing Democratic Presidential Race reclaims center stage for at least 90 minutes tonight when Vice President Gore and Bill Bradley debate at the storied Apollo Theatre in Harlem. ODQOQD V-X" Cs The stakes in the nationally televised, prime-time showdown are huge for Bradley, whose sputtering campaign was eclipsed at a critical time by Sen. John McCain's upset in the New Hampshire Republican primary. Now, with George W. Bush's win in South Carolina, Bradley spokesman Eric Hauser said hopefully: "I think the McCain fever is breaking." But if the spotlight turns back to him, Bradley must make the most of it.

The debate is one of a dwindling set of opportunities to pump life into his campaign. "We're going to take it right at the vice president," promised Hauser, adding Bradley would "make it clear who's a better Democrat and who's more trustworthy who owns the mantle of reform." On ABC's "This Week" yesterday, Bradley sounded as ready to rumble as he ever does. He scorched Gore as a foe of gut Democrat causes during the years before his vice presidency. "On guns he was the NRA poster child, on abortion he had an 84 right-to-life voting record, and on tobacco he was a defender of big tobacco over Medicare," Bradley said. Bradley won't be the only one on the offensive tonight.

No one expects Gore to ease up his relentless assault on Bradley's record and agenda especially his universal health care plan. In the 32 weeks since their last debate in New Hampshire, Gore has worked hard to inoculate himself against expected Bradley attacks. Gore's endorsement by the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League last week helps ward off questions about his past coolness to abortion rights. Urban and racial issues will be a top concern of the debate, and Gore looked to fortify his lead among African-Americans yesterday at a predominantly black church in Albany. not naming names, he suggested GOPers Bush and McCain turned a blind eye to the racist message of the Confederate flag that flies atop South Carolina's state capitol.

There is something wrong with their ability to see, because they looked up at that state capitol building in South Carolina. But they didn't see a symbol of prejudice and injustice," Gore said. Democratic primaries and caucuses are held in 15 states on March 7, and nowhere do polls A guide to the Time-CNN Democratic presidential debate tonight Candidates: Vice President Gore and former U.S. Sen. Bill Bradley Location: Apollo Theatre, Harlem Time: 9 p.m.

to 10:30 p.m. TV: CNN Moderator: Bernard Shaw, CNN show Bradley ahead. Volunteers at Bradley's New York headquarters recently started answering the phones with the slogan "It can happen." But against the backdrop of recent weeks, it has sounded more plaintive than convincing. New York is a must-win state, because the former Knicks star and senator-next-door was expected to have the edge. "If he can't win here, he can't win anywhere," said Maurice Carroll, director of Quinnipiac College Polling Institute.

"Bradley is going to have to not be dirty but mix it up a bit," he said. But Carroll is not giving last rites to Bradley's candidacy. "The one thing that's clear in this television age is that things can change in a nanosecond," he said. With perceptions in mind, Bradley is now trying for an upset win in Washington State's nonbinding primary Feb. 29 a contest that had been largely ignored.

A new ad running there and elsewhere is aimed squarely at drowning out the loser talk. Calling Bradley a life-long "winner" in academics, sports and legislative battles it concludes: "When Bill Bradley wins, you win. But first you've got to give him the ball." New financial reports showed Bradley with $15.7 million and Gore with $15.6 million as of Jan. 31. With Tracey TuIIy in Albany Rudy's in Brooklyn, Hillary's in Albany PAGE 10 First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and Vice President Gore greet each other before attending church yesterday in Albany.

He comes to Apollo Theatre tonight for debate. MatrDemniDites eyeing ttfoeBir role tled with last-minute preparations for the Democratic rivals' only New York debate. "Everything has a start. This is like planting a seed and letting the flower grow," he said. "I'm glad that they think our black community can really contribute something political." The debate had been threatened by a stagehands strike, but a walkout was averted by an accord early yesterday.

Although most people interviewed said they plan to watch the nationally televised standoff, others were skeptical of its benefit to Harlem. "This is the only time you'll see them here in Harlem," said Gerard Iilavois, 26, a computer graphic designer. "I don't feel these candidates can represent the community here at all." Gas kin, an artist who has been painting murals on 125th St. for more than 30 years, concedes that many people are skeptical about the Democratic candidates' commitment to African-Americans, but he believes the debate may be a step in the right direction. "Politicians have always been out for votes, but we were always counted out," he said.

"Now that Harlem is so important and wonderful, they may really begin to open their eyes about the little man. Little people build things, BY TAMER ELGHOBASHY SPECIAL TO THE NEWS Harlem residents were pleased yesterday that the Democratic presidential campaign will be coming to them, but wondered whether it demonstrated new clout or simply old politics. Though the marquee over the Apollo Theatre on 125th St. did not announce tonight's heavily anticipated debate, shoppers along the busy street were well aware of Al Gore and Bill Bradley's showdown at the neighborhood landmark. "I think it's a good thing that they come here," said Franco Gas kin, 72, who watched from across the street as workers hus Li.