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(October 25, 2000 1:53 p.m. EDT http://www.nandotimes.com) - President George Bush had it in 1992. Bob Dole had it in 1996. Now Al Gore seems to be getting it. It is the political death pall that comes over a presidential candidate when he realizes he probably will lose the election.
You could tell President Bush had it when he lashed out at Clinton-Gore eight years ago, referring to the Democratic ticket as "bozos." You could tell Dole had it four years later when he wondered how voters could choose a draft-dodging, self-absorbed man like Clinton over a World War II veteran.
Gore's symptoms include an increasing stridence about the "disaster" that will befall the country if he is not elected. All politicians like to predict such things, but Gore seems particularly desperate, like a terminally ill patient seeking faith healing or alternative medicines.
Gore's flip-flops continue to be exposed, contributing to his deteriorating condition. Gore told the Washington Times that Bush's suggestion he might withdraw U.S. troops from the Balkans could cause war in Europe. But President Clinton promised more than once he would bring the troops home, but he never did. During the 1996 campaign, Gore himself said U.S. forces should stay no longer than a year.
Gore's desperation is evident when he says "the future of the country" is at stake in this election. Gore TV ads and those paid for by his soft-money supporters drag out the old Democratic fear skeletons from the closet: the end of Social Security, granny thrown out in the streets, rusty-coat-hanger abortions in filthy back alleys, etc. Democrats haven't had a new idea in more than 20 years. They keep returning to their old, bad ideas. But, like the story about the kid who cried "wolf" when there was no wolf, the scare tactics are losing their potency.
Contrasting the stench of death in the Gore campaign is a new sense of life and optimism - even joy - in the Bush camp. In a Kansas City speech, launching a "barnstorm for reform" campaign swing by 28 Republican governors, Bush exuded the confidence of a winner. According to his staff, Bush helped write the speech in which he borrowed from Ronald Reagan when he said, "I've always said that government should do a few things, and do them well .... Conservatism has become the creed of hope, the creed of compassion, the creed of reform. Instead of focusing on getting even and getting re-elected, we have focused on getting results and getting things done."
The Bush message of personal responsibility, in an age of irresponsibility (whose high priest has been Bill Clinton), is starting to resonate with the public. Bush neatly codified his doctrine in the Kansas City speech: "(Government) helps best when it gives people the tools and confidence to make their own decisions, to chart their own course. Government should expand opportunity and trust people with responsibility. Government should help us live our lives, not run our lives. Government should offer a helping hand, not a heavy hand."
While Gore invokes Halloweenish ghouls and frightening scenarios, Bush is the picture of optimism. Gore doesn't speak of himself as president so much as he speaks of the grim future he thinks a Bush presidency would bring. Bush, meanwhile, speaks of "the kind of leader I will be as president of the United States." We've seen this play before. In contests between fear and optimism in 1980 and 1984, optimism won. America was founded on optimism. It flounders in pessimism. Voters respond to a positive outlook in which the one who would be their leader taps into the best in them, not the worst in others.
Bush is in a position that is the polar opposite of his father's. In 1988, voters elected Bush Sr. because they thought they were getting Reagan III. The tax increase President Bush agreed to disproved that and contributed to a slight recession that Clinton used to his advantage in 1992. Now the choice is Clinton III or cleaning the White House of its "stain," as George W. puts it.
Many "experts" are predicting a close race. That may turn out to
be true, but my sense is that Bush is going to win big, because a
happy face and an optimistic spirit will beat lies, gloom, fear,
bigger government and the death pall that envelopes the terminal Gore campaign.
the stench of death in the Gore campaign
I like that phrase!!
A great read. Thank you!
Please, oh please....all this talk about voter fraud has me paranoid.
Relax!!!! I have faith that the good guys will win, despite fraud. God doesn't always intercede. But I do believe there is such a thing as divine justice and I think we're due for some. I don't recall there ever being so much prayer for a candidate as there has been for Bush this year. Truth will previal. Work hard and have faith! Consider watching a poll yourself.
God doesn't always intercede.
You got that right! I guess 8 years of Clinton was just God showing us his sense of humor!
Always enjoy Cal Thomas.
like a terminally ill patient seeking faith healing or alternative medicines
That's a keeper.
Wow! What a great day...3 Gore desperation articles in one day:Blankley, Germond, and now Thomas! I am ENERGIZED!
Nothing gives you that feeling of confidence like getting to the polling place and VOTING!
Cal Thomas has written a brilliant article here. Algore more and more reminds me of Jimmy Carter just before Ronald Reagan brought in a new era of vitality to America. This election is a war between good and evil, between freedom and tyranny, and I believe that good and freedom will win again, just like they did in 1980.
Gore TV ads and those paid for by his soft-money supporters drag out the old Democratic fear skeletons from the closet: the end of Social Security, granny thrown out in the streets, rusty-coat-hanger abortions in filthy back alleys, etc. Democrats haven't had a new idea in more than 20 years. They keep returning to their old, bad ideas. But, like the story about the kid who cried "wolf" when there was no wolf, the scare tactics are losing their potency.
Exactly!
Bum---Great post--Great Cal!!!!
Now the choice is Clinton III or cleaning the White House of its "stain," as George W. puts it.
That's not a choice. That's a no-brainer! fsf
No -- we have free will and God permits that. But there are many times in America's history -- the Revoluntionary War comes to mind -- when our victories were indeed Divine. God allows us to suffer, but he also rewards us when we put our faith in Him. I believe this nation was picked by God and He will not let us down.
You got that right! I guess 8 years of Clinton was just God showing us his sense of humor!
You think so? I'm thinking it was God's way of holding up a mirror to us.
> rusty-coat-hanger abortions in filthy back alleys,
And just what's wrong with rusty-coat-hanger abortions in filthy back alleys? The woman has a choice, hasn't she? I think some women prefer plastic coat hangers in filthy front alleys and some prefer rusty coat hangers in filthy back alleys. I don't think we should discriminate on the basis of one's coat-hanger preference.
Enjoying cable? The weather? Have any caribou been seen yet?
Enjoying cable? The weather? Have any caribou been seen yet?
Caribou? I don't live that far in the boonies. I love the cable now that I've updated my video drivers. It was crashing my browser every 15 minutes or so!
Send me your new email address again. I also messed up my address book.
> Send me your new email address again.
The old one works fine. I'll Freep it to you in case you've lost it or fed it to the caribous.
Bush is in a position that is the polar opposite of his father's. In 1988, voters elected Bush Sr. because they thought they were getting Reagan III.
What a fascinating point, one I haven't seen made before! Great article, I love Cal Thomas.
Just think, two weeks from today we'll be celebrating BIG TIME!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
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