What seems like half a lifetime ago, I commented on the presidential campaign; and while, at the top, the tickets are about as anticipated, there have been a few curve balls. At this point the polls are indicating a very close race.
On the Republican side many of us had minor palpitations at the thought of a Pennsylvanian on the ticket; and while Governor Ridge was apparently close, in the end his pro-choice stance seems to have done him in. Through it all, his image was nicely enhanced, and I think we can expect to see him as a major player nationally one day, perhaps as a cabinet member.
Vice President Gore caught most of us off-guard with his choice of Senator Lieberman as his running-mate. The Gore campaign was in a listless, lackluster state, especially in light of Governor Bush’s rousing send-off from Philadelphia; but if the polls are to be believed, choosing a Jewish running mate has given the Vice President a significant spark.
Pat Buchanan seems to be the candidate of the Reform Party; how about that convention? After the carefully scripted Republican and Democratic gatherings, the Reformers were a welcomed contrast. (“Check your brass knuckles at the door, please.”) And then there’s Ralph Nader; given that he can probably expect no more than 6% of the vote (very possibly enough to cost Gore the election), one has to ask which set of principles motivates him? Is it enough to be a spoiler? He is too much of a realist to think he can win.
And, indeed, I was fortunate enough to attend the convention in Philadelphia one evening. I am not sure it should ever be a steady diet; but as a one-time experience, it was rich. Now, to be perfectly honest about it, walking among the delegates I saw no clown hats; but there were several Uncle Sam stove-pipes, flag hats, elephant hats, skimmers festooned with all kinds of adornments, etc. And buttons – – as many as 20 per chest (including several calling for “Bush/Quayle”), to say nothing of the zany neckties and scarves. And lavish parties, everywhere, promoting many Senators and Congressmen who hope one day to emerge from the crowd.
Somehow – – somehow – – it does produce very stable (somber?) tickets which lead ultimately to that precious event which the world has always envied of this country: an orderly and peaceful transfer of power. Is there a better way? Most probably, but don’t count on its emergence in your lifetime!
– Ken Butera