cnn.com
Bush's victory is a hollow one
By Bill Press/CNN
LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- Both Al Gore and
George W. Bush wore big smiles Tuesday night.
And with good reason. They survived. They
triumphed. They won the prize. But there was a big
difference.
Al Gore's smile will last because his victory was so
solid. Bush's smile will soon disappear because his
victory was so hollow.
The results from California tell the whole story. With
its wild, wacky, open primary -- what else do you
expect from the left coast? -- California was the first
real test of how Gore and Bush will fare nationwide
in November. And the signs don't look good for
Junior.
In the non-binding popular ballot, where everyone
could vote, Gore outpolled both Bush and McCain.
Not only that: Remember that Spanish-speaking
Texas governor who promised to bring Latinos back
to the Republican party? In California, Latinos voted
for Gore over Bush by more than 2-1. Adios, amigo!
Even in the closed, Republicans-only, vote, Bush's
weakness showed. As in New Hampshire, South
Carolina and Michigan, he won only among
conservative Republicans -- who turned out in
record numbers Tuesday, in California and
elsewhere, as part of Pat Robertson's revenge
against John McCain. Bush lost among moderates
and independents, those all-important swing voters --
as he has in every major primary so far.
In other words, the miracle man who would reach
out and broaden the party, hasn't. So far, despite
blowing a record $70 million, he has only succeeded
in solidifying the party's established, conservative
base. Ask President Bob Dole how close that gets
you to the White House.
On issues, California holds more bad news for
George Bush. When two-thirds of voters say the
country is on the right track, it's hard to make a case
for change. When 72 percent say the budget surplus
should first be used to strengthen Social Security and
Medicare, it's impossible to make a case for giving all
the surplus away in a giant, unnecessary, unwanted,
across-the-board tax cut.
California, much more than Iowa or New
Hampshire, reflects the national vote. Granted, Bush
and Gore will make it a tough contest and a close
election, but -- based on returns in Reaganland -- the
Republicans' anointed candidate appears to be the
wrong man at the wrong time in the wrong place.
It's like buying a new cell phone, only to get it home
and find out it won't dial long-distance. Once out of
the wrapper, George Bush simply has not displayed
the reach or breadth that was advertised on the
original package.
Perhaps Republicans who counted on winning back
the White House in November can sue for deceptive
advertising. If not, they might want to exchange this
defective product for a better one -- before it's too
late. |
