A little dose of reality, from Joe Klein, in The New Yorker, March 20, 2000, p. 50, on an exchange between Bush and McCain moments before their SC debate, showing Bush's hollowness, how he and Gore are two sides of the same coin:
<< Bush had just unleashed his astonishing post-New Hampshire assault; surrogates were already accusing McCain of abandoning his fellow Vietnam veterans, of favoring the "union bosses" and waffling on abortion, and of other assorted acts of personal depravity, "George," McCain greeted his opponent softly, reproachfully, shaking his head.
"John," Bush responded, with apparent sorrow, "it's politics."
"George," McCain said quietly, jaw taut, "everything isn't politics."...
For Bush and Gore, "politics" is an impersonal, somewhat alien excercise--synthetic, distasteful, but necessary as a means to an end of victory. Their campaigns consisted of transparent ploys and talking points, and not much else. They are political holograms, images built for the arena, down to the way they dress. For the romantic challengers, by contrast, "politics" was a calling that could be mentioned in the same breath as "honor"--both qualities were integral to their quirky personalities, and their personalities were integral to their quirky campaigns....
And [for Bush and Gore] anything you can get away with is permissible....(Bush later admitted that his ads accusing McCain of cutting funds for breast-cancer research were misleading.)...it is likely that the next six months will be as depressing as the last six were exhilarating....George Bush will be at a distinct disadvantage in such a contest. Al Gore has proved himself brilliant at this game.... >>
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I heard on CNN that Bush at some point leaned over and put his hand on McCain's arm and tried to Eddie Haskell him with something like "Oh it's so nice to see you now Mrs. Cleaver, let's be pals...." and McCain said "No...and get your hands off me." The fact is, McCain has contempt for Bush--looks down on him, the way Reagan had contempt for Ford. Don't look for Bush to easily manipulate him into swinging the swing voters his way. Those who do underestimate McCain, and underestimate Al Gore as an artful politician, and how much Bush needs McCain and McCain voters. |
