Great points, Nadine.
It's true. The Bush camp declined a meaningful and direct candidate-to-candidate type debate, instead wanting only the format whereby Bush only had to memorize a few key names and use some fluff language so as to absorb the two-minute time allotment. A fews smiles and winks and I'm a good apple-pie type boy, and that was about all that was needed.
I don't think the Bush camp can trumpet the Colin Powell name all that much. I think, much like Clinton appointed a Republican, Bill Cohen of Maine, to head the Pentagon, a Gore presidency would likely offer a key cabinent post to Mr. Powell. And you don't think that Al Gore knows how to get along with Congress? Of course he does. And, frankly, I think a Powell leadership role in a Gore Administration would make life a bit more comfortable for him as he'd finally be politically in synch.
I, too, think Bush should have stayed in baseball. From watching the PBS description of his work with the Rangers, he seemed well-suited for that role. I just don't think that Bush is cut out to deal with Middle-Eastern, Asian, African and Latin American issues. He'd do well with the Europeans, but then again, who wouldn't?
And, in my view, Dick Cheney, who only voted in two of the past 16 public elections, doesn't deserve the post either. This, coupled to his Newt Gingrich voting record. |
