In just 5 days, the Iowa Caucuses will be held. This event is touted as an example of true participatory democracy. However, in reality, only 1 in 10 registered voters go out to vote. The Bush campaign is making good use of their 70-plus million dollars and running several new ads in Iowa. One radio ad in particular, directs a veiled attack towards candidate Steve Forbes by mentioning his negative ad campaign tactics during the 1996 presidential race. Ironically, in response to these ads, Bush spokesperson, Ari Fleischer, is quoted saying, "Governor Bush's position is, you can judge people's actions by what they have done in the past." This seems to stand in strong contrast to Dubya's refusal to share with the American people the specifics of his past actions. Inconsistency? You be the judge.
Here in N. H., Tipper Gore, the second lady of the United States, along with Bill Shaheen, the first man of N. H., made a cameo in Hanover. Although she is often called the "more lively and animated member" of the dynamic Gore duo, she was rather low key and soft spoken during this visit, spending most of her 30 minute speech encouraging students to do their civic duty and vote. The sentiment was well meaning, but bland. Furthermore, Tipper's speech seemed to leave the supporters and curiosity seekers a bit disappointed. It included very little about Al, his policy proposals, or her own hopes and plans as First Lady, and she didn't field any questions from the audience. Then again, she does have to follow Hillary and that, in and of itself, is a tough job.
And today, former First Lady Barbara Bush will be landing in Lebanon as she begins to stump for her son in the Granite State. Assuming a win in Iowa, it will be interesting to see how the presence of this popular first lady will affect the voters of N. H. on February 1st. According to recent polls, women favor Bush. Perhaps Barbara's activity in N. H. will earn him a few "Mamma's Boy" points as well.
Now, in an attempt at some political humor, and to avoid reporting on the less than exhilarating debates that have characterized the presidential campaigns over the past week, here are some creative ideas of what the candidates might be doing next year, assuming they don't win their respective nominations or the election in November 2000.
There should be no question that George W. Bush will be going on to organize the political philosophy section of the Christian Science reading room. In his spare time, he will be writing book reviews for the Dallas Morning News, beginning with a review of the Biography of Dean Acheson which, of course, he "just finished reading" -- actually, never mind, daddy will get him a job.
Surely, Orrin Hatch will be planning a worldwide tour as he attempts to launch his Mormon love song singing career. Keep an eye out for what is sure to be his first hit single, "To All the Wives I've Loved Before."
Expect Steve Forbes to take some time off to figure out how to extravagantly blow another 30-plus million dollars of his inherited fortune.
Vice-President Al Gore, after a good cry, will be found on the motivational speaker circuit. Forget Tony Robbins: "Personal Power." Welcome Albert Gore: "From Farm Boy to Alpha Male to Underdog to Frontrunner in Six Months." Or your money back.
McCain will probably have the best gig of them all. Giving up his seat in the U.S. Senate, expect him to take a spot as a regular in the cast of Saturday Night Live. He will bring all new meaning to political satire.
Having enjoyed the heated competition of presidential campaigning, Bill Bradley will return to the hardwood in an official capacity. As head coach of the New York Knicks, he might actually lead them to a NBA championship. Inspired by Gore's image consultants, he will also go on to become the national spokesperson for the Hair Club for Men.
Alan Keyes, having entertained many audiences in his debate appearances will be taking over an afternoon slot on NBC. His talk show, "Keyes to Morality," will be sure to give Oprah some serious competition.
And let us not forget Gary Bauer. He will indeed be the busiest of all. When he is not leading group meetings for his new activist group, The Same-Sex-Marriage-is-Terrorism Task Force, he will be working to get his Internet start-up off the ground, www.platforms-for-short-people-when-they-speak-at-podiums.com. No doubt, he will also be following the footsteps of Lamar Alexander, and return to the campaign trail immediately in preparation for 2004.
