Evans & Novak

Democratic Convention: The early returns of the 43rd Democratic national convention are not favorable for the party.

1 ) The delegates arrived in Los Angeles dispirited and nervous, and party leaders were in an even more disturbed mood. Democrats were upset far more than they admit by the successful Republican convention in Philadelphia, as well as the strength of Texas Gov. George W. Bush and polls showing a deficit for Vice President Al Gore.

2) The one uplifting note was the very positive reaction to Gore's selection of Sen. Joseph Lieberman (Cone.). Like

Bob Dole's choice of Jack Kemp in 1996, however, it looked like only a temporary lift. Also, the selection of the relatively moderate Lieberman required the Gore campaign to attest their liberal credentials. The overall message of the convention was directed to the delegates, not the broader public.

3) President Bill Clinton's opening night speech was widely described as a political tour de force, but its, impact on Gore was probably more negative than positive. Clinton set a very strong model for Gore to match, and did little or nothing to build him up in his speech.

4) Overnight tracking was flat going into Gore's much-awaited Thursday night acceptance speech. Gore needed to hit a home run, and he clearly failed. Seeking not to be confrontational, he seemed more robotic than ever. He hurried through a 51minute speech timed to last over an hour, and the delegates had trouble relating to it.

Democratic Plat, form: Little attention was given to the Democratic platform, but on issues of trade, abortion, and the Supreme Court, the document reveals the political realities currently gripping the party.

Unlike the Republican convention, where delegates debated controversial issues, the Democratic platform was filed this week without a single minority opinion.

1 ) Trade: The Democrats straddle a fine line between the internationalist and protectionist wings of the party, hoping to avoid alienating organized labor. Globalization is accepted as a force in raising living standards. But the platform states that environmental and labor safeguards must accompany international trade agreements for the benefit of "working families."

There are pledges to reduce auto trade deficits, while conspicuously omitting fast track trading authority which the Clinton Administration lobbied for over objec tions from labor. And in response to labor protests in Seattle, the platform prods the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to promote worker protections and human rights. It's questionable whether labor will buy the rhetoric.

2) Tax Cuts: In a sharp contrast to the GOP, the platform states that "for most Americans the federal tax burden is the lowest it has been in 20 years." Also, the platform calls for repeal of the marriage penalty, even though President Clinton vetoed a Republican plan to repeal it just weeks ago.

3) Death Penalty: The platform reiterates support for the death penalty, despite considerable infighting within the party on the issue.

4) Abortion: Al Gore would impose a litmus test on judicial nominees to protect the "right to privacy," which is code for defending Roe v. Wade. Also, party liberals were displeased with the platform's tolerance language, while pro-life Democrats complained that openness on abortion only extended to the platform, as several members claimed they were "iced out" of the convention.

President Bill Clinton: The longawaited speech by President Bill Clinton here dazzled convention delegates, but gave Gore short shrift.

It tried to link the economic expansion of the last eight years with Vice President Al Gore's leadership. Gore hoped Clinton would dispel the perception that he lacks leadership ability. That is a characteristic most voters find absent in Gore. Instead, Clinton's speech made scant mention of Gore's personal characteristics or performance as Vice President.

1 ) The theme of Clinton's speech underscored Gore's campaign message of "progress and prosperity" The overriding point was unmistakable: a vote for Gore will keep the good times rolling.

2) One of the biggest issues surrounding the speech was whether Clinton would extricate Gore fom impeachment and other administration scandals. Clinton did that implicitly by calling Gore a "good man;' and "a family man:' But the references were buried deep within the speech, and had little effect.

3) In.truth the speech was more a swan song than a passing of the baton, which is precisely what the Gore campaign had feared.

4) Clinton's last major address was a virtuoso performance that riveted convention delegates. But in the end he once again overshadowed Gore, complicating Gore's desire to distance himself from Clinton.

This special report appears exclusively in HuMAN EvENT For subscription information on their Evans-Novak Political Report, call 800789-5367.

Copyright Human Events Publishing, Inc. Sep 1, 2000
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