As navy flier in World War II, forced to bail out of his plane under fire. Decorated for valor.
“Read my lips. No … new… taxes.”
Poppy.
Power of incumbency. Enjoys global respect on foreign policy, admired personally. Great wife. But: Weak handling of the economy; disappointing domestic record. Erratic campaigner; perception that he doesn’t stand for anything.
What They Think
ECONOMIC GROWTH
Favors a less-is-more approach to the economy, believes it will grow out of the recession without government intervention. Recently concluded this economic vision wouldn’t sell politically, so he cobbled together a grab-bag “plan” for economic growth. It includes: reducing the capital-gains tax to 15.4 percent; imposing a 90-day moratorium on new federal regulation; adjusting federal income-tax withholding to add an average of $3 to $7 to weekly paychecks; increasing the exemption for each child by $500; adding a $5,000 tax credit and penalty-free IRA withdrawals for first-time home buyers; permanent R&D tax credits and restored deductions for real-estate development.
SOCIAL POLICY
Staunchly pro-life since 1980. Favors abstinence over sex education, but will tolerate the latter. Strict law-and-order approach to crime, except when it interferes with gun owners’ right to bear arms, including assault rifles. Favors the death penalty. Supports welfare reform that would require able-bodied people to work-but proposed little until the campaign. Would make it easier for states to escape federal welfare requirements in order to try new ideas.
ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT
Won points for passage of the Clean Air Act. Accepts a new restrictive definition of “wetlands.” Supports offshore drilling. Wants to simplify nuclear-plant licensing. Global-warming flip-flop. Didn’t achieve energy independence.
EDUCATION
Self-styled “education president” favors national testing, math-and science-teacher training, and voucher system that would fund parental “choice” of either public or private schools. Backs increase in Head Start, but short of Democrats’ plan to “fully fund” it.
HEALTH CARE
Says he opposes “socialized medicine,” but politics forced proposal of tax credits to poor to purchase insurance, plus other piecemeal changes such as capping malpractice awards and allowing penalty-free IRA withdrawals for medical expenses.
NATIONAL SECURITY
Cold war ended on his watch. Beat Iraq, yet Saddam Hussein remains a thorn, and new world order still fuzzy. Would cut defense spending by $50 billion over five years, though not SDI. New disagreements with Israel. Modest progress in dismantling nukes.
How They Might Govern
VISION Admits he’s not very good at this “vision thing.” Sees himself as a pragmatist, responding to whatever arises. The future will take care of itself.
MANAGEMENT
Do-it-yourself presidency. A sponge for detail, often better versed on the minutiae of foreign policy than his staff. But little interest in reform.
COLLEGIALITY
Strong suit especially with foreign leaders. But loads of friends on Capitol Hill-including Democrats-haven’t helped him pass a program.
COMMUNICATION
Bumbler on the campaign trail. Weak on shaping, delivering message. Is English a second language? Good at interacting with the press.
STYLE
WASP frenetic. “Aerobic golf " is quintessential Bush sport. Energy was a big plus with the war and foreign policy, but little to show for it at home.
Photo: Bush with family (SUSAN BIDDLE-THE WHITE HOUSE)
Photo: Bush (WALLY McNAMEE-NEWSWEEK)
53 years old. Born: Washington, D.C. Georgetown Univ., 1961; master’s, Columbia School of Journalism, 1962. Knee injury kept him out of Vietnam. Editorial writer, St. Louis Globe-Democrat. Adviser to Richard Nixon, 1966-74, and Ronald Reagan, 1985-87. Wealthy columnist and TV commentator. Wife Shelley was Nixon receptionist. No children.
Thrown out of college for brawling.
“This landfill called multiculturalism.”
High-school pals called him The Blade.
Skilled sound-bite polemicist; taps protest vote. Cadre of aggressive young tacticians eager to avenge what they regard as Bush’s betrayal of core conservative values. But: Charges of anti-Semitism and racism still stick. Isolationist “America First” message repels many voters, smacks of xenophobia. Risks being seen as party wrecker.
What They Think
ECONOMIC GROWTH
His “America First” plan includes tax cuts, slashed government, trade war. Doesn’t specify income-tax reduction, but would completely abolish capital-gains tax for middle class and halve the rate for people making more than $50,000. Backs investment-tax credits. Would freeze federal spending, hiring and salaries. Would impose a two-year moratorium on all new federal regulations and roll back regulations imposed by Bush. Says that when Kuwait bought European Airbus planes, he would have told emir: “Listen, little fella, pick an [American] airline out or call the Germans next time you’re in trouble.” Would play “hardball” with Japanese and other countries, Vague on consequences.
SOCIAL POLICY
Anti-abortion under any circumstance. Pro-death penalty, with much speedier executions. Opposes any form of gun control, even waiting period for assault weapons. Says the problem is “criminal class” in American cities. On immigration, calls for digging trench along U.S.-Mexico border. Would eliminate affirmative action “root and branch,” end subsidy of “blasphemous” art. Gays are “sodomites” with “lascivious appetites” for whom AIDS is retribution.
ENERYGY/ENVIRONMENT
Despises conservationists of all stripes. Favors “the welfare of the American worker over the spotted owl,” but offers no specifics. Supports coastal oil drilling. No positions on nuclear power, gas tax, global warming or pollution.
EDUCATION
Supports voucher system to promote choice and create market pressures to improve quality, but provides no specifics on implementation. Favors more power for local officials to hire, fire and respond to parental concerns over curricula. Still hung up on busing.
HEALTH CARE
No commitments to any reform, but will consider a plan in which employers open medical IRAs. Uninsured families would get same tax benefits as companies. Backs vouchers for perhaps 75 percent of homecare-nursing expenses.
NATIONAL SECURITY
Cut troop levels in Western Europe, but not SDI or nukes. Phase out foreign-aid payments to Third World. Like Democrats, favors ending trade concessions to Chinese. Stiff the World Bank and IMF. Anti-Israel. Opposes majority rule in South Africa.
How They Might Govern
VISION
Back to the white, Christian 1950s. Wants to transform America into ideal of his youth, where no one played bongo drums on the street corner.
MANAGEMENT
Fear and loathing in the bureaucracy. Pink slips for regulators. Meat cleaver to agencies. Only true believers need apply. Huge Enemies List
COLLEGIALITY
Scorched.” approach to Congress: would veto by line-item-see ’em in court. Will he break habit of calling foreign leaders “little fellas”?
COMMUNICATION
Former White House hack will be his own best–or worst-wordsmith. Will need extra staff to do damage control for all the incendiary rhetoric.
STYLE
Urban Catholic tough guy with upscale suburban veneer. Boxing classes for young aides. Franco memorabilia. Joe McCarthy nostalgia.
Photo: Buchanan and wife (LISA QUINONES-BLACK STAR)
Buchanan: LARRY DOWNING-NEWSWEEK)
45 years old. Born: Hope, Ark. Georgetown ‘68; Rhodes scholar. Yale Law. Avoided Vietnam with unfulfilled ROTC commitment, high lottery number. McGovern worker. Arkansas attorney general at age 30. Governor, 1979-81, and ‘83-present. Father died before he was born. Step father was alcoholic. Wife Hillary is a prominent lawyer. Daughter Chelsea, 12.
Saw grandfather treat blacks well at his country store.
“I’ll be there for you ’til the last dog dies.”
Slick Willie; Elvis
Gifted campaigner; Southern base; well funded. Extraordinary memory. Lack of Washington connection. But: “Character” questions on infidelity, draft. Ordinary debater; every-which-way message. Small-state background. Strikes many as too much the politician.
What They Think
ECONOMIC GROWTH
Distinguishes himself from Tsongas by stressing “fairness” to middle class as well as growth. Short term: Cut middle-class taxes by $350 a year and make it up with taxes on people making $200,000-plus. Increase tax credits for kids. Accelerate existing highway-bill spending, creating thousands of new jobs. Aid first-time home buyers. Pressure banks to lend more. Restore real-estate breaks. Long term: Develop a true economic strategy, which the U.S. lacks. Extend free trade. Greatly expand worker retraining. Enact investment-tax credit, 50 percent capital-gains tax cut for investment in new businesses, community-development banks. End deductions for investment overseas, excessive CEO pay.
SOCIAL POLICY
Pro-choice, but supports some form of adult notification for girls under age 14. Under “personal responsibility” plan, would give welfare recipients two years of training, then force them to work. Would use tax credit to aid working poor. Death-penalty supporter. Stresses drug treatment, noting that his brother is a recovering addict. Backs “boot camps” for juvenile offenders. Has fought for civil rights since student days. Strong minority-hiring record in Arkansas.
ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT
Sometimes traded off environment for growth in Arkansas. Opposes nuclear power. Supports 45-mpg cars, but opposes gas tax. Would help save rain forest by allowing locals to share in pharmaceutical-company profits if they don’t cut down trees.
EDUCATION
Backs national exam system; annual report cards for every school; apprenticeship program for students not bound for college; college loans to anyone-to be paid back either as percentage of future income or with service in teaching, police or child care.
HEALTH CARE
Supports “play or pay” universal coverage under which employers would have to insure their workers or pay an additional tax into a public fund to cover the uninsured. In Arkansas, allowed nursing-home funds to be used for home health care.
NATIONAL SECURITY
Cut defense spending by 36 percent by 1997, saving $100 billion over Bush plan. Backs a new advanced research agency that would apply defense technology to commercial work. Envisions a “Democracy Corps” to send professionals to help former East bloc.
How They Might Govern
VISION
Postliberal “people-based economics” stressing education. Strategy to “compete and win again in the global economy.” Emphasis on racial healing.
MANAGEMENT
Relishes details of governing, but D.C is a lot more complicated than Little Rock. Wide circle of access. Wants to “reinvent” the way government works.
COLLEGIALITY
So friendly he would impress world leaders, get bills through Congress. But so. eager to please his ideas n-fight get compromised to death.
COMMUNICATION
Terrific off the cuff, but prepared speeches stilted, long-winded. Lengthy, effective press conferences, but with circular, often fudged answers.
STYLE
Southern Yuppie, shooting ‘Camelot" remake. Rhodes scholars on parade. Formidable First Lady. Poker-playing, sax-blowing president.
53 years old. Born: San Francisco. Jesuit seminarian, dropped out to go to Berkeley. Yale Law School. Antiwar and labor activist in ’60s. Governor of California, 1975-83. Lost Democratic presidential bids in 1976, ‘80. Lost Senate race, 1982. Chairman, California Democratic Party, 1989-91. Son of former California governor Pat Brown. Sister Kathleen is California’s treasurer. Unmarried. Dated singer Linda Ronstadt in late ’70s and early ’80s.
Cared for the destitute with Mother Teresa in India.
Governor Moonbeam
“That’s 1-800-426-1112.”
Zealous reformer’s spirit captures liberals’ mad-as-hell resentment at entrenched system. Won’t accept contributions larger than $100. But: Was actually a big money-raiser until 1991. Dogged by “has-been,” “flaky” tags.
What They Think
ECONOMIC GROWTH
Money in politics is the root of all evil-including a weak economy. Argues for term limitations and severe restrictions on fund raising to break the “strangle-hold” that special interests have on Congress and the tax code. Would dump the existing income-tax structure and replace it with an across-the-board, flat-rate 13 percent tax on individuals, regardless of their means. No deductions except for mortgages, rent and charitable giving. Envisions a flat 13 percent value-added federal tax on all business transactions (including retail), allowing deductions only for depreciation, bad debt and capital investment. Calls protectionist CEOs crybabies. Emphasis on building seaports to enhance trade.
SOCIAL POLICY
Work with Mother Teresa attests to his devotion to social causes. Offers no welfare-reform solutions, but would give tax credits to businesses hiring workers from poor neighborhoods. Pro-choice, and supports writing abortion rights into law. Like other Democratic candidates, backs more AIDS research. Favors mandatory sentences for crimes committed with a gun and for repeat offenders. Opposes the death penalty as barbaric.
ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT
Says planet is becoming a “stinking junkyard.” As California governor, got high marks for conservation, renewable resources. Backs new Civilian Conservation Corps, high-speed rail, better auto-fuel efficiency. Knowledgeable “Green” on global hazards.
EDUCATION
Envisions a computer on top of every schoolchild’s desk and federally funded educational software. Favors national educational standards, federal scholarships. Says he will abolish the Department of Education as “a massive bureaucratic waste.”
HEALTH CARE
Favors national health-insurance system like Canada’s, eliminating private insurers. Emphasizes wellness programs, alternative healing practices such as acupuncture. Notes that special interests give Congress $30 million a year to maintain status quo.
NATIONAL SECURITY
Cut defense spending by 50 percent immediately. Withdraw all U.S. troops from Europe. Research for SDI, but drop other high-tech programs. Emphasis on global environmentalism and U.S. role as peace broker.
How They MIght Govern
VISION
New Age populism. Truly radical campaign-finance reform. Smash pro-business special interests, “incumbent party.” A real new world order.
MANAGEMENT
Loner. Short attention span. Little interest in mechanics of governing. While governor, department heads complained they were ignored.
COLLEGIALITY
Has never been known for social grace, and is often called rude. Would have terrible congressional relations, which is just how he’d want it
COMMUNICATION
Angry outsider tone might not work well from Oval Office. literary speeches-with footnotes provided. Sour press relations likely.
STYLE
Touchy-feely asceticism. Mute House as bachelor pad. Out state dinners. In: brown rice on grass mats to ease world hunger.
51 years old. Born: Lowell, Mass. Dartmouth, ‘62. Peace Corps, Ethiopia. Yale Law School. Lowell City Council, 196972. U.S. House, 1975-79. U.S. Senate, 1979-84. Experimental therapy believed to have cured lymphoma, 1986. Member, eight corporate boards, six nonprofit. Lobbyist for natural-gas company. Father ran small dry-cleaning business, mother died when he was 7. Wife Niki, lawyer. Daughters Ashley, 17; Katina, 14, and Molly, 10.
Watched his hometown sink economically. Survived cancer.
Saint Paul; Tsongie Bongie
“I’m not Santa Claus.”
Perception he’s a truth-teller; strong emphasis on economics. Self-deprecating sense of humor; Greek fund-raisers; lack of slickness. But: Untelegenic; strange accent. Bitter economic prescription. Sometimes sanctimonious.
What They Think
ECONOMIC GROWTH
Would declare a national economic “emergency” on first day in office. Favors investment and R&D tax credits to aid manufacturing. Would cut capital-gains tax on stock held long term; ease antitrust rules further; rechannel defense dollars. Opposes Clinton’s middle-class tax cut. Would raise top bracket of income tax to 33 percent and expand the availability of IRAs to promote savings. To encourage long-term thinking, companies would issue reports semiannually, not quarterly. Antiprotectionist, but calls for strong push to buy American. Wants a “flexible budget freeze” to reduce the deficit, but not specific.
SOCIAL POLICY
So pro-choice he wears a button. Says it should be a litmus test for Supreme Court nominees. Backs federally funded family-planning clinics and abortions for low-income women. Early sponsor of gay-rights bill, and willing to raise it publicly. No stated welfare policy. Counts on economic growth to ease poverty. Like other Democrats, backs a waiting period for gun purchases. Supports the death penalty for cop killers and major drug dealers.
ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT
Backs a yearly three- to five-cent gas tax increase to achieve energy independence. Supports some nuclear power. Early backer of solar energy, wilderness preservation, recycling, tax credits for conservation. Would pursue accord on global warming.
EDUCATION
Endorses merit pay for teachers, competency requirements, national standards, experimental voucher system that would include private-school tuition. College loans could be paid back as a percentage of future income. Likes school uniforms, longer days.
HEALTH CARE
Says Americans win not support a radical plan. Under his “managed care” system, employers or groups would offer plans. HMOs and private insurers would bid for contracts. This would introduce competition. Paid for by a 6 to 8 percent payroll tax.
NATIONAL SECURITY
Cut defense 30 percent scrapping SDI, the B-2 bomber. Backs 50,000 to 90,000 troop reductions in Europe, new “Marshall Plan” to aid former Soviet Union (CIS), including a business Peace Corps. In Congress took a liberal line; opposed Grenada invasion.
How They Might Govern
VISION
“Economic patriotism.” Narrow focus on restoring manufacturing base. Everything else secondary. Pro-business progressive. Tsongas Tsacrifice.
MANAGEMENT
Zero administrative experience. Would try to run government like a business. Believes in public-private “leveraging” instead of big bureaucracies.
COLLEGIALITY
Open, but no backslapper. Dislikes socializing. Might end up having more trouble with fellow Democrats than Republicans.
COMMUNICATION
Dweebish TV presence would make it hard to rally the country with speeches. Accent is off-putting, but speaks in clear, jargon-free metaphors.
STYLE
Eat-your-spinach with a side order of dry wit like favorite high-school teacher. Peace Corps galore. Cancer doc as kingmaker. Lots of pool parties.
52 years old. Born: Cumming, Iowa. Iowa State Univ. ‘62; law degree, Catholic Univ. Noncombat navy pilot in ’60s. Congressional aide, 1969-72. U.S. House, 1975-85. U.S. Senate, 1985-present. Father was a coal miner. Brother Frank’s deafness sparked interest in handicapped. Wife Ruth is a Washington corporate attorney. Daughters, Amy, 15, and Jenny, 10.
Saw WPA help his family. Publicized South Vietnamese “tiger cages” for POWs.
PAC-man
“Bullshit!”
Farm-state roots, union backing make him truest heir to old-time Democratic Party traditions. Strong orator. But: Crotchety tone. Special-interest ties. Swimming against the tide of history: Democratic voters are rejecting the liberal message, the messenger-or both.
What They Think
ECONOMIC GROWTH
Traditional Democrat who favors direct government intervention in the economy. Wants to “throw ’trickledown’ economics on the trash heap of history.” The only Democrat to oppose any form of capital-gains reduction. Opposes middle-class tax cuts as symbolic. With defense savings, would spend $60 billion annually on infrastructure-highways, bridges, sewers-and a huge job-training program. Offers tax credits for R&D in selected industries. The most protectionist candidate-the only one who opposes U.S.-Mexico free-trade agreement. Goes beyond other Democrats in backing farm supports. Says that anything businesses pay CEOs above $500,000 should get taxed as if it were profit.
SOCIAL POLICY
Emphasizes job creation over expanding welfare coverage. Backs the fun civil-liberties agenda. pro-choice, expanded child care, parental leave, pay equity. Prime sponsor of the newly enacted Americans with Disabilities Act, which extends access and civil-rights protection for the handicapped. Opposes the death penalty. Thinks crime-prevention efforts should focus on root problems in poverty, but little emphasis on the urban agenda.
ENERGY/ENVIROMENT
Booster of alternatives like ethanol and electric cars. Would impose fines on wasteful companies-like makers of gas guzzlers or overpackaged goods-and use the money as “fee-bates” to firms and consumers who recycle and buy efficient products.
EDUCATION
Argues for less reliance on property tax, more on boosted federal spending. Would create an ROTC-style college-loan program featuring four new national-service corps-for teachers, health-care workers, police and conservation-as a way to repay the loans.
HEALTH CARE
Supports universal health care, but isn’t likely to dump the existing system. Big recipient of PAC money from the health-care lobby. Says as president he would appoint a panel to develop a reform strategy. Backs preventative programs.
NATIONAL SECURITY
Halve the military in 10 years, saving $420 billion. Eliminate tactical nukes. Leave only 20,000 troops in Europe. A top pro-Israel PAC recipient. Led Senate fight against Persian Gulf War, Would ban aid to countries that spend more on military than human needs.
How They Might Govern
VISION
Back-to-the-future New Dealer. A Reagan of the left. Champion of farmers, blue-collar workers. Democrats have nothing to rethink or apologize for.
MANAGEMENT
No administrative experience. Has shown little concern about the sprawling federal bureaucracy, or the influence that special interests have over it
COLLEGIALITY
Aggressive–even cranky–in both public and private. Would work well with organized labor, but not Congress. Extremely partisan.
COMMUNICATION
A cussin’, fussin’ orator with echoes of Harry Truman and Hubert Humphrey. Ever-present signer for the deaf. Could be prickly with the press.
STYLE
Work boots in the White House. Sailboat on Potomac. Screenings with Hollywood left. Farm animals on South Lawn. Revenge of the old-time liberals.
title: “A Voter S Guide To The Issues” ShowToc: true date: “2023-01-06” author: “Deborah Rooks”
As navy flier in World War II, forced to bail out of his plane under fire. Decorated for valor.
“Read my lips. No … new… taxes.”
Poppy.
Power of incumbency. Enjoys global respect on foreign policy, admired personally. Great wife. But: Weak handling of the economy; disappointing domestic record. Erratic campaigner; perception that he doesn’t stand for anything.
What They Think
ECONOMIC GROWTH
Favors a less-is-more approach to the economy, believes it will grow out of the recession without government intervention. Recently concluded this economic vision wouldn’t sell politically, so he cobbled together a grab-bag “plan” for economic growth. It includes: reducing the capital-gains tax to 15.4 percent; imposing a 90-day moratorium on new federal regulation; adjusting federal income-tax withholding to add an average of $3 to $7 to weekly paychecks; increasing the exemption for each child by $500; adding a $5,000 tax credit and penalty-free IRA withdrawals for first-time home buyers; permanent R&D tax credits and restored deductions for real-estate development.
SOCIAL POLICY
Staunchly pro-life since 1980. Favors abstinence over sex education, but will tolerate the latter. Strict law-and-order approach to crime, except when it interferes with gun owners’ right to bear arms, including assault rifles. Favors the death penalty. Supports welfare reform that would require able-bodied people to work-but proposed little until the campaign. Would make it easier for states to escape federal welfare requirements in order to try new ideas.
ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT
Won points for passage of the Clean Air Act. Accepts a new restrictive definition of “wetlands.” Supports offshore drilling. Wants to simplify nuclear-plant licensing. Global-warming flip-flop. Didn’t achieve energy independence.
EDUCATION
Self-styled “education president” favors national testing, math-and science-teacher training, and voucher system that would fund parental “choice” of either public or private schools. Backs increase in Head Start, but short of Democrats’ plan to “fully fund” it.
HEALTH CARE
Says he opposes “socialized medicine,” but politics forced proposal of tax credits to poor to purchase insurance, plus other piecemeal changes such as capping malpractice awards and allowing penalty-free IRA withdrawals for medical expenses.
NATIONAL SECURITY
Cold war ended on his watch. Beat Iraq, yet Saddam Hussein remains a thorn, and new world order still fuzzy. Would cut defense spending by $50 billion over five years, though not SDI. New disagreements with Israel. Modest progress in dismantling nukes.
How They Might Govern
VISION Admits he’s not very good at this “vision thing.” Sees himself as a pragmatist, responding to whatever arises. The future will take care of itself.
MANAGEMENT
Do-it-yourself presidency. A sponge for detail, often better versed on the minutiae of foreign policy than his staff. But little interest in reform.
COLLEGIALITY
Strong suit especially with foreign leaders. But loads of friends on Capitol Hill-including Democrats-haven’t helped him pass a program.
COMMUNICATION
Bumbler on the campaign trail. Weak on shaping, delivering message. Is English a second language? Good at interacting with the press.
STYLE
WASP frenetic. “Aerobic golf " is quintessential Bush sport. Energy was a big plus with the war and foreign policy, but little to show for it at home.
Photo: Bush with family (SUSAN BIDDLE-THE WHITE HOUSE)
Photo: Bush (WALLY McNAMEE-NEWSWEEK)
53 years old. Born: Washington, D.C. Georgetown Univ., 1961; master’s, Columbia School of Journalism, 1962. Knee injury kept him out of Vietnam. Editorial writer, St. Louis Globe-Democrat. Adviser to Richard Nixon, 1966-74, and Ronald Reagan, 1985-87. Wealthy columnist and TV commentator. Wife Shelley was Nixon receptionist. No children.
Thrown out of college for brawling.
“This landfill called multiculturalism.”
High-school pals called him The Blade.
Skilled sound-bite polemicist; taps protest vote. Cadre of aggressive young tacticians eager to avenge what they regard as Bush’s betrayal of core conservative values. But: Charges of anti-Semitism and racism still stick. Isolationist “America First” message repels many voters, smacks of xenophobia. Risks being seen as party wrecker.
What They Think
ECONOMIC GROWTH
His “America First” plan includes tax cuts, slashed government, trade war. Doesn’t specify income-tax reduction, but would completely abolish capital-gains tax for middle class and halve the rate for people making more than $50,000. Backs investment-tax credits. Would freeze federal spending, hiring and salaries. Would impose a two-year moratorium on all new federal regulations and roll back regulations imposed by Bush. Says that when Kuwait bought European Airbus planes, he would have told emir: “Listen, little fella, pick an [American] airline out or call the Germans next time you’re in trouble.” Would play “hardball” with Japanese and other countries, Vague on consequences.
SOCIAL POLICY
Anti-abortion under any circumstance. Pro-death penalty, with much speedier executions. Opposes any form of gun control, even waiting period for assault weapons. Says the problem is “criminal class” in American cities. On immigration, calls for digging trench along U.S.-Mexico border. Would eliminate affirmative action “root and branch,” end subsidy of “blasphemous” art. Gays are “sodomites” with “lascivious appetites” for whom AIDS is retribution.
ENERYGY/ENVIRONMENT
Despises conservationists of all stripes. Favors “the welfare of the American worker over the spotted owl,” but offers no specifics. Supports coastal oil drilling. No positions on nuclear power, gas tax, global warming or pollution.
EDUCATION
Supports voucher system to promote choice and create market pressures to improve quality, but provides no specifics on implementation. Favors more power for local officials to hire, fire and respond to parental concerns over curricula. Still hung up on busing.
HEALTH CARE
No commitments to any reform, but will consider a plan in which employers open medical IRAs. Uninsured families would get same tax benefits as companies. Backs vouchers for perhaps 75 percent of homecare-nursing expenses.
NATIONAL SECURITY
Cut troop levels in Western Europe, but not SDI or nukes. Phase out foreign-aid payments to Third World. Like Democrats, favors ending trade concessions to Chinese. Stiff the World Bank and IMF. Anti-Israel. Opposes majority rule in South Africa.
How They Might Govern
VISION
Back to the white, Christian 1950s. Wants to transform America into ideal of his youth, where no one played bongo drums on the street corner.
MANAGEMENT
Fear and loathing in the bureaucracy. Pink slips for regulators. Meat cleaver to agencies. Only true believers need apply. Huge Enemies List
COLLEGIALITY
Scorched.” approach to Congress: would veto by line-item-see ’em in court. Will he break habit of calling foreign leaders “little fellas”?
COMMUNICATION
Former White House hack will be his own best–or worst-wordsmith. Will need extra staff to do damage control for all the incendiary rhetoric.
STYLE
Urban Catholic tough guy with upscale suburban veneer. Boxing classes for young aides. Franco memorabilia. Joe McCarthy nostalgia.
Photo: Buchanan and wife (LISA QUINONES-BLACK STAR)
Buchanan: LARRY DOWNING-NEWSWEEK)
45 years old. Born: Hope, Ark. Georgetown ‘68; Rhodes scholar. Yale Law. Avoided Vietnam with unfulfilled ROTC commitment, high lottery number. McGovern worker. Arkansas attorney general at age 30. Governor, 1979-81, and ‘83-present. Father died before he was born. Step father was alcoholic. Wife Hillary is a prominent lawyer. Daughter Chelsea, 12.
Saw grandfather treat blacks well at his country store.
“I’ll be there for you ’til the last dog dies.”
Slick Willie; Elvis
Gifted campaigner; Southern base; well funded. Extraordinary memory. Lack of Washington connection. But: “Character” questions on infidelity, draft. Ordinary debater; every-which-way message. Small-state background. Strikes many as too much the politician.
What They Think
ECONOMIC GROWTH
Distinguishes himself from Tsongas by stressing “fairness” to middle class as well as growth. Short term: Cut middle-class taxes by $350 a year and make it up with taxes on people making $200,000-plus. Increase tax credits for kids. Accelerate existing highway-bill spending, creating thousands of new jobs. Aid first-time home buyers. Pressure banks to lend more. Restore real-estate breaks. Long term: Develop a true economic strategy, which the U.S. lacks. Extend free trade. Greatly expand worker retraining. Enact investment-tax credit, 50 percent capital-gains tax cut for investment in new businesses, community-development banks. End deductions for investment overseas, excessive CEO pay.
SOCIAL POLICY
Pro-choice, but supports some form of adult notification for girls under age 14. Under “personal responsibility” plan, would give welfare recipients two years of training, then force them to work. Would use tax credit to aid working poor. Death-penalty supporter. Stresses drug treatment, noting that his brother is a recovering addict. Backs “boot camps” for juvenile offenders. Has fought for civil rights since student days. Strong minority-hiring record in Arkansas.
ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT
Sometimes traded off environment for growth in Arkansas. Opposes nuclear power. Supports 45-mpg cars, but opposes gas tax. Would help save rain forest by allowing locals to share in pharmaceutical-company profits if they don’t cut down trees.
EDUCATION
Backs national exam system; annual report cards for every school; apprenticeship program for students not bound for college; college loans to anyone-to be paid back either as percentage of future income or with service in teaching, police or child care.
HEALTH CARE
Supports “play or pay” universal coverage under which employers would have to insure their workers or pay an additional tax into a public fund to cover the uninsured. In Arkansas, allowed nursing-home funds to be used for home health care.
NATIONAL SECURITY
Cut defense spending by 36 percent by 1997, saving $100 billion over Bush plan. Backs a new advanced research agency that would apply defense technology to commercial work. Envisions a “Democracy Corps” to send professionals to help former East bloc.
How They Might Govern
VISION
Postliberal “people-based economics” stressing education. Strategy to “compete and win again in the global economy.” Emphasis on racial healing.
MANAGEMENT
Relishes details of governing, but D.C is a lot more complicated than Little Rock. Wide circle of access. Wants to “reinvent” the way government works.
COLLEGIALITY
So friendly he would impress world leaders, get bills through Congress. But so. eager to please his ideas n-fight get compromised to death.
COMMUNICATION
Terrific off the cuff, but prepared speeches stilted, long-winded. Lengthy, effective press conferences, but with circular, often fudged answers.
STYLE
Southern Yuppie, shooting ‘Camelot" remake. Rhodes scholars on parade. Formidable First Lady. Poker-playing, sax-blowing president.
53 years old. Born: San Francisco. Jesuit seminarian, dropped out to go to Berkeley. Yale Law School. Antiwar and labor activist in ’60s. Governor of California, 1975-83. Lost Democratic presidential bids in 1976, ‘80. Lost Senate race, 1982. Chairman, California Democratic Party, 1989-91. Son of former California governor Pat Brown. Sister Kathleen is California’s treasurer. Unmarried. Dated singer Linda Ronstadt in late ’70s and early ’80s.
Cared for the destitute with Mother Teresa in India.
Governor Moonbeam
“That’s 1-800-426-1112.”
Zealous reformer’s spirit captures liberals’ mad-as-hell resentment at entrenched system. Won’t accept contributions larger than $100. But: Was actually a big money-raiser until 1991. Dogged by “has-been,” “flaky” tags.
What They Think
ECONOMIC GROWTH
Money in politics is the root of all evil-including a weak economy. Argues for term limitations and severe restrictions on fund raising to break the “strangle-hold” that special interests have on Congress and the tax code. Would dump the existing income-tax structure and replace it with an across-the-board, flat-rate 13 percent tax on individuals, regardless of their means. No deductions except for mortgages, rent and charitable giving. Envisions a flat 13 percent value-added federal tax on all business transactions (including retail), allowing deductions only for depreciation, bad debt and capital investment. Calls protectionist CEOs crybabies. Emphasis on building seaports to enhance trade.
SOCIAL POLICY
Work with Mother Teresa attests to his devotion to social causes. Offers no welfare-reform solutions, but would give tax credits to businesses hiring workers from poor neighborhoods. Pro-choice, and supports writing abortion rights into law. Like other Democratic candidates, backs more AIDS research. Favors mandatory sentences for crimes committed with a gun and for repeat offenders. Opposes the death penalty as barbaric.
ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT
Says planet is becoming a “stinking junkyard.” As California governor, got high marks for conservation, renewable resources. Backs new Civilian Conservation Corps, high-speed rail, better auto-fuel efficiency. Knowledgeable “Green” on global hazards.
EDUCATION
Envisions a computer on top of every schoolchild’s desk and federally funded educational software. Favors national educational standards, federal scholarships. Says he will abolish the Department of Education as “a massive bureaucratic waste.”
HEALTH CARE
Favors national health-insurance system like Canada’s, eliminating private insurers. Emphasizes wellness programs, alternative healing practices such as acupuncture. Notes that special interests give Congress $30 million a year to maintain status quo.
NATIONAL SECURITY
Cut defense spending by 50 percent immediately. Withdraw all U.S. troops from Europe. Research for SDI, but drop other high-tech programs. Emphasis on global environmentalism and U.S. role as peace broker.
How They MIght Govern
VISION
New Age populism. Truly radical campaign-finance reform. Smash pro-business special interests, “incumbent party.” A real new world order.
MANAGEMENT
Loner. Short attention span. Little interest in mechanics of governing. While governor, department heads complained they were ignored.
COLLEGIALITY
Has never been known for social grace, and is often called rude. Would have terrible congressional relations, which is just how he’d want it
COMMUNICATION
Angry outsider tone might not work well from Oval Office. literary speeches-with footnotes provided. Sour press relations likely.
STYLE
Touchy-feely asceticism. Mute House as bachelor pad. Out state dinners. In: brown rice on grass mats to ease world hunger.
51 years old. Born: Lowell, Mass. Dartmouth, ‘62. Peace Corps, Ethiopia. Yale Law School. Lowell City Council, 196972. U.S. House, 1975-79. U.S. Senate, 1979-84. Experimental therapy believed to have cured lymphoma, 1986. Member, eight corporate boards, six nonprofit. Lobbyist for natural-gas company. Father ran small dry-cleaning business, mother died when he was 7. Wife Niki, lawyer. Daughters Ashley, 17; Katina, 14, and Molly, 10.
Watched his hometown sink economically. Survived cancer.
Saint Paul; Tsongie Bongie
“I’m not Santa Claus.”
Perception he’s a truth-teller; strong emphasis on economics. Self-deprecating sense of humor; Greek fund-raisers; lack of slickness. But: Untelegenic; strange accent. Bitter economic prescription. Sometimes sanctimonious.
What They Think
ECONOMIC GROWTH
Would declare a national economic “emergency” on first day in office. Favors investment and R&D tax credits to aid manufacturing. Would cut capital-gains tax on stock held long term; ease antitrust rules further; rechannel defense dollars. Opposes Clinton’s middle-class tax cut. Would raise top bracket of income tax to 33 percent and expand the availability of IRAs to promote savings. To encourage long-term thinking, companies would issue reports semiannually, not quarterly. Antiprotectionist, but calls for strong push to buy American. Wants a “flexible budget freeze” to reduce the deficit, but not specific.
SOCIAL POLICY
So pro-choice he wears a button. Says it should be a litmus test for Supreme Court nominees. Backs federally funded family-planning clinics and abortions for low-income women. Early sponsor of gay-rights bill, and willing to raise it publicly. No stated welfare policy. Counts on economic growth to ease poverty. Like other Democrats, backs a waiting period for gun purchases. Supports the death penalty for cop killers and major drug dealers.
ENERGY/ENVIRONMENT
Backs a yearly three- to five-cent gas tax increase to achieve energy independence. Supports some nuclear power. Early backer of solar energy, wilderness preservation, recycling, tax credits for conservation. Would pursue accord on global warming.
EDUCATION
Endorses merit pay for teachers, competency requirements, national standards, experimental voucher system that would include private-school tuition. College loans could be paid back as a percentage of future income. Likes school uniforms, longer days.
HEALTH CARE
Says Americans win not support a radical plan. Under his “managed care” system, employers or groups would offer plans. HMOs and private insurers would bid for contracts. This would introduce competition. Paid for by a 6 to 8 percent payroll tax.
NATIONAL SECURITY
Cut defense 30 percent scrapping SDI, the B-2 bomber. Backs 50,000 to 90,000 troop reductions in Europe, new “Marshall Plan” to aid former Soviet Union (CIS), including a business Peace Corps. In Congress took a liberal line; opposed Grenada invasion.
How They Might Govern
VISION
“Economic patriotism.” Narrow focus on restoring manufacturing base. Everything else secondary. Pro-business progressive. Tsongas Tsacrifice.
MANAGEMENT
Zero administrative experience. Would try to run government like a business. Believes in public-private “leveraging” instead of big bureaucracies.
COLLEGIALITY
Open, but no backslapper. Dislikes socializing. Might end up having more trouble with fellow Democrats than Republicans.
COMMUNICATION
Dweebish TV presence would make it hard to rally the country with speeches. Accent is off-putting, but speaks in clear, jargon-free metaphors.
STYLE
Eat-your-spinach with a side order of dry wit like favorite high-school teacher. Peace Corps galore. Cancer doc as kingmaker. Lots of pool parties.
52 years old. Born: Cumming, Iowa. Iowa State Univ. ‘62; law degree, Catholic Univ. Noncombat navy pilot in ’60s. Congressional aide, 1969-72. U.S. House, 1975-85. U.S. Senate, 1985-present. Father was a coal miner. Brother Frank’s deafness sparked interest in handicapped. Wife Ruth is a Washington corporate attorney. Daughters, Amy, 15, and Jenny, 10.
Saw WPA help his family. Publicized South Vietnamese “tiger cages” for POWs.
PAC-man
“Bullshit!”
Farm-state roots, union backing make him truest heir to old-time Democratic Party traditions. Strong orator. But: Crotchety tone. Special-interest ties. Swimming against the tide of history: Democratic voters are rejecting the liberal message, the messenger-or both.
What They Think
ECONOMIC GROWTH
Traditional Democrat who favors direct government intervention in the economy. Wants to “throw ’trickledown’ economics on the trash heap of history.” The only Democrat to oppose any form of capital-gains reduction. Opposes middle-class tax cuts as symbolic. With defense savings, would spend $60 billion annually on infrastructure-highways, bridges, sewers-and a huge job-training program. Offers tax credits for R&D in selected industries. The most protectionist candidate-the only one who opposes U.S.-Mexico free-trade agreement. Goes beyond other Democrats in backing farm supports. Says that anything businesses pay CEOs above $500,000 should get taxed as if it were profit.
SOCIAL POLICY
Emphasizes job creation over expanding welfare coverage. Backs the fun civil-liberties agenda. pro-choice, expanded child care, parental leave, pay equity. Prime sponsor of the newly enacted Americans with Disabilities Act, which extends access and civil-rights protection for the handicapped. Opposes the death penalty. Thinks crime-prevention efforts should focus on root problems in poverty, but little emphasis on the urban agenda.
ENERGY/ENVIROMENT
Booster of alternatives like ethanol and electric cars. Would impose fines on wasteful companies-like makers of gas guzzlers or overpackaged goods-and use the money as “fee-bates” to firms and consumers who recycle and buy efficient products.
EDUCATION
Argues for less reliance on property tax, more on boosted federal spending. Would create an ROTC-style college-loan program featuring four new national-service corps-for teachers, health-care workers, police and conservation-as a way to repay the loans.
HEALTH CARE
Supports universal health care, but isn’t likely to dump the existing system. Big recipient of PAC money from the health-care lobby. Says as president he would appoint a panel to develop a reform strategy. Backs preventative programs.
NATIONAL SECURITY
Halve the military in 10 years, saving $420 billion. Eliminate tactical nukes. Leave only 20,000 troops in Europe. A top pro-Israel PAC recipient. Led Senate fight against Persian Gulf War, Would ban aid to countries that spend more on military than human needs.
How They Might Govern
VISION
Back-to-the-future New Dealer. A Reagan of the left. Champion of farmers, blue-collar workers. Democrats have nothing to rethink or apologize for.
MANAGEMENT
No administrative experience. Has shown little concern about the sprawling federal bureaucracy, or the influence that special interests have over it
COLLEGIALITY
Aggressive–even cranky–in both public and private. Would work well with organized labor, but not Congress. Extremely partisan.
COMMUNICATION
A cussin’, fussin’ orator with echoes of Harry Truman and Hubert Humphrey. Ever-present signer for the deaf. Could be prickly with the press.
STYLE
Work boots in the White House. Sailboat on Potomac. Screenings with Hollywood left. Farm animals on South Lawn. Revenge of the old-time liberals.
