The Written Word
for February 23, 2000

When one looks at the emerging presidential race in the United States from the middle of the road point of view you have to shudder that the next President might well be George W Bush. Here is a man who is so far right as to be an embarrassment. He seems utterly at sea on foreign matters and talks in muddled aphorisms. Moreover, he neatly fills Kim Campbells description of "charisma without substance." He is young and without any of the world’s experiences. His governorship of Texas has been mediocre at best though, in fairness, it doesn’t seem like such a tough job judging by the amount of time off it evidently affords those running for president.

On the other hand, John McCain seems not only like a decent sort but no one can deny he’s seen some hard knocks. And he’s a tough man. When a fellow prisoner in Hanoi during the Viet Nam war sought special treatment and early release for him, McCain refused. He now won’t speak to his would-be benefactor for taking early release himself. He is a man of ironclad discipline and definitely a moderate Republican as his win in Michigan showed. There 65% of Republicans voted for Bush, McCain’s victory only possible because of the "crossover" vote.

McCain is a moderate where Bush is hardline. McCain has some years and lots of experience on his rival while Bush’s principal asset seems to be his father’s name.

On the democratic side we see Al Gore as sort of the old guard and trying very hard to occupy the middle of the spectrum while Bill Bradley, no doubt sensing a political vacuum on the left has moved to occupy it.

What will happen?

Likely Bush will win if on money alone. And the wise money supports Gore and I must say that an election contest between Bush and Gore would be interesting, given their respective positions on the political side of things.

I suppose it’s none of our business – but it is, you know. Who goes into the White House is very important to us. All I can say is that I’m pulling against George Bush but if it came down to an election between McCain and Gore I’d have a tough time.