Voter's Voice

After Sen. Robert Dole announced his decision to quit the Senate to campaign full-time for the White House, we asked AllPolitics readers what they thought of Dole's decision. Here's a sample of what you told us via e-mail: editors@AllPolitics.com

"He's History"

I think that he is running scared -- and that he ought to be. He's history.

-- Jeanne Lee Cunningham, Lawrence, Kan.

"Looks Tired And Old"

I accept all the analysis presented by pundits, reporters, etc. But there's another point no one has mentioned: Dole has looked tired and old; by eliminating the demands of his Senate post and Senate seat, Dole can devote all his time and energy to campaigning and catching up on needed rest. This could work for or against him. On the one hand, we may see an impressive, more energetic candidate whose energy has not been sapped by the combined demands of campaigning and public service. On the other hand, if he STILL looks tired and lacking energy, despite the absence of non-campaign responsibilities, it could cast doubt on his ability to handle the demands of the presidency.

(And another factor in showing a younger, more vigorous Bob Dole, of course, is that he will have more time to keep his hair color touched up so there won't be prominent gray roots as there were late last week.)

-- Joann Gottlieb, San Jose, Calif.

"The Right Decision"

Senator Dole made the right decision to leave the Senate. A candidate must control his media coverage in order to focus a message. In January, Robert Dole will be inaugurated President. Why?

The dynamics of the swing vote are simply in his favor. All he has to do is sell himself as a leader. He must refute Clinton's claim that Republicans are dangerous. For solid, reliable, steady Dole that's an easy sell. Futhermore, contrary to some of the "conventional wisdom" that this election will be a referendum on Congress, this election will ultimately be a referendum on Bill Clinton's presidency. In focus group after focus group, voters are hard pressed to name any of Clinton's accomplishments. This spells bad news for the president. In other words, Bob Dole has every opportunity to beat the President. If the president's argument that he is protecting Americans from the extremist Republicans fails...good night, Bill. Only Harry Truman successfully ran against Congress. Bill Clinton is no Harry Truman. The country is leaning right. In the end, the voters are savvy enough to see through Clinton's rhetoric and focus on his record. Dole Wins!

-- David Adams, Monterey, Calif.

"A Political Windfall"

I realize how difficult it has been for Bob Dole to reach his decision to retire from the senate after 27 years to focus on his presidential campaign. It would be hard for anyone to leave a job that they have devoted so much time and effort to.

As a Democrat, however, I would consider this a political windfall. The White House is losing one more opposition vote in the Senate. It would also give fuel to the notion that if Mr. Dole cannot concentrate on fulfilling his duties in the Senate and running a presidential campaign, how would he be able to be President and run a presidential campaign as President Clinton is doing.

I wish Bob Dole luck in his campaign...but not too much!

-- Will Lester, Huber Heights, Ohio

"Pride And Arrogance"

I'm the same age as Dole, saw five battle campaigns in Europe and I hate to give up being important, too! But it takes four years to learn the ropes of being a president of this country, and he and I are too old to do the task that the present incumbent can do at fifty.

Bob Dole, isn't your desire to be president merely over-weaning pride and arrogance?

-- Pete Davis, Daphne, Ala.

"A Directionless Campaign"

Good strategy for Dole but demonstrates the desperation of a flagging and directionless campaign

-- Jeff Smith, Ann Arbor, Mich.

"Drastic Repackaging"

First off, I'm a Clinton supporter so, I guess, I'm biased. Dole's resignation acknowledges the failure of the Republicans in Congress and the lack of connect for the Republican message of which Dole is the manifestation. Nevertheless, it was a move he had to make. Like Tylenol, after the cyanide scare, Dole is damaged good and needs some drastic repackaging. He had to get out of the Senate so that he could market the new Dole -- Mr. America. Mr. America of the past.

I anticipate that the newly packaged Dole will be the Old Dole -- I mean the Dole of the old days. He will talk about patriotism, the flag, the farms, white picket fences and apple pie. In short, Dole will turn the negative of his old age into a positive element which will connect with American's strong nostalgia for the e past -- the good ol' days. Dole will be at this best talking about America and his patriotic past, the simpler times, duty, honor, country. . . .serving up plates and plates of apple pie with lots of vanilla ice cream. Many Americas will swallow this simple message which is easy enough for Dole to deliver. But don't expect any serious ideas. Dole with have difficulty talking about policy.

Dole should pick up at least five points in the short-run. His move will gain sympathy and force people to focus on what is a very heroic and honorable story about Dole's serious wartime injury, from which he almost died. He fought hard and became a success, and devoted most of his life to public service. But this will not earn him the presidency. I believe Americans will choose a real leader with ideas to change America for the better in the future, not someone who reminds them of a different time and place -- but who does not comprehend the present or the future.

-- Ari Goldberger, Philadelphia

More Voter's Voice

GOP Congress Not Omniscient -- May 14, 1996
Strategy For Dole -- May 3, 1996
New Hampshire Voters -- Feb. 20, 1996

AllPolitics home page