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The delegates responded to these other questions:
Elizabeth Dole's "unconventional style"
Can the platform process become more representative?
Is so much media coverage really necessary?A question from Jack McGraw - NYC
A "Sea Change" for Jack Kemp on Affirmative Action and Immigration?
Until a few days ago, Jack Kemp supported affirmative action and opposed the anti-immigrant policies of California's Proposition 187 (denying health and education benefits to the children of illegal immigrants). Now Kemp is trying to waffle on these issues and pretend that his beliefs are somehow in synch with Dole who opposes affirmative action and benefits for illegal immigrants.
What kind of a man or politician is this that doesn't stand by his beliefs, even in the face of a Presidential race? His flip-flopping is so obvious that it is even worse than Bill Clinton's -- and that's saying something. How can you as delegates support such political dishonesty?
Carl Tritschler-LA
No politician on the scene today is as dishonest and vacillating as Bill Clinton. To compare Jack Kemp to Slick Willie is absurd. Any vice-president must subordinate his or her views to that of the President. That is a simple fact. No two individuals will ever agree on anything all of the time; their philosophies must be compatible, however, and I believe that in the case of Dole/Kemp, they are. Taking the whole of Jack Kemp's record, it is clear that he is a conservative of consistent values and beliefs. I agree with Mr. Dole that we must address the problem of illegal immigration in our country and Jack Kemp shares those concerns. They only differ on the means and since Robert Dole is the GOP's nominee, he gets to choose the methods for solving the problem.Eric Koch-IN
Jack, I guess it's never too late to realize when you have been wrong about something, as Kemp was on these issues. I'm glad he's seen the light!
Arthur Bruzzone - CA
I understand your frustration. I have been with Jack on a number of occasions. I have always appreciated his mind and logic. He has, for example, never backed off on his gold standard case. So, I ask you to suspend your judgment. Let him explain the change in his views. You, and I may find the genesis of his arguments very enlightening, carrying more import.Jason Brinton - UT
You are right--Jack Kemp has supported affirmative action and has opposed the anti-immigrant policies of California's Proposition 187. He still believes this way. When he accepted the vice-presidency, he didn't say that he reversed his opinion on these issues--he said that he would yield his opinions on these issues to Bob Dole. By this I mean that his nomination for vice-president hasn't changed his principles--he will still personally oppose California's Proposition 187 and personally support affirmative action, however, as the vice-president, he will not use his views on any issues against the views of Bob Dole.
For example, Al Gore, before taking office as the current vice-president, held what much of America would consider "radical" environmental views. However, the Clinton administration had been quite moderate and mainstream in its efforts to balance protection and preservation with conservative environmental use. Al Gore's strong opinions about protecting the environment haven't changed--he has only yielded to the President in his public life on these issues.
Robert MacDonald - VA
Jack Kemp is a team player who understands that the person on top of the ticket calls the shots on key policy issues. To present a united view to the American public, Jack Kemp is willing to subordinate his views to those of Bob Dole, where conflict exists. However, knowing Kemp to be a great competitor, I fully expect him to privately engage Bob Dole in vigorous discussion prior to making key administration decisions. Once decisions are made, it is only proper for him to support Dole's decision. "A house divided against itself cannot stand." Politicians are people too, and should have the freedom to reevaluate their positions for the good of the country and, in this case, the good of the Republican ticket.Judy Pennycook-CA
First off, I can't believe anyone could compare Bill Clinton to Jack Kemp. There would be no similar points of reference. I can't speak for Jack Kemp, but I can speak to this man's ability and his leadership. I think that Jack Kemp will tell his own story, how he formulates his own opinions and I am not about to speak for our Vice-president to be. However, I am delighted and excited to have him as our Vice-presidential candidate and I look forward to him serving in the White House along with President Dole.Joyce Haas - PA
The question and statement are ludicrous and do not warrant a comment.
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