Dan Quayle’s Revenge
How come Dubya’s not reading his NR more?

Mr. George is an editorial writer for the New York Post & panelist, CNN’s Take Five
July 10, 2001 11:50 a.m.

he cover story a recent issue of National Review (July 19) had an essay by Ramesh Ponnuru entitled, "The Sins of the Father: How '43' Can Avoid The Mistakes of '41'." It was a world of advice for George W. Bush, suggesting how not to become his famous father.

And how does Dubya respond to NR's heartfelt suggestion? By heading north to spend his 55th birthday at the Bush family retreat, playing golf with Dad and brother Jeb.

If that weren't bad enough, the newswire stories Friday were: "Bush and Father A Comedy Team on Golf Course" and "Bush May Put Further Tax Cuts On Hold." What kind of jokes should we have anticipated on the links? "Read my lips: No new tax cuts!" Yikes!

Geez, all this New England family lovin'! No wonder the president and Sen. Ted Kennedy have been able to collaborate a little too well on the education bill: Whether we're talking Hyannisport, Massachusetts or Kennebunkport, Maine, it's summer in "Compound City," man!

This is good-natured jibing, of course, but it does underscore a problem facing the president — one we've seen before.

In January 2000, weeks before the New Hampshire primary, the Bush family descended upon the Granite State en masse. Perhaps the most awkward moment of the entire campaign came when former President George Bush urged voters to support "our boy." Shortly thereafter, McCain crushed Dubya in the primary. In retrospect, the Bush family visit was problematic in two ways. For one thing, it diminished the presidential candidate who didn't exactly do well in being called "boy" in front of prospective voters by his notably taller father — even if dad was the former commander-in-chief. Secondly, politically, the comparison was politically awkward to the elder Bush who was, on the one hand, a veteran and on the other hand somewhat squishy ideologically. Finally, it crystallized a sense that Bush had been coasting during the run-up to the primary, while McCain had camped down in New Hampshire and was working the state in overtime.

The awkward links to the administration of "41" extend in other areas as well — such as "running-mate issues."

Dick Cheney is clearly the administration's greatest asset has now, but has now, unfortunately, created the same cloud over Bush administration II that lingered over Bush administration I: Who will be on the ticket when the president runs for reelection? Under "41," the question revolved around Dan Quayle — media-generated speculation that the man was not experienced enough to become president. Ironically, one reason why Bush I picked Quayle in the first place was to project a sense of energy and youth as the first baby boomer on a presidential ticket.

Cheney, in turn, was selected to counteract similar preparadness concerns about Dubya — while leaving no question that he could step into the job himself if circumstances required. No one doubts Cheney's experience. However, his on-going heart condition now creates speculation that he will not be fit for another term. Thus, ironically, Dan Quayle exacts a certain sort of revenge upon this administration — another round of succession questions.

Given this backdrop, and that the past is prologue, the last weekend at Kennebunkport suggests that this White House is nowhere near as poll-driven as the Clinton one. According to Dick Morris, Bill and Hillary would poll to see where they should vacation. Had Bush done that, he might have learned that it might not have been so wise to be running to his folks place for a vacation — especially since he's sandwiching this birthday between two European trips. Remember, the — admittedly unfair — accusation that "41" was more interested in vacationing and spending time abroad than taking care of his agenda at home?

No, not everything should be seen through a political prism, but it's foolish to completely ignore the political ramifications of certain personal decisions. Bush is not exactly riding high in the polls right now. The Democratic Senate has come off a big win in passing the Patient's Bill of Rights and Tom Daschle feels that he's tactically in the driver's seat. (Ironically, Cheney's "pacemaker-plus" operation was announced the same day the PBOR passed — creating too-cute comparisons about whether HMOs would approve such a device for the average patient).

In one sense, all of this is background noise: Bush is just midway during his first year. Polls aside, he's more than fifteen months from the congressional mid-term elections. There's a whole lot of time before he can be considered in serious political trouble. He was elected, partially because of how he would distinguish himself from Bill Clinton. It seems clear that he must still do more to distinguish himself from his father. That means, at the very least, next time, he should invite the folks down to Crawford for vacation.

Oh, yeah, and read his National Review, too.