The Duel

Nashua, N.H.

MORE than a thousand sign-waving people are packed into a building the size of an airplane hangar in Milford, jazzed by The Bellamy Brothers’ warm-up act, waiting for the main event. First, George W. Bush’s siblings—and Elizabeth Dole, an honorary family member at least through the early primaries—take the huge stage. Then W. himself is introduced, and sidles up to the mike. “I’m a lucky man,” he announces. “I’ve got a great wife! I’ve got a lot of great friends’ Elizabeth Dole is a great friend of mine!” Then, his voice rising even higher, he introduces “two fabulous Americans, my mother and my father!”

About the Author

Rich Lowry

Rich Lowry is the editor in chief of National Review.

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Presidential Election

Republican Party

Nashua, N.H.

MORE than a thousand sign-waving people are packed into a building the size of an airplane hangar in Milford, jazzed by The Bellamy Brothers’ warm-up act, waiting for the main event. First, George W. Bush’s siblings—and Elizabeth Dole, an honorary family member at least through the early primaries—take the huge stage. Then W. himself is introduced, and sidles up to the mike. “I’m a lucky man,” he announces. “I’ve got a great wife! I’ve got a lot of great friends’ Elizabeth Dole is a great friend of mine!” Then, his voice rising even higher, he introduces “two fabulous Americans, my mother and my father!”