The Serious Candidate

Surprise—it’s W.

THE presidential campaign has been a clash of caricatures: the frat boy vs. the grind, insouciance vs. discipline, daring vs. safety, the appeal of personality vs. the appeal of issues. George W. Bush has been cast in the happy-go-lucky role. If Al Gore actually reads his 500-page briefing books, Bush makes do with an executive summary of the executive summary. Martin Peretz assures us (and assures us, and assures us . . .) that Gore is a bona fide intellectual. Peretz worries only that Gore may be too intellectual for Americans (who do not, perhaps, deserve him?).

About the Author

Ramesh Ponnuru

Ramesh Ponnuru is the editor of National Review, a columnist for the Washington Post, and a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

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George W. Bush

Al Gore

Presidential Election

Surprise—it’s W.

THE presidential campaign has been a clash of caricatures: the frat boy vs. the grind, insouciance vs. discipline, daring vs. safety, the appeal of personality vs. the appeal of issues. George W. Bush has been cast in the happy-go-lucky role. If Al Gore actually reads his 500-page briefing books, Bush makes do with an executive summary of the executive summary. Martin Peretz assures us (and assures us, and assures us . . .) that Gore is a bona fide intellectual. Peretz worries only that Gore may be too intellectual for Americans (who do not, perhaps, deserve him?).