DOCSLIB.ORG

Reagan Regains Definite Lead Over Mondale

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Reagan Regains Definite Lead Over Mondale The Harris Survey For Release: Thursday AM, August 16th, 1984 1984 no ISSN 0273-1037 REAGAN REGAINS DEFINITE LEAD OVER MONDALE By Louis Harris As the Democratic convention faded into past memory, the Olympics took over, and now as the Republican convention approaches, the presidential race has shifted once again. President Reagan now enjoys a clear 54-42 percent lead over Walter Mondale. Immediately following the successful Democratic convention, the race narrowed sharply, with a previous 8 point Reagan lead dropping to no better than 50-48 percent. With the GOP taking over center stage next week in Dallas, there is every likelihood this current 12 point Reagan lead will hold or increase. There are three ironies in these latest Harris Survey results, taken by tele­ phone between August 5th and 9th, among a cross sect~on of 1,287 likely voters nat~onwide: --First, the wave of patriotiSM that swept the country during the Olymp~cs added 2 points to President Reagan's vote total and took 2 points away from Mondale. W~th the spate of gold medals and the playing of the national anthem absorbing the attentlon of 51 percent of the voters, the criticisms of the president that seemed so effective at the Democratic convention faded from memory and there was a perceptible rallying behind the man in the White House, Ronald Reagan. Among just those who said they were "very ~nterested" in the Olympics, Reagan leads Mondale by a decisive 61-36 percent. More Republicans and independents than Democrats followed the Olympics closely, and when this skew is corrected it m~ght be expected that av~d Olympic fans would have gone for Rea0ar. over Mondale by 57-40 percent. Thus, the Olump~cs' exposure by itself added a full 2 points to the Reagan total and increased his lead by 4 points. Without the Olympics, the president would have been ahead by 52-44 percent, precisely where he was before the Democrat~c convention. --Yet another irony lies in the clear evidence that Walter Mondale is scor~ng effectively and has thrown the president on the defensive over the cla~~ that whoever occup~es the White House will have to ra~se taxes next year, if the federal budget deficits are to be brought down. Reagan has a substantial 12 point lead in vote preference, but when asked who would be best in "telling the people the truth about raising taxes," Reagan barely edges Mondale by only a 43-41 percent margin. As promising as the tax issue may be for Mondale, when the same voters are asked to say who would be better at "inspiring confidence in the Wh~te House," Reagan w~ns geing away by a 57-34 percent margin. Traditionally, such confidence comparisons have proven to be closely correlated with the ultimate outcome of the election. --The final irony is that in this latest Harris Survey, in a separate pairing for the vice presidency, Geraldine Ferraro trails George Bush by only a 1 point, 49-48 percent margin. Just after the Democratic convention, Ferraro was behind Bush by 50-18 percent. This means that even as Reagan widened his lead over Mondale, Ferraro remained a strong and powerful asset for the Democrats in this election. The nomination of a woman to an office only a heart beat away from the presidency had an electric effect, especially on women and younger voters. Mondale achieved a great deal by choosing the New York Congresswoman. (over) THE HARRIS SURVEY August 16th, 1984 -2­ However, this reading on the standings in the presidential race and in the pairing between Ferraro and Bush does not reflect the decision of Representative Ferraro's husband not to disclose his income tax statement. This is likely to cast a shadow over her candidacy and take some, if not much, of the special appeal she has created away from the Democratic ticket. Signs of hope for the Democrats that the Reagan-Mondale contests would end in an upset of frontrunner Reagan now appear to be fading, not long after the excitement generated by the Democrats in San Francisco is dying down. However, 1984 has been the longest political year in our history and much still lies ahead. While President Reagan has a real chance to move out to a lead resembling that of Richard Nixon over George McGovern in 1972, which never changed much straight through election day, now unknown events, mistakes, the debates, and the campaign itself have yet to come. Sweeping generalities and premature conclusions have a way of proving to be sorely mistaken, especially in American politics in the last two decades of the 20th century. TAB L E S Between August 5th and 9th, the Harris Survey asked a cross section of 1,287 likely voters nationwide by telephone: "If you had to choose, who as president could do a better job on (READ EACH ITEM) -- Ronald Reagan the Republican or Walter Mondale the Democrat?" REAGAN VS. MONDALE ON BASIC ISSUES Neither Not Reagan Mondale (vol) sure % % % -%­ Inspiring confidence in the White House 57 34 3 6 Telllng the people the truth about raising taxes 43 41 9 7 "In the election for president this November, it is between Ronald Reagan for the Republicans and former Vice President Walter Mondale for the Democrats. If you had to choose today, would you vote for Reagan or for Mondale?" REAGAN VS. MONDALE Reagan Mondale Not sure % % % 1984 August 54 42 4 July (Post-Convention) 50 48 2 ,July (Pre-Convention) 52 44 4 June 56 41 3 May 54 40 6 April 56 38 6 ~1arch 55 41 4 February 56 40 4 January 51 43 6 1983 December 51 45 4 November 54 42 4 October 50 46 4 September 55 41 4 August 50 45 5 July 49 46 5 (continued) THE HARRIS SURVEY August 16th, 1984 -3­ REAGAN VS. MONDALE (CONT. ) Repgan Mondale Not sure % % % 1983 (cont.) June 52 44 5 May 48 47 5 April 49 46 5 March 48 47 5 January 44 53 3 1982 April 48 43 9 March 46 51 3 "Now, if you could vote just for vice president, would you vote for George Bush, the RepublIcan, or Geraldine Ferraro, the Democrat?" BUSH VS. FERRARO Late July August (Post-Convention) % % Bush 49 50 Ferraro 48 48 t'iot sure 3 2 METHODOLOGY This Harris Survey was conducted by telephone among a cross section of 1,627 eligible voters nationwide, of whom 1,287 appear to be likely voters, within the United States between August 5th and 9th. Figures for age, sex and race were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with theIr actual proportions in the population. In a sample of this size, one can say with 95 percent certainty that the results are within plus or minus three percentage points of what they would be if the entire votIng po~ulation had been polled. This statement conforms to the prInciples of disclosure of the National Council G~ Public Polls. (CI 1984 World Rights Reserved Tribune Media Services, Inc. 720 ~o. Orange Ave., Orlando, Fla. 32801 842039 .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Edmund S. Muskie Papers Tape No. Description
    Edmund S. Muskie Papers Page 1 of 139 Container List for Series XVII.A Sound Recordings: Cassette Tapes Tape No. Description SC1 [Remarks at reception] Length: 10 min. 21 sec. Location: Saint Louis, Missouri. Date: September 10, 1968. Content: ESM remarks at mayor's home on 1968 election campaign. Audio quality: good. SC2 [Speech] Length: 42 min. 3 sec. Date: December 1968. Content: ESM on nemployment and labor concerns, inflation, cost of living, "working people in Me." Audio quality: good. SC3 [Speech] Length: 28 min. 57 sec. Date: January 30, 1969 Content: ESM on “Consumer Assembly." Audio quality: excellent. SC4 [Speech] Length: 24 min. 21 sec. Date: February 19, 1969. Content: ESM speaks before women's group on federal spending, priorities, anti-ballistic missiles, education, school lunch. Audio quality: good. SC5 [Press conference] Length: 5 min. 2 sec. Date: February 19, 1969. Content: Part of ESM press conference with Japanese officials, United States-Pacific Rim relations, arms race, anti-ballistic missile development, U.S-Soviet relations, pollution. Audio quality: good. SC6 [Question and answer session] Length: 58 min. 53 sec. Location: Cleveland Park, Ohio. Date: April 15, 1969. Content: ESM on urban problems with question and answer session, antiballistic missiles. Audio quality: excellent. SC7 [Speech] Length: 8 min. 58 sec. Location: Cleveland High School, Cleveland, Ohio. Date: 1969. Content: ESM on education. Audio quality: poor. SC8 [Interview with Ted Lippman] Length: 35 min. 58 sec. Date: April 24, 1970. Content: ESM on 1972 campaign plans, activities since 1968 election. Audio quality: poor. SC9 [Press conference] Length: 9 min. 59 sec.
    [Show full text]
  • A History of Maryland's Electoral College Meetings 1789-2016
    A History of Maryland’s Electoral College Meetings 1789-2016 A History of Maryland’s Electoral College Meetings 1789-2016 Published by: Maryland State Board of Elections Linda H. Lamone, Administrator Project Coordinator: Jared DeMarinis, Director Division of Candidacy and Campaign Finance Published: October 2016 Table of Contents Preface 5 The Electoral College – Introduction 7 Meeting of February 4, 1789 19 Meeting of December 5, 1792 22 Meeting of December 7, 1796 24 Meeting of December 3, 1800 27 Meeting of December 5, 1804 30 Meeting of December 7, 1808 31 Meeting of December 2, 1812 33 Meeting of December 4, 1816 35 Meeting of December 6, 1820 36 Meeting of December 1, 1824 39 Meeting of December 3, 1828 41 Meeting of December 5, 1832 43 Meeting of December 7, 1836 46 Meeting of December 2, 1840 49 Meeting of December 4, 1844 52 Meeting of December 6, 1848 53 Meeting of December 1, 1852 55 Meeting of December 3, 1856 57 Meeting of December 5, 1860 60 Meeting of December 7, 1864 62 Meeting of December 2, 1868 65 Meeting of December 4, 1872 66 Meeting of December 6, 1876 68 Meeting of December 1, 1880 70 Meeting of December 3, 1884 71 Page | 2 Meeting of January 14, 1889 74 Meeting of January 9, 1893 75 Meeting of January 11, 1897 77 Meeting of January 14, 1901 79 Meeting of January 9, 1905 80 Meeting of January 11, 1909 83 Meeting of January 13, 1913 85 Meeting of January 8, 1917 87 Meeting of January 10, 1921 88 Meeting of January 12, 1925 90 Meeting of January 2, 1929 91 Meeting of January 4, 1933 93 Meeting of December 14, 1936
    [Show full text]
  • Mock Democratic Convention DEMOCRATIC P
    Don't Moclc the Convention Washington and Lee Courtesy of 'Brud noy's Complaint' University February I 7, I 9 76 by syndicated colu mnist, David Brudnoy They've (Mock Convention students) done remarkably well. Wrong in 1912, '36, '40, '48, and '72- but then, no one else believed Ted Ken ­ nedy's renunciation at that point, either, and my own columns in May of '72 were ablazed with scorn for McGovern's chances - but right on target every other time. A convention, then entirely staged by Southern gentlemen, that could mock-nominate AI Smith in 1928, well, you know the lads went about their business seriously . They (the students) are everywhere these days, pursuing the latest statistics and running Media Coverage up a fierce 'phone bi II'. The pace accellerates The Mock Convention has become the nation's most each week. They are intent upon upstaging noted collegiate political event- primarily because of New York City and telling the world the the continuing emphasis students place on authenticity. Not only does it portray the candidate's strength and Democrats' choice three months before the strategy; most observers see the W&L event as a Democrats meet to choose. Right now the bet­ touchstone for the political role students will play this ting's on Humphrey or Carter; by May they'll summer. have narrowed their focus to a siuation closely The convention also indirectly attempts to answer many resembling that in 50 states. If Spring fever of the questions raised in the press over the campaign. Has the disenchantment surrounding McGovern's overtakes them, I guess they might nominate defeat and the Watergate era linger into '76? How Fred Harris.
    [Show full text]
  • Elizabeth Snyder Papers
    http://oac.cdlib.org/findaid/ark:/13030/kt438nf0xb No online items Inventory of the Elizabeth Snyder Papers Processed by David O'Brien California State Archives 1020 "O" Street Sacramento, California 95814 Phone: (916) 653-2246 Fax: (916) 653-7363 Email: [email protected] URL: http://www.sos.ca.gov/archives/ © 2009 California Secretary of State. All rights reserved. Inventory of the Elizabeth Snyder C138 1 Papers Inventory of the Elizabeth Snyder Papers Collection number: C138 California State Archives Office of the Secretary of State Sacramento, California Processed by: David O'Brien Date Completed: December 2008 Encoded by: Sara Kuzak © 2009 California Secretary of State. All rights reserved. Descriptive Summary Title: Elizabeth Snyder Papers Dates: 1937-1987 Collection number: C138 Creator: Elizabeth Snyder Collection Size: 3 cubic feet Repository: California State Archives Sacramento, California Abstract: The Elizabeth Snyder Papers consist of 2 cubic feet of records covering the years 1937 to 1987, with the bulk of materials covering 1953 to 1956, when she was Chair of the Democratic State Central Committee (DSCC), and 1977 to 1987, when she was active in the feminist movement in the Southern California region. Physical location: California State Archives Languages: Languages represented in the collection: English Access Collection is open for research. Publication Rights For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the California State Archives. Permission for reproduction or publication is given on behalf of the California State Archives as the owner of the physical items. The researcher assumes all responsibility for possible infringement which may arise from reproduction or publication of materials from the California State Archives collections.
    [Show full text]
  • Retiree News & Views
    RETIREE A PUBLICATION OF LOCAL 237 RETIREE DIVISION VOL. 22, NO. 4, NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 L & OC A L 237 20n16: AeYeaw r of Rsetiree Activivsm, Aicehievew ment sand Enrichment President Abraham Lincoln once said: “It’s not the years in your life health care to planning for the future. The retirees get involved. Through - that count. It’s the life in your years.” Clearly, he could have been talking out 2016, there were celebrations, seminars, parades, exhibitions, classes, about the retirees of Teamsters Local 237. Our retirees are activists who trips and calls to action in which the retirees enthusiastically participated. participate in many projects that range from political to historical, from Here are just some of the highlights of the year that underscore retiree the arts to education, from unionism to community engagement, and from ac tivism, achievement and enrichment. Counter-clockwise from the left: September 10, union strength was clearly on dis - I Retirees participated in a “Get-Out-The play with members of the Retiree Division and Vote” phone bank for the presidential election. Division staff joining the march in solidarity and Pictured: Olga Vassallo Perez, Elsie Ortiz, Doris pride. Welch and James Spicer. Charles W. Thompson I The Presidential election and what’s at and Nora Davila (not in photo) also participated. stake was the theme of this year’s Founders Day. I There was a Founding Convention in April A well-informed panel engaged in an insightful of the NYS Alliance for Retired Americans Edu - discussion on the topic. At the luncheon which cational Fund, at the NYSUT Headquarters in followed the panel discussion, Gregory Floyd, Latham, NY.
    [Show full text]
  • Why Insurgent Campaigns Rarely Win the Democratic Presidential Primary in the United States
    Athens Journal of Social Sciences Volume 6, Issue 2 – Pages 139-154 Why Insurgent Campaigns Rarely Win the Democratic Presidential Primary in the United States By L. Jan Reid* The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines insurgent as "one who acts contrary to the policies and decisions of one’s own political party." In this paper, an "insurgent presidential campaign" is defined as the campaign of a candidate who did not have the support of the United States of America’s (U.S.) Democratic Party establishment. A "populist campaign" is a subset of an insurgent campaign, because although all populist campaigns are insurgent campaigns, not all insurgent campaigns are populist campaigns. This paper defines a "populist campaign" as one that seeks to mobilize an unrepresented segment of the population against an institution or government, usually in defense of the unrepresented. Whether left-wing or right-wing, populist candidates seek to unite the supposedly uncorrupt and unsophis¬ticated unrepresented against supposedly corrupt dominant elites. Insurgent campaigns have rarely been successful in capturing the Democratic Party presidential nomination in the United States. Only three insurgent campaigns have been successful over the past 50 years: the campaigns of George McGovern in 1972, Jimmy Carter in 1976, and Barack Obama in 2008, all of which were populist campaigns. The paper analyzes U.S. presidential campaigns for the period 1968- 2016; reviews books and academic literature; and makes conclusions concerning the success and failure of insurgent campaigns. Finally, the paper recommends ways in which future insurgent campaigns could be more successful. Keywords: Insurgent Campaigns, Populism, Presidential Campaigns.
    [Show full text]
  • Synopsis of American Political Parties
    Synopsis of American Political Parties FEDERALISTS DEMOCRATIC-REPUBLICANS Favored strong central gov't emphasized states' rights Social order & stability important Stressed civil liberties & public trust "True patriots vs. the subversive rabble" "Rule of all people vs. the favored few" "Loose" constructionists "Strict" constructionists Promoted business & manufacturing Encouraged agrarian society Favored close ties with Britain Admired the French Strongest in Northeast Supported in South & West Gazette of the United States (John Fenno) National Gazette (Philip Freneau) Directed by Hamilton (+ Washington) Founded by Jefferson (+ Madison) First Two-Party System: 1780s-1801 During most of George Washington's presidency, no real two-party political system existed. The Constitution made no provision whatever for political parties. While its framers recognized that reasonable disagreement and organized debate were healthy components in a democratic society, creation of permanent factions was an extreme to be avoided. (The consensus among the founding fathers was that political parties were potentially dangerous because they divided society, became dominated by narrow special interests, and placed mere party loyalty above concern for the common welfare.) Hence, to identify Washington with the Federalist Party is an ex post facto distinction. Accordingly, Washington's first "election" is more accurately described as a "placement"; his second election was procedural only. The first presidential challenge whereby the citizenry genuinely expressed choice between candidates affiliated with two separate parties occurred in 1896, when John Adams won the honor of following in Washington's footsteps. The cartoon above shows the infamous brawl in House of Representatives between Democratic-Republican Matthew Lyon of Vermont and Federalist Roger Griswold from Connecticut.
    [Show full text]
  • Edmund Muskie
    Edmund Muskie Folder Citation: Collection: Records of the 1976 Campaign Committee to Elect Jimmy Carter; Series: Noel Sterrett Subject File; Folder: Edmund Muskie; Container 89 To See Complete Finding Aid: http://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov/library/findingaids/Carter-Mondale%20Campaign_1976.pdf -~ MUSKIE News RUSSELL OFFICE BUILDING • WASHINGTON, D.C. 20510 • TELEPHONE (202) 224-5344 CONTACT: Bob Rose FOR P.ELEASE PM Is 'IUESDAY Al From February 3, 1976 MUSIGE INIIDDUCES SPENDING REFORM BILL Sen. Edmund S. Muskie, D-Maine, introduced today (Tuesday) legislation to improve the degree of control Congress exercises over the federal bureaucracy by requiring Virtually every federal program to receive a formal review and reauthori- zation at tl.aast once every four years. The 11 Goverrnnent Econany and Spending Reform Act of 1976 11 would also require so-called zero-based review of the programs. Original cosponsors of the bill are Sens. William V. Roth Jr., R-Del. _, a.uu. John Glenn, r...... Ohio. ·· n ••• Government inefficiency is becoming today's number one villain," Musld.e said in a speech prepared for the Senate. :1Horror stories about bureaucratic .~ungling make good copy, and Pm Sti:;.'"'e that all of us ·at one time or another have ::heen guilty of taking a ride on some well-intentioned government worker's mistake. \)But I think the time has passed when the American people will be satisfied .. with such press release exclamations of outrage. lliey P.re ready for hard evidence and real results that prove we are serious about maldng governnent more productive.!~··: he said. Muskie said he submitted the legislation 11 not as a suggestion that· :we ab~ don our commitment to solving the nation's problems.
    [Show full text]
  • Rethinking American Political History Boston University Graduate Student Conference
    Rethinking American Political History Boston University Graduate Student Conference Saturday, March 21 9:00A.M.-10:30 A.M- Panel 1: “Reconsidering the 1972 Election” Chair: Katie Brownell Commentator: Bruce Schulman, Boston University Mark Nevin, University of Virginia. “Outflanking the Antiwar Movement: President Nixon, Polling, and the Battle for Control of Public Opinion.” Ross Nicolson, Oxford University. “Young People and the Democrats” Seth Blumenthal, Boston University. “Reshaping the Democratic Coalition: Frank Mankiewicz and George McGovern’s Presidential Campaign, 1972.” 10:45 A.M.-12:15 P.M.-Panel 2: Knowledge and Power: Expertise in American Foreign Policy Chair: David Atkinson Commentator: Andrew Preston, Cambridge University Anna Armentrout, U.C. Berkeley. “Experience, Expertise, and American Political Culture: Vietnam Veterans and American Students Abroad in the 1960s and 1970s.” D.J. Cash, Boston University. “’History has begun a new chapter’: The American Intellectual Community and the Outbreak of the Korean War” Simon Stevens, Columbia University. “Interdependence, World Order, and the Intellectual Origins of Jimmy Carter’s Foreign Policy” 1:15 P.M.- 2:45 P.M.- Panel 3- Race and Political Identity in the 1970s Chair: Lily Geismer Commentator: David Quigley, Boston College Joe Merton, Oxford University. “Ethnic Power! The Rise and Fall of the Politics of White Ethnicity” Leah M. Wright, Princeton University. “Black Republicans” Drew Meyers, University of Michigan. The Politics of Peace and Quiet: Senior Rights and the Battle over Age-Restricted Housing in Arizona, 1974-1989 3:00 P.M.- 4:00 P.M.- Keynote Address by Matthew Lassiter University of Michigan, “Political History beyond the Red-Blue Divide.” Sunday, March 22 9:00 A.M.-10:30 A.M.- Panel 4: Expanding the Civil War: Race, Violence, Women, and Abolition Chair: Jonathan Koefoed Commentator: William Leeman, Providence College Kellie Carter Jackson, Columbia University.
    [Show full text]
  • A Minnesota Footnote to the 1944 Presidential Election / Barbara
    0 A MmNESOm FOOTNOTE TOIHEIMI PRESIDIENTIAL EUEGTION 1 TT most notable event in what proved to be a losing cam­ Ij OR A SMALL STATE Minnesota has enjoyed paign against popular GOP incumbent Ronald W] unusual prominence in presidential politics of Reagan.' 11 the 20th century. Some cases in point: In the These are, of course, some of the more dramatic turbulent year of 1968 when Vietnam was the focus of Minnesota influences involving the presidency of the political debate, Minnesota Senator Eugene J. Mc­ United States. There are others, less sweeping in their Carthy, a Democrat, challenged the policy and leader­ effect, but nonetheless of some interest in completing ship of his own party's incumbent president. Mc­ the record of Minnesota's mark on the course of Ameri­ Carthy's win in the New Hampshire primary laid to can presidential politics. This is one such tale. rest the re-election hopes of Lyndon B. Johnson, whose withdrawal from the race opened the door for a contest IN THE SUMMER of 1944 the nations of Europe had between two long-time political cohorts—Senator Mc­ been at war for five years, the United States and Japan Carthy and Vice-President Hubert H. Humphrey. for nearly three. Franklin D. Roosevelt and Thomas E. Humphrey beat out McCarthy for the Democratic par­ Dewey were nominated by the Democratic and Repub­ ty's nomination but lost the election. Two decades be­ lican parties as contenders for the presidency. Wendell fore, in 1948, another Minnesota political legend was L. Wdlkie, the unsuccessful GOP choice in 1940, bad launched when former governor, Harold E.
    [Show full text]
  • FRITZ: the Walter Mondale Story” Documentary to Premiere on Twin Cities Public Television
    Contact: Jan Selby, Producer 612-889-3640 [email protected] Melody Gilbert, Director 651-336-5111 [email protected] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE URL: www.mondalefilm.org HI-REZ PHOTOS AVAILABLE. PRESS SCREENERS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST “FRITZ: The Walter Mondale Story” Documentary to Premiere on Twin Cities Public Television Filmmaker Melody Gilbert’s new documentary will have its broadcast premiere on Twin Cities Public Television in December ST. PAUL (December 1, 2008) – “FRITZ: The Walter Mondale Story,” a new feature-length documentary directed by award-winning Minnesota filmmaker Melody Gilbert and produced by Jan Selby, will have its broadcast premiere on Twin Cities Public Television on Wednesday, December 17th at 7p.m. The film explores the life and legacy of former Vice President Walter Mondale and his efforts to inspire a new generation to consider a life in public service. The documentary will be rebroadcast on Friday, December 26th on TPT2 and it will be shown statewide on TPT 17 on De- cember 27th at 7 p.m. “I think Melody Gilbert helps us teach history in a unique way that we should cherish,” said Walter Mondale after seeing the documentary. “FRITZ: The Walter Mondale Story” features interviews with President Jimmy Carter, Vice Presi- dent Al Gore, Senator Geraldine Ferraro, Governor Arne Carlson, colleagues, students and the Mondale family. The film, which is narrated by Mr. Mondale’s daughter Eleanor Mondale, also fea- tures family home videos, rare archival footage and recently declassified papers from Mr. Mondale’s years in the White House as Vice President to Jimmy Carter. “This film is named after me, but it’s really a film about Minnesota.
    [Show full text]
  • An Open Letter to My Democratic Colleagues and Party Leaders
    An Open Letter to My Democratic Colleagues and Party Leaders I became involved with our delegate selection Chisolm, the Convention elected George McGovern process as a delegate to the 1972 National Democratic as our Presidential nominee. Convention and President of the South Carolina My day job at the time was Executive Young Democrats 1971 – 1973. I have been Assistant to South Carolina Governor John West. He intricately involved with the process ever since. and other elected officials and party leaders felt that Some of you may recall the chaos our party the rules undermined their relationships with their endured in 1964 when challenges to a state delegate staffs and constituents. They felt it unseemly to resulted in a 50-50 split between the challenges and challenge a staffer, campaign worker, or constituent the official delegation, and a state delegation being to be a delegate and many of them disengaged from ousted in 1968. After the 1968 Convention the the process and the campaign. Subsequently, Democratic National Committee established the McGovern carried only one state and the District of Democratic Commission on Party Structure and Columbia. Delegate Selection, and named Senator George Following the 1972 Convention, I was named McGovern of South Dakota its Chairman. In 1969, to the newly created DNC Delegate Selection they published a report titled “Mandate for Change.” Commission. We were tasked with reviewing the rules and making recommendations for the 1976 The 1972 Convention: elections. Central to our discussions was how to keep McGovern resigned from the Commission in Governors, Congressional members, and other elected 1971 to run for President, and Representative Donald officials and party leaders engaged in the process Fraser replaced him.
    [Show full text]