Editorial Reaction

A sampling of Friday's editorial reaction to Bob Dole's acceptance speech:

The New York Times

In his acceptance speech last night, Bob Dole demonstrated both the strengths and the weaknesses of his candidacy. It was moving to hear him describe his memories of the past, but he faltered in elaborating a vision for the future. Once again, he remained unable to integrate his newly adopted tax-cut plan into his own traditional economic views

USA Today

In accepting the GOP nomination Thursday, Dole took a critical first step, striking a theme many voters will applaud. The fundamental issue, he said, is trust.

The public's lack of trust in incumbent politicians has been a driving force in the elections of the '90s.

Clinton's many policy shifts have left voters justifiably wondering where he would try to take the country in a second term. "My opponent has of late tried to be a good Republican," Dole needled. But Dole's own policy changes and the mixed messages coming out of his convention - a shrill platform behind inclusive rhetoric -- raise questions he must address.

Houston Chronicle

"I will be frank," wrote Abraham Lincoln in indicating his ambition to be elected to the presidency. "The taste is in my mouth ... ."

Bob Dole, heir to the "Party of Lincoln" nomination for the presidency, is frankly savoring that same taste, and coming out of his mouth Thursday night was his strongest case yet for why he should follow that first Republican president into the White House.

The Atlanta Constitution

Dole's speech advanced the convention's two main objectives: to show Americans a party that looked unified -- even if only on TV -- and to give the GOP a fighting chance in November.

Japan: The Yomiuri Shimbun

"His speech gave little basis for how he will combine a tax cut with a balanced budget. His leading motivation is to seize a chance of recovering power, and that has resulted in his outlining a rose-colored economic policy. But we have yet to see a "Dolonomics" that will win over Wall Street and the American people..."

India: The Indian Express daily

Bob Dole is "no more verbally incomprehensible; no more devoid of the vision thing; and no more the cautious pragmatist proudly displaying the virtues of tradition and the advantages of biological seniority."

Related Stories:

• Revved-Up Dole Hits Campaign Trail - Aug. 16, 1996
• Dole Creeping Up On Clinton In CNN Poll - Aug. 15, 1996
• GOP Nominee Says Trust The Fundamental Issue - Aug. 15, 1996
• Dole Primed For Speech Of His Life -- Aug. 15, 1996
• Her Husband "The Better Man," Says Mrs. Dole -- Aug. 14, 1996
• Full Text Of Robert Dole's Economic Speech -- Aug. 5, 1996

Related Links:

• Bob Dole Biography
• Dole/Kemp '96 Online Campaign

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