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Election 2004: Some Historical Underpinnings

© John Jefferson

The current presidential election, which seems to be a duel between George W. Bush and John Kerry, has a strong historical similarity with the 1988 presidential election that saw George H.W. Bush face Michael Dukakis. Outside of the manifest political experience, both Dukakis and Kerry have been considered liberal Democrats and both George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush have been considered conservative Republicans. Both elections proved to be a battle of Texas versus Massachusetts and, in effect, North versus South. Considering the events of this past Tuesday, the stage may be set for a November face-off between Bush and Kerry. The issues remain relevant and important factors by which voter will decide which candidate to support.

George H. W. Bush used the "Thousand Points of Light" concept much the same way that Bush 43 is using the "faith-based organization" concept to encourage volunteerism and charitable work. Bush 41 said: "I have spoken of a thousand points of light-of all the community organizations that are spread like stars throughout the nation, doing good. The old ideas are new again because they are not old, they are timeless: duty, sacrifice, commitment, and a patriotism that finds its expression in taking part and pitching in." (Pine 71)

George W. Bush's support of religious organizations is a lightning rod that invites criticism in the face of a purported separation of church and state. Much of his rhetoric seems based on the "Thousand Points of Light" that his father espoused in 1988 and beyond. Bush's religious leanings and support are not wrong or inappropriate in themselves. However, they influence his positions on current political issues including economic issues relating to tax cuts ad gay marriage. The premise of cutting taxes for the wealthy with the idea that they will then spend that extra money in ways that help the overall economy, among them restaurant spending and investments. John Kerry contends that the wealthy do not need extra money nor are they willing to invest the extra money in ways that create more jobs for Americans.

George H.W. Bush experienced a similar political grapple in 1988 and 1992 with the "Read My Lips, No New Taxes" speech, one part of the overall economic position that cost him the 1992 re-election. Bush ended up betraying his pledge and his opposition, Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton and Texas Magnate Ross Perot, used that to their advantage on the campaign trail and in the voting booths. Clinton ran based on the slogan "It's the Economy, Stupid!" Do the events of this campaign so far beg the question "It's Still the Economy, Stupid?" We will see in the coming months if W. fights criticism of economic policies in the same manner in which Bush fought in 1988 and 1992.

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