Buchanan Complicates Bush Bid (posted September 24, 1999)

The recent disclosure that Republican presidential candidate Pat Buchanan plans to bolt the GOP and seek the nomination of the Reform party dramatically complicates the task of presidential frontrunner George W. Bush. With a lead of 19 percentage points over Democratic candidate Al Gore, Bush's general election strategy has been to push a more moderate image and present himself as a compassionate conservative. With Buchanan on his right seeking to pick up votes from those who feel Bush has compromised conservative principles, Bush will face the inevitable tug between moving towards the middle to seek moderate votes while still trying to hold the support of the Republican right wing.

Look for Bush to criticize Buchanan on matters such as the candidate's extremism, his views out of the mainstream, his recent book with controversial opinions on Nazi Germany, and his lack of viability for the presidency. The crucial factor in the general election, from Bush's standpoint, will be the role of Texas billionaire Ross Perot. Should Perot support Buchanan and provide much needed financial support, it would give Buchanan a major platform from which to criticize Bush.

It is not just Bush, though, who faces problems. Buchanan represents a potential threat to the Democratic base because of his un-Republican-like views on trade and protectionism. Unlike most members of the GOP, Buchanan supports protectionist policies designed to shield working class jobs. This gives him a foothold with traditional Democratic areas.

Next year, look for both Republicans and Democrats to tar Buchanan as a dangerous extremist not to be trusted with the American presidency.