You Gotta Have Hart: A Different 1988 and Beyond
- Thread starter Meyer London
- Start date
Interestingly enough, it won’t be Colin’s head on the chopping block. Another, more politically motivated friend of Ronny is the culprit this time around.
Also a special hat tip to @Meyer London, that was a damned fine piece of HST forgery. It has all the cadences right. With my McGovern/Watergate fixation I have probably exceeded safe levels of HST, so I would know 
I appreciate it. I felt stoned just writing it.Also a special hat tip to @Meyer London, that was a damned fine piece of HST forgery. It has all the cadences right. With my McGovern/Watergate fixation I have probably exceeded safe levels of HST, so I would know
While I cannot speak for London, I have not, I will check it out in the near future!
Speaking as someone who read it, I feel it really works wonder for anyone considering doing a presidential primary in an ATL to read just to get as a general idea of how it can be done and also what can emerge purely by accident from it and so on...
Basketball and the Democrats
Gentleman Biaggi
Banned
June 15th, 1987
An excerpt from a speech given by Gary Hart in Dubuque, Iowa
“In a civilized and modern society, the kind I hope that you, the people, allow me to build by electing me to the highest office in the land, name calling and personal attacks are not allowed.
The working government of the future is bipartisan, not brutally factional.
Both of the parties in this country are at fault of this gross intolerance against one another already, and the startling thing about it is that it has become an interparty measure.
On my side, Lee Iacocca, a man who I disagree with entirely, has been attacking the character and appearance of the good men of the Democratic Party, a party he claims to belong to and wants to represent in this year’s election.
His words, mocking Senator Simon’s physical appearance and Senator Biden’s record in the senate, are not only offensive but also completely off-base. As a colleague to both, I assure you that they are good, hard working people who fight for the values of the working family every single day.
On the right the problem is no different, though it takes a less unusual demeanor compared to the circus currently engulfing my own party. The face of the hatred and insults is Lee Atwater, a man who’s name you might not know but you very well should.
Atwater works as a strategist and an advisor to the President, and yet his true job is to act as the hired hitman for the Republican Party. You see, Atwater is the one who has created all those attack ads against Senator Quayle that I’m sure you’ve already seen in the last few weeks.
This use of personal attacks, in either party, will tear this country apart. Mark my words now, if we do not choose the path of intelligence and respect, if we choose to wander towards the attractive glow of easy percentage points through mud slinging, we will go down together.
A house divided cannot stand, and I will add today that two parties divided will fall.”
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
June 15th, 1987
Lakers win NBA Finals Game Six, Take Second Series win in Three Years
Leading 3 games to 2 in the NBA Finals, the Lakers moved back to their home court to try and secure another championship for stars Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson.
At the half, however, it looked as if the Celtics were going to push the series to a deciding seventh game. Boston led 56-51 at the half, limiting Johnson to only four points with Dennis Johnson leading the Celtics in scoring with 18 first-half points.
The beginning of the second half began with three straight baskets for the Lakers, giving them a 57-56 lead that they would hold for the duration of the game, winning Game Six and the series by a score of 106-93.
Magic Johnson would finish with 16 points, 19 assists and 8 rebounds, winning the Finals MVP as well as his fourth NBA championship.
A dejected Larry Bird said after the game that “Magic is a great, great basketball player. The best I’ve ever seen.”
As the offseason begins, all eyes will be on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who at age 40 may consider retiring after an illustrious 18 year career. However, there is no way to know the intentions of Jabarr until he makes it known.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
June 22nd, 1987
Jesse Jackson, speaking to a crowd in South Carolina
“In the quest to end the spread of drugs, I want you all as a partner.
And no more excuses to hide behind - I was born in the slums, subculture, subclass, outcast, I was born in the slum, but the slum was not born in me.
And it wasn’t born in you! And it wasn’t born in you! And it wasn’t born in you!
And you stand tall - get up from there, and go forward! Go forward!
Go forward! Go forward!
Listen when I say that a President Jackson will not maintain the status quo. There’s a lot that friends and enemies alike can argue about regarding my ideas, but one thing they can agree on is it will be different from anything they’ve ever seen.
The budget, for instance. Four years at this state’s university now costs less than $30,000. Four years in the state penitentiary, more than $90,000.
I want to change priorities, I want to invest in a head start - in daycare, and in public education, and prenatal care, on the front side of life, rather than in prison care and welfare on the back side of life.
And any of you out there doubting my experience, saying, Reverend Jackson, you’ve never been elected to office. You’ve never passed a bill.
Well, let me ask you this. What does a President do, except set the moral compass for the country, put forth budget priorities, work with the Congress and have a foreign policy that is legal and coherent. I’ll tell you, Reagan and Bush have all the right résumés, but my god, look at this much deficit, look at the trade imbalance, look at what we’ve started in Latin America, with Noriega, and Middle East collapse, and South Africa.
We need leadership, a new sense of direction and courage in his or her direction.
When the primaries start, remember who is pushing the new ideas of this unique modern society and who is looking down the barrel of more of the same.
Thank you all.”
An excerpt from a speech given by Gary Hart in Dubuque, Iowa
“In a civilized and modern society, the kind I hope that you, the people, allow me to build by electing me to the highest office in the land, name calling and personal attacks are not allowed.
The working government of the future is bipartisan, not brutally factional.
Both of the parties in this country are at fault of this gross intolerance against one another already, and the startling thing about it is that it has become an interparty measure.
On my side, Lee Iacocca, a man who I disagree with entirely, has been attacking the character and appearance of the good men of the Democratic Party, a party he claims to belong to and wants to represent in this year’s election.
His words, mocking Senator Simon’s physical appearance and Senator Biden’s record in the senate, are not only offensive but also completely off-base. As a colleague to both, I assure you that they are good, hard working people who fight for the values of the working family every single day.
On the right the problem is no different, though it takes a less unusual demeanor compared to the circus currently engulfing my own party. The face of the hatred and insults is Lee Atwater, a man who’s name you might not know but you very well should.
Atwater works as a strategist and an advisor to the President, and yet his true job is to act as the hired hitman for the Republican Party. You see, Atwater is the one who has created all those attack ads against Senator Quayle that I’m sure you’ve already seen in the last few weeks.
This use of personal attacks, in either party, will tear this country apart. Mark my words now, if we do not choose the path of intelligence and respect, if we choose to wander towards the attractive glow of easy percentage points through mud slinging, we will go down together.
A house divided cannot stand, and I will add today that two parties divided will fall.”
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
June 15th, 1987
Lakers win NBA Finals Game Six, Take Second Series win in Three Years
Leading 3 games to 2 in the NBA Finals, the Lakers moved back to their home court to try and secure another championship for stars Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson.
At the half, however, it looked as if the Celtics were going to push the series to a deciding seventh game. Boston led 56-51 at the half, limiting Johnson to only four points with Dennis Johnson leading the Celtics in scoring with 18 first-half points.
The beginning of the second half began with three straight baskets for the Lakers, giving them a 57-56 lead that they would hold for the duration of the game, winning Game Six and the series by a score of 106-93.
Magic Johnson would finish with 16 points, 19 assists and 8 rebounds, winning the Finals MVP as well as his fourth NBA championship.
A dejected Larry Bird said after the game that “Magic is a great, great basketball player. The best I’ve ever seen.”
As the offseason begins, all eyes will be on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who at age 40 may consider retiring after an illustrious 18 year career. However, there is no way to know the intentions of Jabarr until he makes it known.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
June 22nd, 1987
Jesse Jackson, speaking to a crowd in South Carolina
“In the quest to end the spread of drugs, I want you all as a partner.
And no more excuses to hide behind - I was born in the slums, subculture, subclass, outcast, I was born in the slum, but the slum was not born in me.
And it wasn’t born in you! And it wasn’t born in you! And it wasn’t born in you!
And you stand tall - get up from there, and go forward! Go forward!
Go forward! Go forward!
Listen when I say that a President Jackson will not maintain the status quo. There’s a lot that friends and enemies alike can argue about regarding my ideas, but one thing they can agree on is it will be different from anything they’ve ever seen.
The budget, for instance. Four years at this state’s university now costs less than $30,000. Four years in the state penitentiary, more than $90,000.
I want to change priorities, I want to invest in a head start - in daycare, and in public education, and prenatal care, on the front side of life, rather than in prison care and welfare on the back side of life.
And any of you out there doubting my experience, saying, Reverend Jackson, you’ve never been elected to office. You’ve never passed a bill.
Well, let me ask you this. What does a President do, except set the moral compass for the country, put forth budget priorities, work with the Congress and have a foreign policy that is legal and coherent. I’ll tell you, Reagan and Bush have all the right résumés, but my god, look at this much deficit, look at the trade imbalance, look at what we’ve started in Latin America, with Noriega, and Middle East collapse, and South Africa.
We need leadership, a new sense of direction and courage in his or her direction.
When the primaries start, remember who is pushing the new ideas of this unique modern society and who is looking down the barrel of more of the same.
Thank you all.”
Fireworks on Independence Day
June 28th, 1987
Approaching President Reagan’s desk in the Oval Office, Vice President Bush knew that he had to present the situation that so bothered him carefully so as to not further stir up and already toxic problem.
In his hands was the article that Howard Baker had presented to him two weeks back, the one that suggested there were leaks coming from the White House. Bush knew Reagan would be dismayed by the identity of the man responsible.
“Ron, I need you to read something,” Bush said, handing the President the article. Reagan slipped on his reading glasses and got down to business. Bush stood awkwardly across the desk, not sure if to sit or stand.
“Well, what can you say, George?” Quipped the President after finishing reading the last paragraph, “The guy got the story right, didn’t he? Not flattering, but correct?”
“That isn’t really, the point, sir.” Bush said, annoyance flashing through his patient facade, “The problem isn’t that this set of information got out. It’s how it did.” Reagan still didn’t see the seriousness of the situation.
“It wasn’t me George, I swear!” He joked, holding his hands in the air. Bush realized he was just going to have to come out and say it.
“Look, Ron, the person who leaked the information. I think it was Paul Laxalt.” Reagan’s face shifted immediately, from jovial to serious to hurt.
“George, I am offended that you would even suggest this. Paul is my closest ally, confidant, and best friend.” Now it was Bush’s turn to appear hurt.
“Closest ally? Confidant? Best friend? I do not mean to be petty, Ron, but am I none of those things to you?” Reagan wasn’t about to change course, however.
“Look, I think we both know that we formed the ticket in ‘80 as a marriage of convenience. And over the last eight years you have become a great friend to me. I have every intention of helping you winning the White House in November of next year. Now what can I do to help you out here?” Bush only shook his head, with the same pained expression on his face.
“No, don’t strain yourself, sir. Let’s just continue on as convenient acquaintances.” With that, he turned on his heel and walked out of the room.
The casual observer would have been compelled to believe that the Vice President was actually harmed by the President’s casual dismissal of him. The Vice President had forgotten one thing, however.
Before he was President, Reagan was an actor. And he knew a crocodile tear when he saw one.
After he knew Bush was out of earshot, Reagan chuckled, an angry, guttural chortle, and muttered to himself,
“George is trying to play me? Yeah, we’ll see how that ends.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
July 1st, 1987
An excerpt from an article appearing in the Washington Post
Reagan Adds Fuel to Fire Amidst Rumors of White House Tension
Today’s biggest story out of Washington D.C. is the nomination of Appeals Court judge Robert Bork for the empty seat on the Supreme Court left by the retirement of Lewis Powell.
However, possibly the more impactful tidbit to come from the appointment is a comment made by President Reagan as he disembarked from the capitol steps.
A gaggle of reporters stood waiting for the President, asking the usual questions about the nomination. One token question, however, thrown out by a reporter in the gaggle asked about Senator and now-Presidential candidate Dan Quayle, who is expected to be the chief rival to Vice President Bush.
“Mr. President!” The reporter shouted, “What do you think of Quayle?”
Despite giving only a nod and a wave to the press as he descended the steps with his security detail in tow, President Reagan cocked his head as he heard this question.
“Quayle’s a swell fellow,” a group of reporters attested to the President saying as he ducked into a car that took him back to the White House.
This comment comes amidst rumors that a rift has been developing between the President and Vice President over the last few weeks.
It may have just been a slip of the tongue, but over the next few days it will be intriguing to see if anything else slips out through the less-than tight lips at the White House.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
July 4th, 1987
An excerpt of an article appearing in the New York Times
Where Will Each Candidate Spend Independence Day?
For those seeking the top office of this land, the campaign never ends - this is true about holidays as well. So, where will each of the candidates be making appearances this Independence Day?
For starters, Vice President Bush will be appearing in New York City along with President Reagan, as they did last year.
Also on the Republican side, Dan Quayle will be walking in various parades around the state of Iowa; Quayle continues to eye Iowa as a state where he can score an early victory in this primary cycle.
On the Democratic side, Gary Hart has flown back to Colorado to appear in his hometown of Aspen before spending the evening with his family. Jesse Jackson, meanwhile, will be marching in a parade in Charleston, South Carolina before also returning to his hometown, Greenville.
Lee Iacocca will be spending his Independence Day in Detroit, while Al Gore and Paul Simon will remain in Washington D.C. for the holiday.
The holiday is a welcome break from politics for the weary nation. Among other things, rumors of division in the White House and the verbal fireworks in the Democratic Party have many sick of the primary season already.
Hopefully the long weekend will supply ample time for the nation’s leaders to cool off amongst the July heat.
Approaching President Reagan’s desk in the Oval Office, Vice President Bush knew that he had to present the situation that so bothered him carefully so as to not further stir up and already toxic problem.
In his hands was the article that Howard Baker had presented to him two weeks back, the one that suggested there were leaks coming from the White House. Bush knew Reagan would be dismayed by the identity of the man responsible.
“Ron, I need you to read something,” Bush said, handing the President the article. Reagan slipped on his reading glasses and got down to business. Bush stood awkwardly across the desk, not sure if to sit or stand.
“Well, what can you say, George?” Quipped the President after finishing reading the last paragraph, “The guy got the story right, didn’t he? Not flattering, but correct?”
“That isn’t really, the point, sir.” Bush said, annoyance flashing through his patient facade, “The problem isn’t that this set of information got out. It’s how it did.” Reagan still didn’t see the seriousness of the situation.
“It wasn’t me George, I swear!” He joked, holding his hands in the air. Bush realized he was just going to have to come out and say it.
“Look, Ron, the person who leaked the information. I think it was Paul Laxalt.” Reagan’s face shifted immediately, from jovial to serious to hurt.
“George, I am offended that you would even suggest this. Paul is my closest ally, confidant, and best friend.” Now it was Bush’s turn to appear hurt.
“Closest ally? Confidant? Best friend? I do not mean to be petty, Ron, but am I none of those things to you?” Reagan wasn’t about to change course, however.
“Look, I think we both know that we formed the ticket in ‘80 as a marriage of convenience. And over the last eight years you have become a great friend to me. I have every intention of helping you winning the White House in November of next year. Now what can I do to help you out here?” Bush only shook his head, with the same pained expression on his face.
“No, don’t strain yourself, sir. Let’s just continue on as convenient acquaintances.” With that, he turned on his heel and walked out of the room.
The casual observer would have been compelled to believe that the Vice President was actually harmed by the President’s casual dismissal of him. The Vice President had forgotten one thing, however.
Before he was President, Reagan was an actor. And he knew a crocodile tear when he saw one.
After he knew Bush was out of earshot, Reagan chuckled, an angry, guttural chortle, and muttered to himself,
“George is trying to play me? Yeah, we’ll see how that ends.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
July 1st, 1987
An excerpt from an article appearing in the Washington Post
Reagan Adds Fuel to Fire Amidst Rumors of White House Tension
Today’s biggest story out of Washington D.C. is the nomination of Appeals Court judge Robert Bork for the empty seat on the Supreme Court left by the retirement of Lewis Powell.
However, possibly the more impactful tidbit to come from the appointment is a comment made by President Reagan as he disembarked from the capitol steps.
A gaggle of reporters stood waiting for the President, asking the usual questions about the nomination. One token question, however, thrown out by a reporter in the gaggle asked about Senator and now-Presidential candidate Dan Quayle, who is expected to be the chief rival to Vice President Bush.
“Mr. President!” The reporter shouted, “What do you think of Quayle?”
Despite giving only a nod and a wave to the press as he descended the steps with his security detail in tow, President Reagan cocked his head as he heard this question.
“Quayle’s a swell fellow,” a group of reporters attested to the President saying as he ducked into a car that took him back to the White House.
This comment comes amidst rumors that a rift has been developing between the President and Vice President over the last few weeks.
It may have just been a slip of the tongue, but over the next few days it will be intriguing to see if anything else slips out through the less-than tight lips at the White House.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
July 4th, 1987
An excerpt of an article appearing in the New York Times
Where Will Each Candidate Spend Independence Day?
For those seeking the top office of this land, the campaign never ends - this is true about holidays as well. So, where will each of the candidates be making appearances this Independence Day?
For starters, Vice President Bush will be appearing in New York City along with President Reagan, as they did last year.
Also on the Republican side, Dan Quayle will be walking in various parades around the state of Iowa; Quayle continues to eye Iowa as a state where he can score an early victory in this primary cycle.
On the Democratic side, Gary Hart has flown back to Colorado to appear in his hometown of Aspen before spending the evening with his family. Jesse Jackson, meanwhile, will be marching in a parade in Charleston, South Carolina before also returning to his hometown, Greenville.
Lee Iacocca will be spending his Independence Day in Detroit, while Al Gore and Paul Simon will remain in Washington D.C. for the holiday.
The holiday is a welcome break from politics for the weary nation. Among other things, rumors of division in the White House and the verbal fireworks in the Democratic Party have many sick of the primary season already.
Hopefully the long weekend will supply ample time for the nation’s leaders to cool off amongst the July heat.
Gentleman Biaggi
Banned
Sorry 'bout that. Meyer and I ran out of our stockpile of writing and are working on more now!
North, South and West
Sorry for the delay everyone!
July 8th, 1987
A letter from Hunter S. Thompson in response to mail he received from a fan
Dear Aaron,
I apologize for the delay in the return of this letter; as I’m sure you are aware, this past weekend was the Fourth and I was otherwise disposed for the better part of 48 hours. As you wrote, you’ve read all my ramblings that you call ‘books’, so I’m sure you can imagine what I was getting into over the last few moons.
Ah, and you may surprised that I spent the last couple days celebrating anything in regards to this backwards country. If this is the case, shame on you. Any excuse to drink and be merry is good enough for me.
I must say, sir, you raise a good point. You said it in the kindest words possible, but I agree; what I was doing in my last article was bitching.
Truth be told, both parties continue to show me why I have avoided the scene altogether since McGovern lost Nixon all those years ago. There was hope then, ah, was there hope. Maybe you remember this time, maybe you don’t.
On second thought, you better remember 1972; I don’t need some kid reading my stuff and losing out on his chance to experience all this sorry world has to offer.
God, Aaron, do you remember the vividity of ‘72? For the first time, it seemed we might actually have a shot. It was like we had found the most clean shaven guy at Woodstock, put him in a suit and thought he actually had a shot at the White House. Ah, we were hopeful, but young and stupid.
Anyway, back to the matter at hand. The complaining about this campaign does make me feel better, but it is also fair to say that it really isn’t accomplishing anything. Maybe it’s time to do something about it.
Stop, stop right there Aaron. I know exactly what you’re thinking, and I’m putting a stop to it here and now. No, I won’t run for President. I’ve seen what it’s like and I want no hand in the slaughter.
But, there are other ways to help. Maybe you’ll find out soon what I mean. Probably not.
Also, regarding your other question, no, I haven’t heard from any of the campaigns yet. I don’t think I will, unless Hart gets into the Ibogaine or Falwell traps me in a cage as human bait on a hunting trip.
Probably for the better. If I came into contact with any of those schmucks, I’m not certain I could contain myself for more than a moment; the instincts run strong through this one.
Oh, well. I’ve got an engagement with the publisher (the noose is tightening as I speak), so I must run. I appreciate the letter, and until I hear from you again, I remain,
Your friend,
Hunter
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
July 10th, 1987
A memo from Dale Bumpers, Democratic Senator from Arkansas
‘A Difficult Decision’
I will not be running for the office of President of these United States of America in the year 1988.
This decision has been weighing on me for months, ever since the first encouraging calls came from a few of my constituents from the great state of Arkansas. I’d like to thank these callers, for without them this decision would have been much easier.
When considering this chance the personal ledger weighed heaviest of all because a campaign means a total disruption of one's life and the lives of his family. 'It would mean a total disruption of the closeness my family has cherished, and if victorious much of that closeness is necessarily lost forever.
When the decision was the closest to being 50-50, a congressional friend of mine wrote, pleading with me to run, saying that America and all the people of the world want to reverse their all-too-common heritage of suffering and fear of annihilation. The next President can help do that.
And right now I would like to say that the next President should, and will, God willing, be Gary Hart of Colorado.
It may be unseemly of me to make an endorsement this early; to that I say nonsense. I believe that Gary is the wisest man in the field and the closest to representing my own views.
Again, I’d like to thank all of my supporters in Arkansas and the entire country for all of the kind words.
In solidarity,
Dale Bumpers
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
July 11th, 1987
“Oh, for Christ’s sakes!” Al Gore yelled, ripping up the memo set in front of him.
To tell the truth, Senator Howell Heflin of Alabama had never seen Gore this angry. He sat back, trying to cool down his usually mild mannered friend.
“Al, it’s not that big a deal.” Gore rolled his eyes at this.
“Not that big a deal? Not that big a deal? Aren’t southerners supposed to stick together? This is a mutiny. This is a big deal!” Gore slammed his fist down on the desk with every word of the last sentence, his face glowing red.
“Al, Dale has never stood with us and our values. You know what they call him in the press, right?” Gore looked momentarily confused.
“No, what?” Heflin laughed and shook his head.
“They call him ‘the Northerner’s Southerner’.”
“Is that supposed to comfort me, Howell? I feel like I’ve lost the South!”
Heflin took a sip of bourbon and shook his head again. Gore was charismatic, that was sure, but he was young. Too young, maybe.
“Al, we would never have had them in the first place. If Hart wouldn’t have gotten him, then Jackson would have.”
“Well, I guess that is true,” Gore said, the anger draining from his face.
“Look at it like this,” Heflin began, “this is a bigger hit to Jackson than us. He was relying on the more liberal Southerners, you have the moderates, the smart, common people, locked down.” Heflin could see Gore was placated.
“I hadn’t considered that.” Gore began, “Hart and Jackson could split the vote below the Mason Dixon line. If I can control the Southern votes, I can get on the ticket.”
“There you go,” Heflin said, “stay the course. And let’s get the South on the ticket.”
July 8th, 1987
A letter from Hunter S. Thompson in response to mail he received from a fan
Dear Aaron,
I apologize for the delay in the return of this letter; as I’m sure you are aware, this past weekend was the Fourth and I was otherwise disposed for the better part of 48 hours. As you wrote, you’ve read all my ramblings that you call ‘books’, so I’m sure you can imagine what I was getting into over the last few moons.
Ah, and you may surprised that I spent the last couple days celebrating anything in regards to this backwards country. If this is the case, shame on you. Any excuse to drink and be merry is good enough for me.
I must say, sir, you raise a good point. You said it in the kindest words possible, but I agree; what I was doing in my last article was bitching.
Truth be told, both parties continue to show me why I have avoided the scene altogether since McGovern lost Nixon all those years ago. There was hope then, ah, was there hope. Maybe you remember this time, maybe you don’t.
On second thought, you better remember 1972; I don’t need some kid reading my stuff and losing out on his chance to experience all this sorry world has to offer.
God, Aaron, do you remember the vividity of ‘72? For the first time, it seemed we might actually have a shot. It was like we had found the most clean shaven guy at Woodstock, put him in a suit and thought he actually had a shot at the White House. Ah, we were hopeful, but young and stupid.
Anyway, back to the matter at hand. The complaining about this campaign does make me feel better, but it is also fair to say that it really isn’t accomplishing anything. Maybe it’s time to do something about it.
Stop, stop right there Aaron. I know exactly what you’re thinking, and I’m putting a stop to it here and now. No, I won’t run for President. I’ve seen what it’s like and I want no hand in the slaughter.
But, there are other ways to help. Maybe you’ll find out soon what I mean. Probably not.
Also, regarding your other question, no, I haven’t heard from any of the campaigns yet. I don’t think I will, unless Hart gets into the Ibogaine or Falwell traps me in a cage as human bait on a hunting trip.
Probably for the better. If I came into contact with any of those schmucks, I’m not certain I could contain myself for more than a moment; the instincts run strong through this one.
Oh, well. I’ve got an engagement with the publisher (the noose is tightening as I speak), so I must run. I appreciate the letter, and until I hear from you again, I remain,
Your friend,
Hunter
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
July 10th, 1987
A memo from Dale Bumpers, Democratic Senator from Arkansas
‘A Difficult Decision’
I will not be running for the office of President of these United States of America in the year 1988.
This decision has been weighing on me for months, ever since the first encouraging calls came from a few of my constituents from the great state of Arkansas. I’d like to thank these callers, for without them this decision would have been much easier.
When considering this chance the personal ledger weighed heaviest of all because a campaign means a total disruption of one's life and the lives of his family. 'It would mean a total disruption of the closeness my family has cherished, and if victorious much of that closeness is necessarily lost forever.
When the decision was the closest to being 50-50, a congressional friend of mine wrote, pleading with me to run, saying that America and all the people of the world want to reverse their all-too-common heritage of suffering and fear of annihilation. The next President can help do that.
And right now I would like to say that the next President should, and will, God willing, be Gary Hart of Colorado.
It may be unseemly of me to make an endorsement this early; to that I say nonsense. I believe that Gary is the wisest man in the field and the closest to representing my own views.
Again, I’d like to thank all of my supporters in Arkansas and the entire country for all of the kind words.
In solidarity,
Dale Bumpers
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
July 11th, 1987
“Oh, for Christ’s sakes!” Al Gore yelled, ripping up the memo set in front of him.
To tell the truth, Senator Howell Heflin of Alabama had never seen Gore this angry. He sat back, trying to cool down his usually mild mannered friend.
“Al, it’s not that big a deal.” Gore rolled his eyes at this.
“Not that big a deal? Not that big a deal? Aren’t southerners supposed to stick together? This is a mutiny. This is a big deal!” Gore slammed his fist down on the desk with every word of the last sentence, his face glowing red.
“Al, Dale has never stood with us and our values. You know what they call him in the press, right?” Gore looked momentarily confused.
“No, what?” Heflin laughed and shook his head.
“They call him ‘the Northerner’s Southerner’.”
“Is that supposed to comfort me, Howell? I feel like I’ve lost the South!”
Heflin took a sip of bourbon and shook his head again. Gore was charismatic, that was sure, but he was young. Too young, maybe.
“Al, we would never have had them in the first place. If Hart wouldn’t have gotten him, then Jackson would have.”
“Well, I guess that is true,” Gore said, the anger draining from his face.
“Look at it like this,” Heflin began, “this is a bigger hit to Jackson than us. He was relying on the more liberal Southerners, you have the moderates, the smart, common people, locked down.” Heflin could see Gore was placated.
“I hadn’t considered that.” Gore began, “Hart and Jackson could split the vote below the Mason Dixon line. If I can control the Southern votes, I can get on the ticket.”
“There you go,” Heflin said, “stay the course. And let’s get the South on the ticket.”
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Nice one. Hmm, Hefflin, heard the name, but, don't know much about him. As for Thompson, he was nuts. I read somewhere that after he died, they shot his ashes out of a cannon.