Bush's Choice of Cheney Gives Gore a Freer Hand

The intense speculation surrounding Governor George Bush's vice presidential choice has shifted to Vice President Al Gore, who is seen to have a freer hand in selecting a running mate after Bush's selection of Dick Cheney. According to Democratic strategists, the selection of Cheney, a 59-year-old oil executive and former defense secretary, has given Gore a 70 percent relief and 30 percent glee, as cited by James Carville, a Democratic strategist and longtime adviser to President Clinton.

Key Takeaways:

• The selection of Cheney has elevated certain possibilities for Gore, including Senators John Kerry of Massachusetts and John Edwards of North Carolina, as they are seen as viable options with a "generational" appeal, according to a Democratic strategist.
• Gore has a short list of potential running mates, but has managed to bump into several of his prospects along the campaign trail, including Kerry and Edwards, as reported by campaign insiders.
• The selection of Cheney has relieved pressure on Gore to match Bush's choice in terms of charisma, region, or other qualities, according to Allan J. Lichtman, a specialist on presidential politics at American University.
• Mark Mellman, a Democratic consultant, believes that the Cheney choice could even provide momentum to Gore's candidacy, but notes that the selection of a healthy and attractive running mate is still essential.
• The Gore campaign is considering announcing its running mate selection the following week after the Republicans' convention, according to campaign advisers, to bring more dignity to the selection process.
• Michael S. Dukakis, the Democratic nominee in 1988, believes that the choice of Cheney should not make a difference for Gore, but still emphasizes the importance of selecting someone who can step into the role of president.

Statistics:

• 70% relief and 30% glee among Democratic strategists after the selection of Cheney, as cited by James Carville.
• 40-minute meeting between Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa and Warren Christopher, the chairman of Gore's search committee, to discuss the selection of a running mate.
• 61 years old, the age of Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa, who may be seen as part of the past and not the future.
• 59 years old, the age of Dick Cheney, the newly selected running mate.

Sources:

• "Bush Chooses Cheney, a Familiar Choice, as Running Mate, aide Says" by The New York Times on August 1, 2000 (authors not specified).
• "Analysis: Bush Chooses Cheney as Running Mate; Gore Favored to Win in 2000, pundits say" by CNN on August 1, 2000.
• Interview with Michael S. Dukakis by The New York Times on August 1, 2000.