The GOP's Policy Problem: Bush's Lack of Substance Continues to Haunt Challengers

As Texas Gov. George W. Bush revels in his record-breaking fund-raising totals and commanding lead in polls for the GOP nomination, his rivals are struggling to keep up. With Bush stuck on his "there will come a time for formal speeches and 10-point plans" stance, his challengers are scrambling to outdo him on substance and be ready to leap into the void should the bloom come off Bush's Texas rose. Whit Ayres, an Atlanta-based GOP consultant, notes that establishing credibility as serious, potential presidents is crucial, and one way to do that is to deliver thoughtful, reflective speeches and papers on critical issues of the day.

Key Takeaways:

• Former Tennessee Gov. Lamar Alexander is struggling to maintain viability, polling in low single digits and having raised only $2 million so far.
• Alexander's national political director, Brian Kennedy, cites the media's focus on polls, fund-raising, and endorsements as the reason for his campaign's lack of attention.
• Bill Schneider, a political analyst, suggests that Forbes's ads may have driven some of the large giving to the Bush campaign, drying up the fund-raising potential of other GOP candidates.
• Former Governor of Tennessee Lamar Alexander wants to triple the child tax deduction to $8,000, as part of his plan to strengthen the American family.
• Republican presidential candidates, including Steve Forbes, Dan Quayle, and Lamar Alexander, have proposed various policies to address issues such as Social Security, taxation, and defense.
• Former Vice President Dan Quayle proposes a 30 percent across-the-board income tax cut, while Forbes advocates for "one strike and you're out," no parole for violent felons.
• The media's focus on polls, fund-raising, and endorsements may be misleading, as historical examples suggest that these factors are not deciding factors in voter choice.
• GOP candidate Bob Dole faced a competitive race four years ago, despite having the most money, endorsements, and being ahead in polls.

Statistics:

• George W. Bush has raised an astounding $36 million in just six months, the most in the GOP nomination campaign.
• Candidates such as Steve Forbes and Dan Quayle have also proposed significant policy changes, including triple the child tax deduction and a 30 percent income tax cut.
• Republican presidential candidates have collectively proposed multifaceted plans to address various issues affecting Americans.
• Lamar Alexander has raised only $2 million so far, compared to Bush's $36 million.
• The fundraising totals of other GOP candidates have been dwarfed by Bush's substantial lead.

Sources:

• Steve Forbes' proposed policy to end parole for violent felons, citing the need for stricter laws.
• Lamar Alexander's proposal to triple the child tax deduction to $8,000, as part of his plan to strengthen the American family.
• George W. Bush's statement that there will come a time for formal speeches and 10-point plans, but for now he is focused on building his campaign.
• Whit Ayres' suggestion that GOP candidates need to establish credibility as serious, potential presidents by delivering thoughtful speeches and papers on critical issues.
• Juleanna Glover Weiss's statement that Forbes is targeting "conservative news junkies" and activating the party faithful through his speeches and media appearances.
• Bill Schneider's analysis of the potential impact of Forbes's ads on the Bush campaign's fundraising totals.