Path: bloom-picayune.mit.edu!snorkelwacker.mit.edu!americast.com!americast.com!americast-post Newsgroups: americast.twt.news From: americast-post@AmeriCast.Com Organization: American Cybercasting Approved: americast-post@AmeriCast.com Subject: Headline Article Date: Tue, 3 Nov 92 15:19:55 EST Message-ID: \SE A;NATION;INSIDE THE BELTWAY \BY John McCaslin \CR THE WASHINGTON TIMES READY TO ROLL We're not sure which crowd is less confident about George Bush retaining the presidency, the Heritage Foundation or the Wall Street Journal. If the prez loses today, Wall Street Journal editors have ready for tomorrow morning's paper an article headlined "Why Bush Lost," written by Heritage president Ed Feulner. As for the tone, look for something similar to Mr. Feulner's 1992 "State of Conservatism," in which he wrote, "Conservatives supported George Bush and they got Michael Dukakis." ANNOYING MEDIA MORE By a 2-1 ratio, more Americans say they gain a better understanding of political candidates appearing on radio or television shows when the questions asked come from ordinary citizens rather than from journalists. That finding, from a Columbia Journalism Review and Roper Organization survey, might not sit well with ABC correspondent Sam Donaldson, who likes to hear himself ask questions. On last Thursday's edition of "PrimeTime Live," during which President Bush and Bill Clinton were interviewed, Mr. Donaldson reminded his audience that the ABC newsmagazine was "investigating media bias in this presidential campaign." "Unwittingly or not," wrote Associated Press critic Frazier Moore later, "the veteran ABC correspondent may have earned himself a couple of citations that very hour." Mr. Moore continued, "In his live remarks before and after the taped interview segments, the newsman didn't always seem so even-handed. "After the Clinton interview, Donaldson ticked off the candidate's remaining heavy campaign schedule, then congratulated him with a hearty, 'That's commitment!' No equivalent nod was directed toward Bush." SAME OLD THING Sister Souljah - who posed the question "why not have a week and kill white people?" - has told Syracuse University students that Bill Clinton won't get her vote. That won't surprise Mr. Clinton, who labeled Sister Souljah's remarks after the L.A. riots hateful. And President Bush won't be happy to learn that the sister sees no difference between him and Mr. Clinton. "I believe if Clinton becomes president the same things will happen that will happen if Bush stays as president." APRON STRINGS If Mr. Clinton proves the big vote getter today, the White House press corps can kiss Maine and the coastal town of Kennebunkport goodbye and instead make plans to wallow elsewhere while the commander-in-chief rests. And where might that be? If Bill Clinton's mother has her way, it will be close to Hot Springs, Ark., where little Willie grew up after moving from Hope at age 7. In fact, Virginia Kelley, Mr. Clinton's mom, sits on the Arkansas panel - the "Kennebunkport Committee" - that will present the possible new first family with a list of Arkansas vacation sites. The Clintons, who don't own a vacation home, have only one child, and Mrs. Kelley told one reporter: "I'd like to have Chelsea in my back yard. Wouldn't any grandmother?" DARTING THE SNAIL Al Gore told readers in his recent book "Earth in the Balance" how hard he fought to save the spotted owl in the Pacific Northwest. But where was Mr. Gore when those endangered snail darters needed his help to continue swimming in the then-Tennessee congressman's own back yard? Apparently not on the side of the fish. Mr. Gore sent a letter to a concerned resident of Fort Meade, Md., on Oct. 12, 1979, shortly after Congress enacted legislation exempting the Tellico Dam from the provisions of the Endangered Species Act. In it Mr. Gore wrote: "I consistently supported the completion of the Tellico Dam. . . . It was unfortunate that the controversy over the snail darter was used to delay completion of the dam after it was virtually finished. I am glad that Congress has now ended this controversy once and for all." WIN OR LOSE Regardless of the outcome of today's election, demonstrators will gather at noon Thursday outside the Old Executive Office Building adjacent to the White House to draw attention to White House Budget Director Richard G. Darman's role in "prolonging the recession." Organized by The National Center for Public Policy Research, a flyer is planned: "Not Wanted, Dead or Alive . . . Richard G. Darman." WEIGHING IN Weight Watchers International surveyed 326 registered dietitians attending an annual meeting on what advice they would offer each of the presidential candidates. President Bush scored well, with his regular exercise and lean frame mentioned most often. Texas billionaire Ross Perot received positive comments for his healthy appearance, though several respondents suggested he cut back on sugar and caffeine to help him relax. As for Mr. Clinton . . . well, he was advised to lose weight by reducing junk and fast foods, refraining from turning to food under stress, getting more sleep and taking care of his voice, which as of yesterday he was having trouble holding on to. IN CLOSING That he was born it cannot be denied. He ate, drank, slept, talk'd politics, and died. John Cunningham - c. 1750 This article is copyright 1992 The Washington Times. Redistribution to other sites is not permitted except by arrangement with American Cybercasting Corporation. 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