Politics

Bradley Shoots For White House

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

January 25, 1999 / 6:42 PM EST / CBS

Bill Bradley kicked off his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination in New Hampshire on Monday.

The former U.S. senator from New Jersey asserted that he was "not really running" against Democratic frontrunner Al Gore while at the same time insisting that he was not a Washington insider.

"I have not been a part of the partisanship that has shaped the debate the last couple years," he said. "I'd be better able to attract independents and Republicans in a general election."

Bradley was on a three-day swing through New Hampshire, the first state to hold a primary and a key stop on the road to the White House.

A number of key New Hampshire Democrats have already signaled they would support Gore when and if he declares. But Bradley, a former professional basketball player for the New York Knicks, believes he offers a viable alternative because he had careers outside of politics.

Bradley left the Senate two years ago to become a lecturer, writer and small businessman.

While off to a good start, Bradley still has a long way to go to defeat Gore.

The vice president enjoys the support of President Clinton, stands to benefit from a booming economy and has already lined up most of the party's top elected officials, activists and donors.

Still, Bradley has a sports hero's glow, a solid record and a devoted following of activists many of whom owe him their political careers. Gore and Bradley backers alike say the race is not in the bag.