Jim Nicholson Has Answers
Veteran CBS News White House Correspondent Bill Plante is the host of the Smoke-Filled Room. Each week Bill invites a top political expert into the Smoke-Filled Room to answer your questions. This week's guest is Republican National Committee Chair Jim Nicholson.
Plante: Why do Republicans portray Democratic fund raising as if it is illegal and/or unethical? Historically they've raised more money than the Democrats.
Nicholson: The question isn't how much money you raise; the real question is, do you raise it in a lawful and ethical manner? The Democrats haven't, which is why they constantly try to change the subject - to how much has been raised or what new laws ought to be written.
Democratic fundraisers and donors have been found guilty of violating the law. The DNC and Clinton-Gore campaigns have returned over $3,766,324 in what even they admit were illegal or improper donations. They have taken money from the Chinese Communist military.
Recently, Gore's fundraiser, supporter and friend Maria Hsia was convicted of 5 felony counts for having laundered money through Buddhist monks and nuns.
Plante: What is George Bush's education plan?
Nicholson: Raise the bar of standards; give schools the flexibility to meet them; measure progress; insist on results; blow the whistle on failure; provide parents with options to increase their influence - and don't leave any child behind.
Plante: Do you think Bush would pick a pro-choice running mate? How would this hurt or help him?
Nicholson: Governor Bush has already said his principal criterion for choosing a running mate will be to choose someone that he feels comfortable could serve as President of the United States, and with whom he would feel personally comfortable.
The Republican Party is a pro-life party. We recognize a diversity of opinions within our Party and without, and bar membership to no person on the basis of his or her position on this issue.
At our National Convention, you will likely see Republicans of diverse opinions addressing the delegates from the podium; that stands in stark contrast to the Democrats, who tolerate no dissent whatsoever from their position on the issue.
Plante: What role will John McCain play in the Republican convention? How much influence does he have in the Republican Party?
Nicholson: Senator McCain is a respected member of the GOP and an influential leader in the U.S. Senate. He is energetically campaigning for Republican candidates around the country. He has proven his broad appeal - attracting tens of thousands of voters to the Republican primaries. We expect him to play a significant role at our Convention.
Plante: How much influence does the Christian coalition have with the Republican Party?
Nicholson: Republicans welcome people of all faiths in our party, because we celebrate the guarantee of relgious expression contained in the First Amendment. We believe that people should not be discriminated against nor denied a public voice based on their religion – or based on the fact that they are religious. We compete for the support of people of faith, and regret that the Democrat Party too often chooses to demonize such voters instead.
Plante: What do you think is THE issue of this year's presidential campaign?
Nicholson: I believe that when voters go to the polls in November, they will base their decision on who can best restore honor and dignity to the White House and who can best lead America into the 21st Century.
If these are the issues, then George W. Bush will emerge the winner, hands down. He has a record of integrity that is unparalleled. And from his accomplishments in education reform to the leadership he has shown in working across party lines, George W. Bush has demonstrated the ability and vision necessary to lead America into the new century.
Plante: How is Bush's message of "compassionate conservatism" playing with the voters?
Nicholson: From coast to coast, Americans of all political persuasions - and most significantly, thousands who've never been involved in politics before - are heeding Governor Bush's call for reforming public schools so that no child is left behind, knocking down the toll booths to prosperity for those on the outskirts of poverty, and restoring dignity and honor to the White House.
Plante: What are your thoughts on "open" primaries? Do they help or hurt the Republican Party?
Nicholson: Open primaries were born in the 1970s, and were seen as a means to give voters who would not normally have thought of themselves as Republicans an opportunity to vote in a GOP primary. Over the years, open primaries have worked very well, and we're very pleased with the results.
Plante: If, as chairman of the RNC, you could pick the vice president - whom would you choose? Second and third choices?
Nicholson: When I think about possible vice-presidential choices, I am impressed by the deep bench of men and women who would make outstanding running mates for Governor Bush. I am certain that Governor Bush will make the right choice for his campaign and for America.
Plante: It appears that most voters want stricter gun control laws, if not an outright ban on them. The outrage over the shootings at schools, offices and most recently, at the National Zoo has only gotten stronger with each incident. In light of this, why would the republicans have the NRA's Wayne Lapierre co-chair the recent G.O.P. gala and risk alienating millions of voters?
Nicholson: Republicans support the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens, and believe that we should enforce the over 20,000 gun laws on the books before enacting new ones.
Bill Clinton and Al Gore encouraged 197 House Democrats to defeat sensible gun lgislation sponsored by senior Democrat Congressman John Dingell (MI), which would have provided for instant records checks at gun shows, would have mandated the sale of trigger locks with handguns, would have banned the importation of large-capacity ammunition clips, and would have closed a Democrat loophole in the "Brady" law that currently exempts juveniles.
|
 |
About Bill Plante Credits: