Knocking Dubya
A Republican icon and a former member of the GOP had sharp words for George W. Bush's campaign for the White House over the weekend.
One-time House Speaker Newt Gingrich said the Texas governor's staff is too inexperienced for a national campaign. Reform Party presidential contender Pat Buchanan said Bush is "raising the white flag" and surrendering "in the cultural war for the soul of this country."
Gingrich, who left the national political spotlight when he stepped down as speaker in 1998, said Bush, the presumptive GOP nominee for president, needs to add more experienced advisers if the governor wants to beat Democrat Al Gore in the fall.
"There's too much Austin" in the Bush team, said Gingrich, referring to the Texas state capital and national headquarters for the Bush campaign.
Speaking in Richmond, Va. on Saturday, Gingrich drew a gasp from the audience when he predicted first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton would easily beat New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani in New York's U.S. Senate race - and then be the Democratic Party's presidential nominee in 2004 if Gore loses this year.
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Buchanan, the GOP's most prominent deserter, said on Sunday that Bush is "walking away from pro-family Republicans", because he's refused to rule out abortion advocates as potential running mates -- and he met with gay Republicans last week.
"Look, Republicans believe -- or used to believe -- the idea of preserving the family is critical, and any assault upon the family was really one of the reasons why this country is in such profound trouble," said Buchanan on Fox News Sunday.
"Mr. Bush is saying that this point of view (homosexuality) is thoroughly acceptable."
Buchanan also said Bush's apparent list of possible running mates gives Republicans reason for dismay, because it includes Govs. Tom Ridge of Pennsylvania and Christie Whitman of New Jersey -- neither of whom favors a ban on abortions.