Presidential Politics:
At the time of writing this the presidential election is still a few short weeks away. San Diego has figured prominently in both major party's campaigns. We were the site of both the Republican National Convention and the final debate between President Clinton and Senator Dole. As a resident of this area, I had the opportunity to witness, from close proximity, a little of both events.
Circus Comes to Town
The Republican party came to town, and even though I tried various avenues, I was unable to get into the center for the actual convention. I did accompany my three daughters and granddaughter around the areas surrounding the center and the "free speech area" across the tracks from the building housing the event. The whole street adjacent to the center was blocked off and non-delegates weren't allowed to cross the street and walk outside the building. A literal army of police kept the unwashed hordes from getting too close to the sacred area devoted to the worship of "Smilin' Bob".
Pro Bad Taste
There were two counter protests going on the morning we visited the outer area. One was for pro-choice. The other was pro-life. Both groups were very outspoken, and the security presence there was heighten to the point of overkill. The "choices" held a large banner depicting the women's lives lost during the time of illegal abortions. The "lifers" handed out flowers, and I gladly took one until I learned the reason for the distribution was that they were to be placed upon the coffin of a dead baby. This whole episode gave me a sick feeling in my stomach and made me angry at the tastelessness of the organizers. This was not something I wanted my year and a half granddaughter exposed to.
GOParty's Presence
I had a few other brushes with the Republicans: One was at a local trendy shopping center, Horton Plaza, where a reception forced the mall to close early. The other was at the taping of Comedy Channel's Politically Incorrect where my family sat in the audience and witnessed the give and take between notables from both sides of the political fence.The San Diego Union Tribune was in its glory, covering the favored political agenda of the GOP.
It's Debatable
The other event that I witnessed from a close vantage point was the final presidential debate. While the debate was happening a few short miles away, a gathering of several thousand Democratic faithful gathered at the Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park to watch and welcome President Clinton after the event. Because of work, our family arrived later than most, but still had an outstanding view of the stage and the stadium type large screen video display to watch the exchange between the two men vying for the top post in the government.
Snidley Bob
It was a fascinating perspective. As Dole appeared on the screen it was as if the villain in a melodrama had just entered. There were boos and hisses and the sounds of general disgust. This repeated again and again as he made statements the crowd found hard to digest.
Home Field Advantage
On the other hand, there was applause and outright cheers as our president made his points. The evening took on the air of attending a home game in a winning season as opposed to the political event it really was. There was a school band, chorus and a professional rock band performing before and after the actual debate.
Hail to the Chief
The culmination of the event was the appearance of President Clinton and the first lady. The tension was palpable as the time drew near. Helicopters circled overhead with searchlights, follow spots swept the crowd, signs appeared in a sea of red,white and blue and finally on the large screen appeared Bill and Hillary walking down the columns toward the stage. From our vantage we couldn't see the actual couple at first, but finally we did. It was staged beautifully. You would have thought it was the second coming.
An Eleanor for Our Times
When the much-maligned First Lady appeared on the podium to introduce her husband, the cheers for the unfairly were deafening. The entire crowd had a good view and wanted her to know that she had our support. When the president finally appeared and spoke, the crowd was ecstatic.
At Our Best
What was heartening about this particular crowd was the diversity its people. All races and beliefs were well represented. The harmony of those of us in the "melting pot" gave me personally a special feeling that we were a part of the grand scheme of what is best in America. We may have differences, but when we have a leader who chooses to unite us, rather than divide, we continue to work for the guiding principals that our forefathers and mothers set forth over two hundred years ago, a true democracy. Perhaps (certainly) our country is flawed in many areas, but I trust we're always moving forward for the benefit of all our people and for the world as a whole.
Hugh Peebles________________Mid-October, 1996
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