THE CHALLENGERS '96
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Show Lineup"
Program host Ken Bode introduces show. U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) says he's the only pro-choice Republican candidate, willing to fight the anti-abortion side. Bode (VO) describes Sen. Specter as a social moderate, bucking the trend in his own party dominated by conservatives. Sen. Specter opening Presidential campaign race, speaking to outdoor crowd waving "Arlen Specter '96" signs. Sen. Specter and wife Joan Specter greeting adult Caucasian male and female supporters. Sen. Specter holding Caucasian female toddler; Lincoln Memorial in BG. U.S. Senator Phil Gramm (R-TX) sitting across from Bode, saying that if people don't want to dramatically change the government, don't vote for him because he pledges to dramatically change government. Bode (VO) describing Sen. Gramm as a fiscal conservative who led the fight for a balanced budget during the Reagan Administration. Sen. Gramm campaigning for President, shaking hands with middle-aged adult Caucasian men and women at outdoor event. Sen. Gramm walking with wife Wendy Lee Gramm, down stairs lined with Navy soldiers, turning and shaking hands with a line of adult Caucasian men including Senator John McCain (R-AZ); "Gramm for President" signs in FG and Army band playing in BG. In studio, round-table panel consisting of Alan Murray of the Wall Street Journal, Gloria Borger of U.S. News and World Report, E. Michael Pakenham of the Baltimore Sun, and Carl Leubsdorf of Dallas Morning News.
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Senator Arlen Spector"
Program host Ken Bode in studio, stating this series will explore candidates looking to challenge U.S. President Bill Clinton's for President, with this episode looking at two candidates from opposite sides of the political spectrum, who were once Democrats. Bode begins with candidacy of Arlen Specter. Bode (VO) states that it was at the Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings that most Americans got their introduction to Senator Arlen Specter. U.S. Sen. Specter questioning Anita Hill at hearings: "But when you say that had not made the statement that he had sexual harassed you, that is at variance with your statement of the October 7th news conference." Bode (VO) states his questioning of Hill enraged many Americans, especially women, yet it was also surprising given Specter's long track record of supporting women's causes. Sen. Specter with wife Joan, waving from podium at campaign event; mostly African American adult women waving signs, cheering. Sen. Specter shaking hands with adult Caucasian woman.
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Senator Arlen Specter"
Host Ken Bode (VO) describing U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) as socially liberal but fiscally conservative, who has voted against his party more than any other of his Presidential rivals, and is the only Republican candidate to challenge the Christian coalition. Caucasian adult male Specter supporter holding sign praising pro-choice views; other supporters in crowd holding pro-Specter signs. Rear view Sen. Specter standing arm in arm with wife Joan in front of adult Caucasian male photographers. U.S. Senate floor, Sen. Specter speaking. Specter speaking at outdoor rally: "... especially a women's right to choose." Bode (VO) states that in 1992, Sen. Specter won a tough Senate re-election battle, and an even tougher battle against a brain tumor. Sen. Specter greeting, shaking the hand of adult Caucasian mother holding toddler, then shaking the hand of adult Caucasian father holding his toddler; crowd of supporters surround him.
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Senator Arlen Specter"
U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) with host Ken Bode in studio. Bode asks when Specter made the decision to run for President; Sen. Specter says the idea first started after he saw a Republican convention dominated by Pat Buchanan and Pat Robertson, which disturbed him, then he saw the Bush/Quayle ticket lose. When he was in Iowa in 1994 trying to push anti-abortion plank from Republican platform by advocating separation of church and state, he got booed, decided to do something about what was happening to the party and country. Bode asks where Sen. Specter thinks he fits within the nine candidates running for the President. Specter describes himself as a fiscal economic conservative who supports the line-item veto, the balanced budget amendment, bringing back the death penalty, and strong defense, but also someone who is a social libertarian. Specter believes he has the whole field to himself because everyone else has moved far to the right. He discusses affirmative action. Specter thinks in this era of political exploitation and polarization, he is a centrist in the Republican Party, and that America is usually governed from the center which is what the people tend to prefer. Bode notes the direction of the party seems to have been set by the Christian Coalition. Specter says it all depends on whether he can get more centrists involved, counts himself as the first Republican leader to challenge the fringe in a long time. Yet when Pat Robertson espouses that separation of church and state is nothing more than a leftist lie, that appeals to the 4% factor, or fringe.
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Senator Arlen Specter"
Program host Ken Bode asks U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) about the importance of the abortion issue to his campaign; Sen. Specter admits it's an important part of his platform, but not the dominant issue. Sen. Specter pulls out an index card which is a representation of his flat tax policy, promoting simplicity, economic growth, and less time spent filling out tax forms. Specter confirms it is a flat tax of 20% on individuals and corporations alike, with room for a few deductions such as home interest mortgages and charitable contributions. Specter goes beyond the flat tax and declares he has a plan to reduce violent crime, citing his experience in courtrooms and as District Attorney of Philadelphia as unique among candidates. Specter advocates for early intervention for juvenile criminals. Bode notes Sen. Specter began his political career as a prosecutor, namely as a D.A., which is the only elected office he has held. Bode asks how much of that style has he retained as a Senator and now as a Presidential candidate. Specter says being a prosecutor has been an influence on his political style and outlook, but also credits his family roots. Bode asks what about growing up in Russell, Kansas, and his father's immigrant roots is Specter bringing in to this campaign. Specter believes being a first generation American brings special appreciation for this country, experience he cannot pass down to his children in the same manner because they're unique.
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Senator Arlen Specter"
U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) talks about his father's veteran service and disability during World War I, which gave him appreciation for the disability check, and an appreciation for other immigrants --- strong borders are needed, but he opposes the anti-immigration rhetoric of other Republicans. Sen. Specter believes his experience and his family's past lend more to his personality type than his time as a prosecutor and District Attorney of Philadelphia. Program host Ken Bode notices that during the course of their conversation, Specter is not in agreement with some Republican revolution sentiments. Specter agrees with "general thrust" of Contract with America, specifically the idea of balancing the budget, but it must be done with a scalpel, not a meat axe. Sen. Specter believes there's a lot of fat in the budget, that it can be streamlined without affecting the social safety net. Bode asks Specter if he supports the balanced budget amendment; he does. Bode notes Sen. Specter started his political career as a Democrat; Specter says he inherited his parents' politics. Bode asks what made him decide to switch parties; Specter decided to switch to Republican Party after getting corruption convictions on labor union leaders. Local GOP representatives came and asked him to run as a Republican, which he did, while legally still being a registered Democrat. Bode notes Specter's tough stances on crime like "three strikes" laws, extending the death penalty to car jacking deaths and illegal drug enterprises, and making felons serve 85% of the sentences.
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Senator Arlen Specter"
Program host Ken Bode asks U.S. Senator Specter (R-PA) for his views on gun control; Sen. Specter notes the "three strike" laws are incredibly flawed in California, and need to be reformed, but he opposes gun control as ineffective to stop criminals from getting guns, and sentencing is the most effective measure. Bode goes back to his time in Pennsylvania, references his losses in political races for District Attorney of Philadelphia. Specter talks about his competitiveness and determination in politics. Bode brings up the Senator's Jewish faith. While he doesn't "wear it on his sleeve," he's very proud of being Jewish, and doesn't believe there should be mandatory prayer in school, remarking how it made him feel isolated as a child. Bode mentions Sen. Specter's wife and her career, asks what kind of First Lady she would be, i.e. the Hillary model or the Barbara Bush model? Specter says his wife would be the "Joan Specter model,: might retain her career as a Philadelphia City Council member as First Lady. Specter discusses her career experiences, notes she is very much her own independent person.
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Senator Arlen Specter"
Program host Ken Bode discusses with U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) his battle with a brain tumor. Sen. Specter thought life is very precious, laying down in a hospital bed the night before brain surgery, and every minute should be cherished. Bode asks if his health scare affected his views on healthcare in the United States; Specter thinks there's too much pessimism surrounding healthcare and the U.S. has ample resources to provide care to children and the elderly. Bode asks what Sen. Specter would say, to this point, is his major accomplishment as Senator; Specter says he's proud of introducing legislation against career criminals using guns, terrorism legislation that would protects American citizens around the world, and providing educational incentives for people becoming teachers and privatization to improve the public school system. Bode remarks that Sen. Specter has quite the independent streak in the Senate, asks why he voted against the nomination of Judge Robert Bork to the Supreme Court, which earned him the nickname of "Benedict Arlen"; Specter explains his rejection was because Bork's views of the Constitution were the most extreme of any nominee he'd ever seen.
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Senator Arlen Specter"
Program host Ken Bode notes that U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) has earned a reputation of being difficult to work with and for, so how would a maverick govern as President? Sen. Specter says that character traits of integrity, toughness, and principle are essential for leadership, that the Presidency is not meant to be a popularity contest in contrast to being an effective President. Bode asks him to name a "maverick" President, to which he names Abraham Lincoln and Harry Truman. Specter believes that if you have principle and purpose, you can get a lot more done than if you want to be everybody's favorite guy. Bode switches topics, notes the abortion debate has been a major issue since the 1970's. Specter wants to take the abortion plank out of the GOP platform, while saying he supports life and the diversity of opinion. He states he opposes abortion but favors measures to reduce them by promoting sexual abstinence and adoption, not a legal ban or restriction of abortion rights. He feels the hard-line anti-abortion position may have cost the Bush/Quayle ticket the election in 1992.
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Senator Arlen Specter"
Program host Ken Bode says one of Arlen Specter's defining moments is his performance during the Clarence Thomas hearings. Bode says Sen. Specter was a tough prosecutor there and made many women angry. Bode asks if Sen. Specter thought he was right and if he learned any lessons. Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) says he learned sexual harassment is a bigger problem than he thought, but given the time he had to prepare for questioning combined with his experience as a prosecutor, he feels he acted as professionally as possible. Bode asks for his views on affirmative action; Sen. Specter believes there is a place for affirmative action, but opposes quotas and reverse-discrimination. He also thinks it's disgraceful it's used as a divisive issue in campaigns.
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Senator Arlen Specter"
Program host Ken Bode asks U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) about foreign policy; Sen. Specter says his foreign policy will be to curtail proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, criticizes President Bill Clinton for being lax on North Korea's nuclear development. He is worried Iraq and Iran are building weapons of mass destruction, being supplied by Russia and some Western democracies. Sen. Specter says as President he'd expand the war on drugs. He would bring a sense of intensity to the White House, which may ruffle some feathers, but he would listen to others, especially key congressional leaders, and work to eliminate gridlock between the President and Congress. Bode thanks Sen. Specter; they shake hands. Narrated graphic of Specter's career achievements including developing the "single bullet theory" during the Warren Commission investigation of the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and calling for the elimination of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms following the Ruby Ridge incident.
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Roundtable Discussion on Sen. Arlen Specter"
Program host Ken Bode and journalists Alan Murray of the Wall Street Journal, Gloria Borger of U.S. News and World Report, E. Michael Pakenham of the Baltimore Sun talk about Presidential candidacy of Senator Arlen Specter. Bode asks Pakenham if this is the same Arlen Specter that he remembers from his early days in Philadelphia; Pakenham says yes, recalls Specter's involvement in the Warren Commission, and his focused performance when on camera. Specter came out of that Commission with the "single bullet theory" and a new national reputation, while others came out of it looking confused. Bode talks to Borger about Specter's most recent turn with public law enforcement investigations, the Ruby Ridge incident. Borger says once again Senator Specter took over those hearings, using his background and experience to lead the Senate charge and personally call for the abolition of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Bode asks Borger if any of this had anything to do with running for President; Borger believes that due to ten Republicans running for the party's nomination, Specter has to do something to separate himself from the pack.
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Roundtable Discussion on Sen. Arlen Specter"
Program host Ken Bode asks Alan Murray of the Wall Street Journal to discuss the maverick status of U.S. Senator Arlen Specter in the Republican party, most recently proved by being the only Republican to vote for the Democrat's alternate on Medicare. Murray says that vote makes it difficult for Sen. Specter to call himself a fiscal conservative since the Medicare cut would only be a third of what Republicans propose and Medicare eats so much of the budget. Bode brings up Sen. Specter's flat tax idea; Murray says it isn't a magic bullet and represents too large a cut to the rich to be politically beneficial. Bode asks Gloria Borger of U.S. News and World Report and E. Michael Pakenham of the Baltimore Sun about Specter's role in the Clarence Thomas hearings. Pakenham believes Specter is playing three dimensional chess when he took the immediate hit for going after Anita Hill only to be able to use that as positive chip within GOP circles now. Borger thinks the hatred he received at first from many women has come down since he is the only pro-choice Republican candidate, and has realized his need to modify his stance on Anita Hill and how pervasive sexual harassment against women in the workplace is. Alan Murray of the Wall Street Journal says many Republicans are happy Specter is running, not because they want him as the party's nominee but because he provides the right counterbalance to the religious right. Bode thanks his guests and previews the segment with Republican Presidential candidate, Senator Phil Gramm.
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Senator Phil Gramm"
U.S. Senator Phil Gramm (R-TX) with wife Wendy Lee, and sons Marshall and Jeff, at campaign rally; military band playing in BG. Sen. Gramm at speaking appearances, calling for "less government and more freedom... and I want our America back." Sen. Gramm surrounded by adult Caucasian male and female supporters, shaking hands.
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Senator Phil Gramm History"
U.S. Senator Phil Gramm (R-TX) giving campaign speech, saying, "I failed the third, seventh, and ninth grades, but it didn't make any difference to my mama."
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Texas A&M"
VS campus of Texas A&M University, young adult Caucasian men and women walking along sidewalk. Ken Bode (VO) says Senator Phil Gramm worked part-time at a bank while attending Texas A&M; he also got married and earned his economics degree within three years
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Senator Phil Gramm History"
Ken Bode (VO) notes U.S. Senator Phil Gramm was the only Democratic sponsor of President Reagan's tax and spending cuts, infuriating House Democrats and prompting them to kick Gramm from Democratic Caucus and off Budget Committee; in defiance, Sen. Gramm quit, resigned his House seat, switched parties, ran on Republican ticket, and won back his old job with his new party. U.S. House Representative Phil Gramm (D-TX) standing with U.S. President Ronald Reagan at the top of stairs to Air Force One. Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C., Capitol Building in BG. House Committee Hearing in progress. Rep. Gramm speaking at press conference. Still of campaign bus with "He Stood Up For Us, Now It's Our Turn: Vote Gramm Feb. 12" sign. Adult Caucasian female staffer writing down Gramm vote totals. Rep. Gramm making phone call following victory: "Just do me one favor. Tell Tip O'Neill and Jim Wright that I'm on my way back," crowd cheering in BG.
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Senator Phil Gramm History"
Sen. Phil Gramm (R-TX) walking down corridor in Capitol Building with adult Caucasian male and female staffers. Ken Bode (VO) states that in 1984, Gramm was elected to Senate. Sen. Gramm seated at desk, speaking to someone off-screen. Senate floor with Senators milling about, male and female staffers seated to side. Sen. Gramm speaking on Senate floor.
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Senator Phil Gramm History"
1988 Republican National Convention in Superdome. Ken Bode (VO) states that Sen. Phil Gramm was the principal author of many pieces of legislation designed to force Congress to curb the federal deficit. Adult Caucasian men cheering. U.S. Senator Phil Gramm (R-TX) speaking at convention: "Can you imagine how hard it is to be the Gramm of Gramm-Rudman, trying to do the Lord's work in the Devil's City?"
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Senator Phil Gramm History"
Ken Bode (VO) quotes Senator Phil Gramm: "I did not come to Washington to be loved, and I have not been disappointed." Bode (VO) states Sen. Gramm does not remember exactly when he had the idea to run for President, but thinks it was about the time he became Republican. U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm (R-TX) entering Capitol Building. Sen. Gramm campaigning for President, shaking hands with middle-aged and elderly adult Caucasian male supporters. Gramm telling supporters to remember to pick up signs after they're done: "Waste not, want not." Sen. Gramm feeding peanuts to circus elephant, adult Caucasian men taking pictures. Sen. Gramm walking through door with wife Wendy, double row of uniformed military cadets saluting. Sen. Gramm speaking to his supporters, "I want an America where families are limited only by the size of their dreams. I believe that America is worth fighting for, and with God's help, I believe that we can and will win this fight. Thank you, God bless you and God bless America."
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Senator Phil Gramm"
Program host Ken Bode in studio opposite U.S. Senator Phil Gramm (R-TX), asking him when he decided to run for President. Sen. Gramm thinks it was a gradual decision based on his belief that if America continues down its current path, "We're not going to be living in the same country we grew up in"; believes the country needs a President who can say no when it's the right answer, someone who can make the same hard choices in Washington that families and businesses make every day. Bode notes that Sen. Gramm refers to his mother a lot, asks what her influence was on him; Gramm describes her as practical person, attributes his love of learning to his father, but everything he learned about the world he learned from his mother. Gramm notes how after his father's death, his mother worked double shifts and consistently pushed him to get an education and go to college, no matter how often he failed in school. This persistence and refusal to let her dream die got him through college with a Ph.D in Economics. Bode notes how Sen. Gramm was first sent to Georgia Military Academy after failing three grades. Sen. Gramm says his brother explained this was his last chance to make something of himself or go work in cotton fields. Bode asks why he flunked 3rd, 7th, and 9th grades; Gramm can only recall the conversation between his 9th grade teacher and his mother about his ability to graduate high school. His mother was perplexed and said: "What does ability have to do with it? Phil's either going to college or I'm going to kill him." Gramm says he never doubted his mother and that book-learning was preferable to death.
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Senator Phil Gramm"
Program host Ken Bode recalls the first Senate office run of U.S. Senator Phil Gramm (R-TX), when he ran against incumbent Lloyd Bentsen, who was also running for President at the time. Bode wants to know what made Sen. Gramm think he was going to beat Bentsen. Gramm jokes he didn't want anyone accusing him of underestimating his abilities. He simply had a strong feeling about the direction of the country, but did not know many people and was grossly outspent by his opponent. Sen. Gramm says after the defeat, he apologized to his wife for at the time he was without a job and the money had been spent; she told him he had an opportunity few others did in that he traveled all around Texas, and people listened to him speak. Though he lost, Gramm says he had already decided to run again. Bode asks about Gramm's Democratic credentials, who explains that his grandmother was a dominant force in the family, and she saw Republicans as "those guys in blue shirts who burned down her Grandmother's house." Bode states Gramm was elected in 1978 to the House of Representatives and that Rep. Jim Wright got him on the Budget Committee. Sen. Gramm sees that as one side of the story, explains that he was one of those who put together the Boll Weevils Conservative Democrats who demanded a place on the Ways and Means Committee and Budget Committee. Rep. Wright acquiesced, but not "out of the kindness of his heart." Bode confirms he was kicked off the committee by House Speaker Tip O'Neill. Gramm says Wright also kicked him off, and it was because he had co-authored the Reagan Program as well as getting conservative Democrats and Republicans to vote for the Reagan budget. Gramm believes their objections were due to the fact his side won, not that his views were different.
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Senator Phil Gramm"
Program host Ken Bode asks U.S. Senator Phil Gramm (R-TX) what he wants the American people to think of as his most important accomplishment in Congress. Sen. Gramm doesn't think there's one thing he would choose, would like to be known as the author of the Reagan budget in the House, that he was a "foot soldier" in the Reagan revolution, and as President he would like to finish that revolution. Bode asks what still needs to be done; Gramm says the size and cost of government needs to be reduced so citizens can keep more of what they earn. He believes Washington makes too many decisions about how people's money is spent, businesses are run, and children are raised. His overall mantra is less government and more freedom. Gramm believes he stands out from the other contenders in either party because "people don't have to read my lips, they can read my record." If people don't want dramatic changes, smaller government, more money staying their pocket, and reform in how violent crime and welfare are handled, then he is not their man.
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Senator Phil Gramm"
Program host Ken Bode talks about the issue of immigration, bringing up U.S. Senator Phil Gramm's (R-TX) support for Proposition 187 in California. Sen. Gramm also brings up his idea to eliminate the possibility of states being able to make those decisions. Gramm mentions he has voted for doubling the size of the border patrol, that he believes in securing the nation's borders. He says more policemen guard the Capitol than the U.S. borders. As President, Gramm will commit to stopping illegal immigration. Bode asks about Sen. Gramm's stance on welfare and if the Senate bill is adequate as it stands; Gramm doesn't believe the Senate bill is enough, but is an improvement over what U.S. Senator Bob Dole proposed. Gramm would push for stricter welfare reforms such as work requirements, a provision to stop inviting immigrants to come here only for them to go on welfare, and illegitimacy. Gramm says current welfare policies subsidize illegitimacy, giving more money to those who have children out of wedlock. Bode asks for Gramm's stance on abortion; Gramm says he is pro-life and opposes taxpayer funding for abortion, also stating that as President he would appoint judges who interpret the Constitution as oppose to those who "make it up as they go along." Gramm believes one day America will realize the error of Roe v. Wade, but there is no consensus today. Bode asks about affirmative action; Gramm says he is committed to unlimited and equal opportunity for every American, that jobs should be awarded on merit alone, and if he becomes President he will overturn executive orders of affirmative action and abolish much-demonized "quotas" and "set-asides." "They are fundamentally un-American."
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Senator Phil Gramm"
Program host Ken Bode asks U.S. Senator Phil Gramm (R-TX) what he would do if he were President and a balanced budget amendment was not in place. Sen. Gramm says he would fight for a balanced budget amendment, but absent one would submit balanced budgets. Bode notes that Washington is in the middle of what seems to be redefining the role of government, commenting on the rolling back of many New Deal entitlement programs like welfare, Medicaid, and Medicare and asks if Republicans are going too fast. Gramm is not worried about going too fast or outrunning public opinion, but is worried about not following through with commitments made in previous elections. Gramm anecdotally states that rolling back entitlements may be painful at first but the public will understand the need to do so in the long run. Bode brings up Gramm's call for the elimination of the Department of Education, and asks how many other cabinets agencies would be eliminated under a Gramm Presidency; Gramm says he will work to eliminate "three or four" cabinet departments and merge the Commerce and Labor Depts, since workers and businesses don't have great differences. Energy Department would also be eliminated. In general, Gramm wants to end unnecessary programs taking money out of peoples' pockets, give local governments more authority and resources to handle their own business, and find ways of letting parents keep tax money to make better decisions than the government might on their behalf.
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Senator Phil Gramm"
Program host Ken Bode mentions allegations in subpoenaed diary pages of U.S. Senator Bob Packwood that he and Senator Phil Gramm conspired to engage in campaign finance activity in the amount of $100,000. Sen. Gramm (R-TX) corrects Bode by saying Packwood "suspected it might be a felony," before shrugging it off as something that doesn't concern him in the slightest, especially since the Ethics Committee concluded in one day that no wrong was done. Bode notes that Sen. Gramm raised a great deal of money while head of the Republican Senate Campaign Committee, and has done the same in the Presidential campaign. Bode asks Gramm if he finds anything objectionable in the way money is raised in American politics today; Gramm says he'd like to ban soft money contributions. Gramm states that Ralph Nader and other critics are financed by secret means. The same can be said of Political Action Committees which facilitate donations without accountability.
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Senator Phil Gramm"
Program host Ken Bode asks U.S. Senator Phil Gramm (R-TX) about potential running mates. Sen. Gramm says he will pick a conservative who wants to make the same dramatic changes he wants to make, but won't have litmus tests on any single issues. Bode asks what Sen. Gramm's wife, Wendy, would do in a Gramm administration; Gramm believes his wife would be knowledgeable about government matters and a trusted adviser to him, but says she doesn't see herself as an independent operator, would never see herself as a surrogate President. Bode asks who Sen. Gramm would to model his administration after; Gramm says he likes Reagan's style of strong identity and commitment to principles, although he feels he would be more hands-on. Bode thanks Sen. Gramm, they shake hands. Graphic showing Sen. Gramm's record of academic achievement, and prowess with fundraising, including a single evening fundraiser that garnered $4 million.
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Roundtable Discussion on Sen. Phil Gramm"
Panel discussion with host Ken Bode, Alan Murray of the Wall Street Journal, Gloria Borger of U.S. News and World Report, and Carl Leubsdorf of the Dallas Morning News, on the Presidential candidacy of U.S. Senator Phil Gramm. Bode notes that Borger has covered Sen. Gramm since he was in the House as a Democrat. Borger admires Sen. Gramm for the manner in which he switched parties, by announcing the switch, resigning his seat, running again, and winning. Bode asks Leubsdorf about Gramm's ouster from the House committee assignment while still a Democrat; Leubsdorf says Gramm glossed over allegations he was leaking the Democrats' battle strategies to the Republicans. Bode turns to Murray on Gramm being at the forefront of cutting budgets and devolving authority to states and local governments, putting him at the head of the Reagan revolution. Murray agrees Gramm is of the mindset to cut taxes and budgets, reducing the size of the government, with the exception of Texas. Gramm has no issue spending within and for the state of Texas. Bode turns to Leubsdorf on how Gramm is polling in Texas; Leubsdorf says Gramm is polling even with U.S. Senator Bob Dole and only four points ahead of U.S. President Bill Clinton, which is within the margin of error. Borger notes he has a "likability" problem even with Republican voters, is not doing well in New Hampshire.
THE CHALLENGERS '96 - "Roundtable Discussion on Sen. Phil Gramm"
Carl Leubsdorf of the Dallas Morning News notes a Times-Mirror poll in which people were asked if there were any candidates they would simply would not vote for and U.S. Senator Phil Gramm polled at 50% of Republicans. Unless he can overcome that, the strategy to get into a one-on-one race with Senator Bob Dole won't work. Program host Ken Bode notes that Sen. Gramm's strategy is to emerge as the alternative to Bob Dole. Leubsdorf says he may come in second in Iowa, although Alan Murray of the Wall Street Journal isn't sure it's going to happen the way Gramm is planning. Gloria Borger of U.S. News and World Report notes that while Gramm is trying to make a race between him and Dole, Dole isn't feeling threatened by him. Murray notes most Senators favor Dole over Gramm in terms of general likability. Leubsdorf quips Gramm has achieved his goal of not coming to Washington to be liked. Bode wraps up the round-table, previews next weeks guests Senator Richard Luger and Patrick Buchanan, signs off.