Presidential candidates take note

While Vice President and Democratic Presidential nominee Al Gore�s choice of Connecticut Senator Joseph Lieberman to be his running mate has generally earned praise from political friend and foe alike, the choice is not without potential perils.

Hardly anyone in America will argue with the message of inclusion which the choice of the first Jewish candidate on a national ticket signals. No one would dare, and no one should dare criticize Sen. Lieberman because of his faith. That he is a man of strong faith who affirms a "God-centered reality" in his life may in fact be a welcomed step away from those who refrain from dialogue with religious institutions in our society.

But days ago, long before the choice of Mr. Lieberman was made public, back when Texas Governor and Republican nominee George W. Bush announced that former Defense Secretary Dick Cheney would be on the GOP ticket with him, some grumbling could be heard among members of the Congressional Black Caucus over the lack of any credible Black candidate on the Democratic Party�s vice-presidential "short list."

Voters, including Blacks, may not find Mr. Lieberman a particularly charismatic candidate at the very moment when Democrats will need to energize their core constituencies and at the same time when the GOP has in fact offered its own "diversity" program.

During its convention in Philadelphia, the GOP scored points in the eyes of the public, and energized its own tiny Black cadre by displaying virtually every Black and Latino participant involved in the proceedings during the portion of the program that was broadcast on prime-time television.

The danger this poses to Democratic hopes for retaining the White House is that Democrats need an aroused�alarmed even�Black electorate to flock to the polls out of fear that a Republican victory will mean a setback to something precious in their community. In 1964, for example Blacks and others turned out in large numbers to support Lyndon Johnson�s electoral bid, out of fear of Republican nominee Barry Goldwater. In 1998, Black voters turned out in large numbers concerned that Republicans would impeach and remove from office Bill Clinton, with whom they felt a close bond.

In the 2000 election, if Republicans manage to pacify Black voters with an image of their nominee and party as now "inclusive" and "diverse," those voters�who are critical for Democrats to win key industrial states such as Pennsylvania�may elect to stay home on Nov. 7.

On issues, such as health care, social security, abortion, and school "choice" concerning vouchers and charter schools, some of the differences between the parties have begun to blur slightly now that both vice presidential nominees have been chosen.

More troubling for both parties may be the issue of prayer in schools, and the issues relating to American involvement in the Middle East peace process, especially the status of Jerusalem and the possibility of locating the U.S.-Israeli embassy in that city which is a holy site for Christians and Muslims as well as for Jews. More troubling for both parties may be the issues concerning immigration and deportation, and the use of secret evidence in such proceedings.

What is necessary in this campaign year is a vigorous campaign of voter "inclusion" that "leaves no voter behind." That finds both parties competing energetically for the votes of all eligible Americans. In that process, the Million Family March on Oct. 16, 2000 has become an even more important event when it comes to sorting out the claims being made by the various politicians.

Bush, Cheney, Gore, Lieberman, Ralph Nader and Pat Buchanan must all recognize that no one racial, ethnic, or religious group, no matter how dominant its rhetoric or political clout has been in the past, has a patent on moral consciousness, uprightness, correctness, piety...on family values. Those values develop out of the principles taught by parents, which are exemplified in the actions of those parents so that the home becomes the nurturing ground.

As this political season becomes more and more intense, the Million Family March is becoming more and not less important with each passing day and with each new news development.