George H. W. Bush

George Herbert Walker Bush (born June 12, 1924) was the 41st President of the United States (1989–1993). Previously, he had served as U.S. congressman from Texas (1967–1971), ambassador to the United Nations (1971–1973), Republican National Committee chairman (1973–1974), Director of Central Intelligence (1976–1977), and the 43rd Vice President of the United States under President Ronald Reagan (1981–1989). He is the father of the 43rd and current president, George Walker Bush.

Presidential Campaign

In 1988, after 8 years as Vice President, Bush ran for President. Though considered the early frontrunner for the nomination, Bush came in third in Iowa, beaten by winner U.S. Senator Bob Dole and runner-up televangelist Pat Robertson. However, Bush went on to win New Hampshire and the nomination. Leading up to the 1988 Republican National Convention, there was much speculation as to Bush's choice of running mate. In a move anticipated by few and later criticized by many, Bush chose little-known U.S. Senator Dan Quayle of Indiana. On the eve of the convention, Bush trailed Democratic nominee Michael Dukakis, then Massachusetts governor, by double digits in most polls. Bush, often criticized for his lack of eloquence compared to Reagan, surprised many by giving possibly the best speech of his public career, widely known as the "Thousand points of light" speechhttp://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/georgehbush1988rnc.htm for his use of that phrase to describe his vision of American community. Bush's acceptance speech and a generally well-managed Convention catapulted him ahead of Dukakis in the polls, and he held the lead for the rest of the race.

Related Topics:
1988 - Bob Dole - Televangelist - Pat Robertson - 1988 Republican National Convention - Dan Quayle - Indiana - Michael Dukakis - Massachusetts

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The campaign was noted as particularly bitter compared to recent ones and became famous for its highly negative advertisements. One advertisement run by the Bush campaign showed Dukakis awkwardly riding in a U.S. Army tank. Another, produced and placed by an independent group supporting Bush, referred to murderer Willie Horton who committed a rape and assault while on a furlough from a life sentence being served in Massachusetts. The Horton case, and Dukakis's unconditional opposition to the reinstatement of capital punishment in the United States, played a role in creating the impression that Dukakis was "soft on crime." These images helped enhance Bush's stature as a possible Commander-in-Chief compared to the Massachusetts governor.

Related Topics:
U.S. Army - Tank - Willie Horton - Capital punishment in the United States - Commander-in-Chief

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~