Buchanan Offered Video Appearance At Convention

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, July 29) -- It's not exactly a prime time speech, but conservative firebrand Pat Buchanan has been offered an opportunity to address the Republican National Convention. The catch: he would be speaking on videotape.

For weeks, likely GOP nominee Bob Dole's convention planners were bent on denying Buchanan any role whatsoever. But Republican National Committee chair Haley Barbour, concerned about alienating Buchanan's potent bloc of conservative voters, weighed in to offer the former talk show host what Dole has asked of his other primary rivals: an issues-oriented speech recorded on videotape.

Buchanan reportedly will respond later this week, but previously he announced his desire for a prominent, live address, and has made his endorsement of the GOP ticket contingent on Dole choosing a pro-life running mate.

Dole forces had justified denying Buchanan an active convention role, in part, because he has not endorsed the Kansan nor officially ended his presidential campaign. Now, however, the video offer stands even without a commitment to endorse Dole.

How Buchanan responds remains one of the few loose ends for convention planners before the GOP gathering, scheduled for Aug. 12-15 in San Diego. It's a significant one though. Pitchfork Pat's supporters are planning a major rally in nearby Escondido for the eve of the convention. One way or the other, he is likely to be heard.

Buchanan Offered Video Appearance At Convention

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