Buchanan Presents His Preferred Platform

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, July 31) -- Conservative firebrand Pat Buchanan presented his proposals for the GOP platform, and said he won't endorse likely GOP nominee Robert Dole until he knows who the Kansan's running mate is.

Speaking to reporters at a news conference, Buchanan expressed irritation at not being offered a live speaking role at the convention, but said he would not try to disrupt the event or make competing speeches outside.

"We're going to that convention as Republicans; we hope to leave as Republicans" Buchanan said, echoing a previous statement. "But I am more committed to a lot of these ideas and issues than to any party label."

In addition to Dole's veep choice, Buchanan said his endorsement was contingent on how the party handles the abortion plank and the speeches given by convention speakers. Those include retired Gen. Colin Powell, keynoter Rep. Susan Molinari (R-N.Y.) and New Jersey Gov. Christie Whitman. "That's not a conservative lineup," Buchanan noted.

While rejecting tolerance language within the abortion-ban plank, Buchanan suggested a broad expression of GOP unity that would say, "Whether we debate cultural, social, economic or foreign questions, we have no litmus test for admission to our ranks; we impose no loyalty oath; we welcome all into the open forum that is the national Republican Party."

On Buchanan's list of platform priorities:

A ban on abortion, with no change in the abortion plank.
An across-the-board flat tax with some deductions.
A phase-out of capital gains taxes.
A "buy American" trade policy that imposes tariffs on Japan, China and other nations that maintain persistent trade surpluses with the U.S.
A policy to bring American troops home from foreign countries.

"These are not take it or leave it proposals," Buchanan told reporters. "These are ideas that will emphasize the difference between the Republican Party and Bill Clinton."

Buchanan Presents His Preferred Platform

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