A Focus On Education

Democrats To Emphasize Education Tonight

CHICAGO (AllPolitics, Aug. 27) -- Education is the Democrats' buzzword today, both on President Bill Clinton's 21st Century Express train and at the Chicago convention.

Picking up on Clinton's newly proposed education and literacy initiatives, tonight's speeches will paint the president as the savior of educational programs targeted for cuts by GOP nominee Robert Dole and House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.). Democrats will also emphasize the "Families First" congressional agenda to promote legislation on education, health care and job security.

Gov. Evan Bayh

As the keynote speaker, Indiana Gov. Evan Bayh brings to the Democrats what Rep. Susan Molinari (R-N.Y.) brought the Republicans -- a young, moderate face representing the future of the party. Indiana's tough-on-welfare governor is a reminder of the welfare reform bill Clinton signed last week. Bayh says his speech will be "positive" and "forward-looking." Partisan bashing isn't his style. Like Clinton, Bayh has had to work with Republican legislators to pass the popular bills, including education reform and balanced budgets, that he will tout tonight. "I intend to speak about traditional values and what we can do to renew them to meet the challenges of our own times ... and most importantly to create a better world for our children," said Bayh, the father of 9-month-old twin sons. Bayh is contemplating a Senate run in 1998 against Sen. Dan Coats (R-Ind.) and is mentioned as a presidential favorite for 2000.

First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton

The first lady will welcome delegates to her hometown of Chicago, but as for the rest of her speech, "it's still a work in progress," she said Monday. Aides say Hillary Rodham Clinton will respond to GOP nominee Robert Dole's comments that "it doesn't take a village to raise a child -- it takes a family." The remark from Dole's acceptance speech was a reference to Mrs. Clinton's best-selling book, "It Takes a Village," which emphasizes the community's role in raising children. Mrs. Clinton has a tough act to follow, after Elizabeth Dole gave a critically acclaimed speech in San Diego while roaming the convention floor, Oprah-style. Mrs. Clinton said Mrs. Dole's speech, while successful, doesn't increase the pressure on her.

Rev. Jesse Jackson

Clinton may be running to the center of the political spectrum, but he still gave left-leaning Rev. Jesse Jackson a speaking slot to showcase the party's diversity. Although Jackson still supports a universal health care program like Clinton's failed health insurance overhaul of 1993, the Chicago native will call for the various Democratic factions to put their differences aside and present a united front against the Republicans. The role of the civil rights activist as a vote-getter for the Democratic party has become more crucial with the addition of Jack Kemp -- a Republican with a strong African-American base -- to the GOP ticket.

Former Gov. Mario Cuomo

Tonight's speech by former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo wasn't confirmed until Monday night on CNN's "Larry King Live," so little is known about his appearance. The 1984 keynote speaker joins Jesse Jackson as one of the hard-line party liberals who will still make the case for re-electing a moderate like Clinton. Cuomo disagreed with Clinton's decision to sign the welfare reform bill and he said he would address welfare in his speech; not to mention his differing views would send a "confused message," he indicated.

Senate Candidate Victor Morales

Victor Morales, the high school government teacher who is challenging Sen. Phil Gramm (R-Texas) this fall, will have his three minutes in the national spotlight to drive home his message that ordinary citizens should be involved in the political process. "Let's not be so cynical," Morales told The Associated Press. "There is hope we can work together, Republicans and Democrats alike." A spontaneous speaker, Morales may peeve his appointed White House speech writer if he deviates from the prepared text.

Senate Candidate Harvey Gantt

Harvey Gantt, the former Charlotte mayor who is running against Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.), comes from a tobacco state that could be hurt by Clinton's decision to allow the Food and Drug Administration to regulate nicotine as a drug. But Gantt insists that voters are motivated by the "kitchen table" issues, including affordable health care and quality senior citizens' programs, that Clinton supports.

Also speaking tonight:

Tipper Gore, wife of Vice President Al Gore
Sen. John D. Rockefeller (D-W.V.)
Carolyn McCarthy, a Democratic candidate for a New York seat in the U.S. House

A Focus On Education

Democrats To Emphasize Education Tonight

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