Dukakis Receives a Frosty Reception From the NAACP : Official Stops Boos for Bentsen

The designated Democratic ticket of Michael S. Dukakis and Lloyd Bentsen got a cool reception and even some boos today from the NAACP, many of whose members had hoped the vice presidential nomination would go to the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

There was only scattered applause from delegates to the annual convention of the National Assn. for the Advancement of Colored People when the Massachusetts governor and the Texas senator entered the crowded ballroom.

It was in marked contrast to the rousing scene Tuesday night when Jackson addressed the same group.

‘Knowing Jesse’ Helpful

In fact, the first burst of enthusiasm from the audience came as NAACP Executive Director Benjamin Hooks, who introduced Dukakis, turned to the governor and said, “You know, knowing Jesse has been good for you.”

The audience applauded, and Dukakis smiled.

In his speech, Dukakis promised that as President his “door is going to be open.”

Then he went on, “I’ve learned a lot from Jesse and I’ve learned a lot from you.”

Bentsen followed Dukakis to the podium and said, “There can be no question where a Dukakis-Bentsen administration would stand on the important civil rights issues of the day.”

“Mike Dukakis and I are committed to making a difference for America,” Bentsen said.

Bentsen Booed

Some delegates booed when Dukakis turned the microphone over to Bentsen, and Hooks jumped in to ask the delegates for a warmer welcome.

Once again, the loudest applause came when Hooks referred to Jackson. Hooks looked at Bentsen and said he had “a tough act to follow. . . . Many of our delegates, as you know, wanted to see Jesse in this position.”

At that point delegates stood and cheered and applauded.

“I sympathize with you,” said Hooks.

Before Dukakis entered the room, Hooks told delegates to tear up hand-lettered signs many were carrying that read, “Jesse is qualified” and “What’s wrong with Jesse?”

Told to Destroy Signs

“Those of you who brought those signs, tear them up and act your age,” said Hooks.

Several delegates expressed disgruntlement less over Jackson’s not being chosen as over the fact Dukakis did not notify him in advance of Bentsen’s selection.

While the response at the NAACP convention was frosty, Dukakis and Bentsen got a rousing reception on Capitol Hill earlier today at a 45-minute private meeting with House Democrats.

“He sent one single message,” said Rep. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). “He wants to work with us and reach out to us. That’s what the Congress wants to hear.”

Will Support Ticket

Among those greeting the two men as they arrived was Rep. William H. Gray III (D-Pa.), the Budget Committee chairman and a senior leader among black House members. Gray said he had been disappointed that Jackson was not the choice for No. 2.

“But it’s been made, and I plan to support the ticket,” Gray said.

He said the two men will have to begin talking about issues of concern to blacks if they want to unite minority voters behind the campaign. “We are going to be concerned about long-term policy --civil rights . . . human investment,” he said.

Another member of the Congressional Black Caucus, which was to meet with Dukakis and Bentsen later in the day, said he believed the ticket has its work cut out to try to repair damage.

“I frankly think he’s made life a lot more difficult for himself and will have to work a lot harder,” Rep. Ronald V. Dellums (D-Berkeley) said of Dukakis.