CAMPAIGN ’88 : A Generation Gap?
Indiana Sen. Richard G. Lugar says he was bypassed as the Republican vice presidential candidate because of his age.
The 56-year-old Lugar said Bush opted for a younger candidate when he tabbed Indiana’s junior senator, Quayle, 41, to be his running mate.
“In truth, in New Orleans, I visited with the vice president and he indicated to me, as he indicated to (Kansas Sen.) Bob Dole, that he wanted somebody who is distinctly a generation removed,” Lugar said Sunday after autographing copies of his new book, “Letters to the Next President,” in Greenwood.
Bush “indicated he felt more comfortable with a person of a different generation who appealed to the voters and gave them thoughts of youth and the future,” Lugar said.
Lugar declined to say if he believes Quayle is the best choice.
“I accept the fact that the vice president exercised his judgment in trying to enhance his election,” Lugar said. “George Bush has to be given every benefit of the doubt to ensure his election.”
Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter
Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond. In your inbox three times per week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
