If Less Is More, Bob the Invisible Candidate’s the Most : <i> A new national poll shows that President Bush trails an “unnamed” Democrat by 48% to 40%. I can see it now ... : </i>

A man who declined to identify himself announced yesterday that he is seeking the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. The candidate, who was not recognizable even to any of the veteran political reporters, appeared at the Mayflower Hotel and said President Bush had allowed the country to “drift away” the last four years.

Saying he “couldn’t stay long,” the candidate refused to take questions.

“Will you tell us anything about yourself?” an exasperated reporter shouted.

“I am 5 feet 11 and weigh 168 pounds,” the candidate said.

“Do you have any positions on the issues?”

“Lots,” he replied. He then left the room.

MINNEAPOLIS

Four days after announcing his candidacy, the “unnamed Democrat” has widened his lead over President Bush to 53% to 39% among those stating a preference. The candidate also scored convincing victories in party primaries yesterday, causing candidates Tom Harkin and Bob Kerrey to drop out.

The unnamed candidate, who in recent days has softened somewhat and said the press and nation could call him “Bob,” has steadfastly avoided saying anything about himself. Asked where he lives, he replied, “In a house.” Asked whether he has any experience, he replied, “Doesn’t everybody?”

TALLAHASSEE

Bob, the Unnamed Democrat who has taken the country by storm, swept Super Tuesday primaries yesterday in an unprecedented write-in campaign. His appeal was so broad that party leaders are trying to persuade Bill Clinton, the lone remaining Democrat, to withdraw. Meanwhile, Bob widened his lead over President Bush to 59% to 37%.

Bob has devised a campaign strategy that may rewrite the book on modern-day politics. Seldom seen in public, he has campaigned largely through a seemingly nonstop series of 10-second TV ads, all introduced by a friendly voice believed to be that of Bob saying, “Here’s another idea from Bob.”

SAN FRANCISCO

All but conceding that Bob will be his Election Day opponent, President Bush has challenged the phantom candidate to a series of debates.

Through a nationwide fax, Bob thanked the President for the offer but politely declined.

A national telephone poll conducted after the exchange showed that Bob added another two points to his lead in a would-be race against Bush and now leads the President, 61% to 35%.

Meanwhile, Bush announced that the United States will send $3 billion to the former Soviet Union because ensuring its stability is vital to the national interest. In another of his patented 10-second ads that hit everything from prime-time network TV to MTV, Bob said: “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” He did not elaborate.

NEW YORK

Bob the Unnamed Democrat won his party’s presidential nomination last night on a unanimous first-ballot victory.

“Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy, Bob!” Party Chairman Ron Brown cried out. “Our destiny is restored!”

When the din subsided, Brown said, “Quiet, please. I have a message from Bob. . . . He says he has a vice president in mind, but he sees no reason to identify him for the time being.”

The arena again erupted in tumultuous applause, with everyone waving placards with the now-famous slogan, “Just Bob.”

WASHINGTON

Celebrating a resounding victory over President Bush, Bob delivered a 90-second national radio address last night in which he thanked the voters for their faith in him. Speaking softly from an undisclosed location, Bob promised not to divulge much about himself during his presidency but assured the country, “I know what I’m doing.”

Bob captured 94% of the vote, the most ever by a presidential candidate. While many pundits attributed his showing to the fact that no one really knows much about him, they were forced to concede that he revolutionized American politics.

During his radio address, Bob said he wouldn’t be living in the White House but wouldn’t say where he would be staying. He left a 900 number at which, he said, he could be reached “in case of an emergency.” The President-elect said he will submit any proposed legislation to Congress by courier.

In keeping with his desire for privacy, Bob said he wouldn’t be attending the presidential inauguration in January but would “probably send a representative.”

The President-elect closed his remarks by saying, “God bless you and take care of yourselves.”

Dana Parsons’ column appears Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Readers may reach Parsons by writing to him at The Times Orange County Edition, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, Calif. 92626, or calling (714) 966-7821.