Dole Vows Renewal With Trust

Promising sweeping tax cuts to revive America’s economy and old-time leadership to reverse what he termed the country’s moral slide, Republican Bob Dole accepted the nomination of his party Thursday night and pledged to create an administration “that is able, honest and trusts in you.”

The 40-minute address to cheering delegates served as a call to arms against the Clinton administration as well as a paean to trust, values and character--traits he said his opponent lacks.

While spelling out his policy differences with President Clinton and seeking to turn his age from a potential liability into a precious asset, Dole, 73, signaled that he intends to focus his campaign on what his strategists believe is Clinton’s chief weakness--public doubts about whether the president is trustworthy.

He also sought to turn the concept of trustworthiness to another purpose: implying that his version of smaller government, rather than the Democrat’s reliance on a larger bureaucracy, was evidence of the Republican Party’s belief in the power of the individual.

The fundamental issue, he said in remarks prepared for delivery Thursday night, is “not merely whether the people trust the president, but whether the president and his party trust the people, trust in their goodness, in their genius for recovery. For the government cannot direct the people, the people must direct the government.”

Employing the word “trust” no fewer than 10 times, Dole used the highly anticipated speech to “set a marker,” to “uphold a standard,” to repair a nation that he said has lost its moral compass and become obsessed with material success.

After four days in which surrogates ranging from Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas to his own wife, Elizabeth Hanford Dole, took to the podium to chastise the administration, the harshest attacks against it ultimately came from the Republican candidate himself.

“It is demeaning to the nation that within the Clinton administration a corps of the elite who never grew up, never did anything real, never sacrificed, never suffered and never learned, should have the power to fund with your earnings their dubious and self-serving schemes,” he said.

With Thursday night’s emotional address, which he has called the most important speech of his 35-year political career, Dole hopes to open a new phase in a come-from-behind race for the presidency that he earlier described as “one last mission” in service of his country.

Dole characterized his acceptance speech as one of the three most critical moments of his entire campaign. The first--choosing Jack Kemp as his running mate--was widely viewed as a strategic success. The last--a series of televised debates against Clinton--still looms ahead.

In a politically bold--but risky--move, Dole faced head-on the issue of age--one that has dogged his campaign since the primaries.

“Age has its advantages,” he said. “To those who say it was never so, that America has not been better, I say, you’re wrong, and I know, because I was there. I have seen it. I remember.”

Dole Video Aired

Keenly aware that most Americans know little about Dole, the GOP aired a video on the life of the former Kansas senator that was largely filmed in his native Russell a few weeks ago.

And in the most personal passage, Dole picked up on the theme, recalling his rural roots, the parents he loved and the landscape that made him the man he is today.

“I come from good people, from very good people, and I’m proud of it,” Dole said, invoking memories of his parents, Doran and Bina. “There’s no moment when my memory of them and my love for them does not overshadow anything I do--even this, even here.”

Dole aides hoped that the speech would be the emotional high point of the scripted four-day love feast that has been this year’s Republican National Convention.

Hours before Dole’s remarks, the final holdouts from GOP unity fell into line, when gays and lesbian party members officially endorsed Dole.

Rich Tafel, the executive director of the Log Cabin Republicans, acknowledged that the group had received no real policy concessions from the Dole campaign, which welcome the organization’s backing.

Dole faced several significant hurdles in his goal of making the speech a high point of the GOP extravaganza. The first was placed before him by retired Gen. Colin L. Powell, who gave a stirring defense Monday of the party he recently joined, saying it must always be “the party of inclusion.”

The second was placed by Elizabeth Dole, who took to the convention floor Oprah-style Wednesday night, charming delegates and guests as she introduced them to Bob Dole the man.

“I think I’ll let her give [my speech],” Dole cracked as he watched his wife.

A third obstacle was the speech itself. At an angry meeting on Tuesday, Dole complained about the address, which has been in the works since April. One aide said the candidate “shredded” the speech. On Wednesday speech writer Mark Helprin left San Diego in a huff.

Dole took Clinton to task for reducing the 1992 election to the barren slogan, “It’s the economy, stupid.” He said, “In the last presidential election, you, the people, were gravely insulted.”

But he quickly segued to his own economic plan, which is based on a 15% across-the-board cut in income tax rates, a 50% cut in the capital-gains tax to 14%, an expansion of individual retirement accounts, a revamping of the Internal Revenue Service and a $500-per-child tax credit for low- and middle-income families.

“A government that seizes control of the economy for the good of the people, ends up seizing control of the people for the good of the economy,” he said.

Kemp, who delivered his acceptance speech before Dole, spoke as well of his modest upbringing in Los Angeles and praised his parents, who taught him to “never give up.”

Kemp said he and Dole intended to “take our message of growth, hope, leadership and cultural renewal to all Americans.” The acceptance speeches capped a convention bathed in harmony to an extent that few had dared imagine only last week.

“It could have been a disaster and that was averted,” said Rep. Rick Lazio of New York.

Added Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania: “It’s remarkable we were able to pull this off. Two weeks ago, there was real concern this could be a funeral march. I was not looking forward to coming to San Diego. I had real concerns about whether Bob Dole would hit his stride. He’s on target. We have a race now.”

The convention produced “a legitimate uplifting of enthusiasm for the ticket,” said Rep. Michael Castle (R-Del.), a moderate. “It was very much needed.”

Enthusiasm Reigns

Earlier in the day, both Dole and Kemp were clearly upbeat.

Speaking at a luncheon honoring his wife, Dole cracked one joke after another.

“This will not be a mean and divisive campaign,” he told the National Foundation of Republican Women, pausing for effect. “Jack and I are going to get along fine.”

At the Hotel Del Coronado, where Kemp attended a GOP breakfast fund-raiser, reporters asked whether he was nervous about his acceptance speech.

“Quarterbacks don’t get butterflies,” the former professional football player replied. He added his own version of a line from Shakespeare: “If your mind is ready, all things be ready.”

Kemp greeted former vice president Dan Quayle with an exuberant bear hug and then put an arm around Quayle as they walked toward the hotel.

“It will be a very competitive race,” Quayle said.

Before being feted by the Republican Women, Mrs. Dole took her patented performance--politician turns talk-show host--to a special convention session for future voters Thursday morning. In a reprise of her hit stroll through the delegates Wednesday night, she took to the convention floor again to wander among hundreds of cheering children. “You’re beautiful! We love you,” one shouted from the audience.

“You know, I just happened to have the chance this morning to see the next president of the United States of America,” Mrs. Dole said, after an introduction by stepdaughter Robin. “And he told me to bring along two messages for you.”

The first missive was a simple and “heartfelt thanks for the enthusiasm and the energy” that the hoards of young Republicans brought to the convention. The second was a suggestion that the audience watch television tonight--and she didn’t mean the sitcom “Friends.”

“You are going to hear a speech that you will always remember,” she said. “So be sure to be tuned.”

A Counterattack

Democrats countered with their own video version of Bob Dole’s record. The advertisement, which began airing Thursday, includes such snippets as Dole contradicting himself on taxes and balancing the budget and making recent controversial remarks about tobacco only being addictive for some.

After a harbor-side send-off rally this morning, Dole and Kemp are scheduled to fly to Denver to begin a three-day, cross-country campaign swing that will be capped by a rally in Buffalo, N.Y., where Kemp was first elected to Congress.

Times staff writers Janet Hook and Gebe Martinez contributed to this story.