The Truth Behind George H. W. Bush's Election Tactics in 1988

George H. W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States, is often remembered for his position on election integrity. The common belief is that electoral rigging is a recent phenomenon, primarily associated with more recent presidents such as Donald Trump. However, the way Bush approached the 1988 presidential election reveals a different story. This article delves into the tactics used by Bush's team, particularly his campaign adviser Lee Atwater, to influence voter perceptions and fend off criticisms.

The Myths and Realities of Election Tampering

Many people mistakenly believe that George H. W. Bush tampered with the 1988 presidential election results against Michael Dukakis. Such accusations were fueled by rumors and misunderstandings. It's crucial to recognize that election rigging is not a practice that began with Donald Trump's 2016 campaign. Instead, it has a much more complex history with various parties involved at different levels.

David Maraniss, a renowned journalist and author, discusses Michael Dukakis's loss in his book, quoting James Carville, a campaign strategist, who famously suggested that Clinton should “get him fat and get him lazy.” This suggests a broader context of political strategy rather than outright fraud. While it is true that electoral outcomes can be influenced by strategic communications and tactics, the claim of widespread tampering lacks substantial evidence.

The Role of Lee Atwater and Campaign Strategy

The 1988 campaign saw the rise of Lee Atwater, who was renowned for his aggressive and sometimes controversial campaign tactics. Atwater played a significant role in shaping Bush's campaign strategy. There were several issues his team targeted, including crime, the Pledge of Allegiance, pollution of Boston Harbor, and taxes.

Crime and the Death Penalty

One of the key issues Atwater emphasized was the death penalty. Dukakis was a proponent of abolishing capital punishment, which was a point of contention in the campaign. Before Dukakis became governor of Massachusetts, the state had a furlough program that allowed convicts to serve part of their sentences outside prison. However, Dukakis vetoed a bill that would have abolished such programs, a move that backfired when a convicted murderer committed a tragic crime that was used against him during the campaign.

The Pledge of Allegiance

Another issue was the introduction of the Pledge of Allegiance in schools. While Dukakis vetoed a bill requiring students to recite the pledge, arguing that it would not pass constitutional muster, he faced criticism for not supporting patriotic values. The Supreme Court had already ruled in 1943 that compulsory recitation of the pledge in schools was unconstitutional.

Environmental Concerns and Political Positions

The state of Boston Harbor was cited as an issue, but it's important to note that environmentalism was not a Republican issue back then. Theodore Roosevelt, a Republican, was known for his conservation efforts, but many Republicans since then did not follow suit. Bush's position on environmental issues was less aligned with those of his party's symbols like Theodore Roosevelt.

Taxes and Economic Prosperity

While Dukakis's tenure as governor saw tax increases, his critics pointed to economic growth during that period as evidence of economic prowess. This juxtaposition became a key point in Atwater's campaign strategy, attempting to portray Dukakis as an economic burden.

The Campaign's Impact and the Aftermath

Part of the damage to Dukakis's campaign was self-inflicted. His campaign slogan, "Good jobs at good wages," was aimed at appealing to economic concerns but could be seen as vague and unconvincing. Dukakis's response to the question about the death penalty during a debate was also criticized for appearing distant and unemotional, suggesting a lack of empathy that voters found off-putting.

Lee Atwater, as he was dying, attempted to reach out to Dukakis to apologize for the vicious tactics employed during the campaign. Whether or not George H. W. Bush directly communicated with Dukakis about his methods is uncertain, but the impact of Atwater's strategy on the campaign cannot be ignored.

Conclusion

The 1988 presidential election campaign revealed a nuanced approach to political strategy rather than outright electoral rigging. George H. W. Bush's team, particularly Lee Atwater, utilized various tactics to influence voter perceptions, with mixed results. Understanding the context and the strategies used provides important insights into the nature of modern political campaigns.