"...Since Ronald Reagan's return from his Santa Barbara ranch, the White House has been transformed into a branch office of Bush campaign headquarters; White House officials have donned red-white-and-blue neckties printed with PUSH FOR BUSH. After the neckties were distributed at a Cabinet meeting, the President called upon his top officers to become surrogate speakers for Bush. Nearly every presidential trip and ceremony has been turned into a showcase for the heir apparent.
After an initially lukewarm endorsement, in which his bumbling mispronunciation of Bush's name fueled rumors that he subconsciously resented the Vice President's candidacy, Reagan has become the most ardent of campaigners. He is convinced, aides say, that the first 100 days of a Dukakis Administration would leave the Reagan legacy in ruins. Said a White House aide: 'The President is getting in there and mixing it up; this campaign is sugar for his metabolism.'
"...Some have charged Reagan with misusing the presidency. Although most Presidents have used the White House for partisan purposes, critics say, there should be limits. Said Marvin Kalb, director of Harvard's center on the press, politics and public policy: 'The President should be conducting the nation's business, but when he does it in a highly partisan way, there is the perception that he is at least unfair, if not improper.'"
"Q. People say Republicans are more politically professional than Democrats, more intent on winning. Do you value winning above all else, winning at any cost?(the article: "Friends in High Places")/("An Interview with Michael Dukakis")
A. No sir. If you win at a cost that involves deliberate misrepresentations, unethical conduct, no, I wouldn't do that.
Q. Even if it meant not gaining the White House for the Democrats?
A. Even if it meant not gaining the White House. Is unethical conduct justified in the interest of winning? No. Apparently truth is no object for them. It's important if possible for a President-elect to go into office with an ability to unite people and to bring them together. I think it's much more difficult to do it when you engage in this kind of thing.
"...Q. Some politicians continue to say they still don't really know you.
A. I'm not complicated. Maybe they're looking for something more than is here. I'm just basically a guy who loves my wife, loves my family, loves what I'm doing."
"It is better to be defeated battling for an honest principle than to win by a cowardly subterfuge."
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