Letter to the Editor

Published on January 7, 2000; Page A14

AMERICANS CRAVE LEADERS GUIDED BY PRINCIPLE

Is Senator Edward Kennedy trying to kill Bill Bradley's presidential campaign ("Kennedy expected to endorse Gore before N.H. vote is held," Page A1, Jan. 4)? I hope not. Bradley represents the Democratic party's abandoned liberal wing, and his candidacy is defining the Democratic primary by preventing Al Gore from squirming even further to the right.

I understand that politics and ideology often diverge. Kennedy's endorsement of Gore is in recognition of his nomination's inevitability. But Kennedy, Gore, George W. Bush, and now Elizabeth Dole cannot comprehend what Bradley and John McCain understand: Americans crave leaders who are true profiles in courage, guided by principle, not politics.

Kennedy's decision must be banking on Massachusetts voters' apathy, ignorance, and blind faith. But he has miscalculated his constituency: Massachusetts Democrats lean left of national norms, and they are likely to support Bradley's platform and persona.

Bill Clinton has created a political world in which character and "insiderism" are crucial variables. Gore's fund-raising record and his association with Clinton are insurmountable liabilities. Gore will win the Democratic nomination, but only because that is the desire of insider Democrats.

Kennedy's endorsement will not affect Gore's overall success because Gore will win the nomination and get trounced by the Republican nominee in the general election, with or without Kennedy's support.

Kennedy is blowing an opportunity -- personal and political -- to align with, and help, Bradley, a refreshing candidate who could very well represent the future of American liberals.

DAVID ENRICH