In a foolishly unguarded moment at the 1988 Democratic convention, Rep. Peter H. Kostmayer of Pennsylvania expressed the secret strategy of party regulars like himself to recapture the White House:
"Just shut up, gays, women, environmentalists. You'll get everything you want after the election. But just for the meantime, shut up so that we can win."They did not shut up. That was one of the many reasons why Michael S. Dukakis won only eight states that November.
Perhaps soon, a brave party lion will take House Republicans behind closed doors and growl a similar message: "Just shut up, freshmen, right-to-lifers, Sagebrush rebels, National Rifle Association, angry white males, funda-mentalists, Alaska oil drillers. You'll get much of what you want after the election, but in the meantime, just shut up."
Last year, House Republicans called the tune, but polka time is over. The impending coronation of Bob Dole as GOP presidential nominee means that they'll have to dance to the Senate majority leader's tune. It's their role to follow his lead with a dreamy smile, slap Bill Clinton whenever he tries to cut in and then to disappear.
All year long, the Senate floor will be a stage for presidential politics, and the media will pounce on inconsistencies if Dole deviates from his long track record.