We are now entering the season of political skepticism. It is the time of year when people question another person's political choice, and friendships are split asunder.
The Fredericks had a dinner party the other night. I knew there would be a problem because Frederick had been for John McCain, while Bob Mannion was for Al Gore after Bill Bradley bowed out.
The Starbucks announced that they were for Steve Forbes, which made them weird because in our circle we didn't know anyone was for Forbes. The bitterness started when we sat down at the table. Mrs. Frederick said she had decided she wasn't going to vote for Hillary Clinton.
Mrs. Starbuck said, "Mrs. Clinton isn't running for president."
Mrs. Frederick retorted, "That's what you think. She's always had her eye on the White House."
"She's lived in the White House — she doesn't have to have her eye on it."
"Then why is she running?" I asked.
"She believes New York needs a good senator, just like Arkansas."
"Is anyone here for Bush?" Starbuck asked.
"I might vote for him, but I'm not going to give him any money. He throws it away."
"Bush will need lots of money if he ever hopes to beat Gore."
"I can't keep the senior Bush and the junior Bushes straight. Which one was shot down in his plane during World War II?"
"Wasn't that Dan Quayle?"
"Whether we like it or not, we are going to have choose between Bush and Gore."
"Does that mean we have to vote?"
"Of course, we have to vote to decide between Gore and Bush — and maybe Hillary Clinton for vice president."
"That's ridiculous. The Republicans have their eye on Elizabeth Dole. She's as smart as Martha Stewart."
There were hostile feelings at the table. People could not understand their tablemates' candidate choices.
Starbuck said, "How can you play golf with a man named Bush?"
I said, "How can you support someone who has the Buddhist vote?"
"I'd rather he have it than Giuliani."
Los Angeles Times Syndicate