Supreme Court in Play

Obviously, a new President will be elected in November, 2000. But what are the chances that the new President, Democrat or Republican, will see his party win or lose seats in the House of Representatives or the Senate? I believe that the new President be he Democrat or Republican, will see his party gain seats.

Since the Republicans hold a razor thin edge in the House and a 55-45 edge in the Senate, a Republican victory in the Presidency will guarantee stronger control in the House and Senate.

It has been clear that since the election of 1992, the conservative Congress has not been able to enact their program because of the veto power of the President. Their slim edge has not been sufficient to override this veto because it takes a 2/3 vote to override a presidential veto.

In view of the oft stated opinion that the next President will probably appoint 2-3 new justices to the Supreme Court, which is now considered to be a 5-4 body, the winner of the presidency will have a significant power for four years (or, with reelection, for eight years).

During that period of time, issues such as a woman's right to choose and the separation of church and state will be repeatedly challenged. If the conservative Republican Party elects a president and retains control of the Congress, there will definitely be a change in the philosophy of the Supreme Court.

In order to prevent that, the Democrats must clearly emphasize philosophical differences between them and the Republicans. There is no question that those differences are clear and wide. Thus, Democrats must unite and work to keep a Democrat in the White House and take control of the Congress.

The Greater of Two Goods

The Democratic Party is indeed fortunate to have two excellent candidates, Vice-President Al Gore and former Senator Bill Bradley for the next president of the United States. Having said that, and in view that there can only be one candidate for the party, I have decided to vote for Vice-President Gore in the New York State Primary.

I do so because Al Gore is, in my opinion, the best trained Vice-President to run for President. President Clinton has given him many opportunities to show the leadership skills necessary to assume the presidency.

The election of 2000 is a crucial one. The differences between the parties are clear and wide. The Republican frontrunner for his party's nomination is Governor George W. Bush of Texas. He has put Ralph Reed, formerly the leader of the Christian Coalition, in a key position in his campaign. This appointment shows the country just how conservative Gov. Bush really is.

Significantly, since the next President will probably appoint 2-3 new Supreme Court Justices, Reed's influence is crucial in issues as a woman's right to choose. With Reed's input, the Roe v. Wade decision guaranteeing a woman's right to choose could be overturned. This is why a Democrat must occupy the White House when we enter the new millennium.

Though both Gore and Bradley are in agreement on women's rights, I firmly believe that Al Gore is most prepared to be President and the most electable. However, whoever is the victor in the primaries, the Democratic Party must be totally united in November, 2000 to make sure that we retain control of the Presidency.