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323150281
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Talking Points re: DNC Chairman, 1/26/89
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323150281
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Talking Points re: DNC Chairman, 1/26/89
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13474-002
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Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Speech Draft Files
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Draft Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13474
Folder ID Number:
13474-002
Folder Title:
Talking Points re: DNC Chairman, 1/26/89
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
25
6
1
1
Republican
National
Committee
Mark Goodin
Director of Communications
January 26, 1989
To:
Republican Leaders
From: MARK Director GOODIN of Mg
Communications
Sub: DNC Chairman
As you know the Democratic National Committee (DNC) will
elect its new chairman February 10. The new DNC chairman
will most likely be Ron Brown.
Attached are talking points for your consideration.
863-8614. If you should have any questions please call me at (202)
Attachment
Dwight D. Eisenhower Republican Center 310 First Street Southeast Washington, D.C. 20003 (202) 863.8614
Telex: 701144 FAX: 863-8820
TALKING POINTS: DNC HEIR APPARENT - RON BROWN
BACKGROUND
It appears that Ronald Brown will become the new DNC chairman. A vote
by the DNC is scheduled for early February.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulate the Democrats on electing a new DNC Chairman.
-- Ron Brown is a tough competitor in the tradition of Bob Strauss,
John White, Chuck Manatt, and Paul Kirk.
-- Ron Brown's a seasoned and effective political operative.
-- He is a strident liberal in the Ted Kennedy mold.
DEEP-SEATED PROBLEMS FACING NATIONAL DEMOCRATS
Mr. Brown will need a lot of luck, because he faces challenges that
are tougher than those which overwhelmed his predecessors. Before he
arrives at his desk at the Democratic National Headquarters, he'll be
greeted by the ghosts of Jimmy Carter, Walter Mondale, and Michael
Dukakis.
The Democratic Party's deep-seated problems are not easily solved.
Their problems are deeper than the choice of a new and experienced
chairman.
-- The Democratic Party has lost five of the six last national
elections -- and four of them by landslide magnitudes.
-- The Democratic Party denies that the last election was yet
another repudiation of their out-of-step liberal philosophy.
-- The number of persons identifying themselves as Democrats has
sharply declined. The parties are now at a point of essential
parity (35% Republican / 37% Democrat, CBS Exit Poll,
November 8, 1988).
CHAIRMAN AND PARTY ARE STILL CAPTIVES OF LIBERAL SPECIAL INTERESTS
After their 40 state loss, the Democrats should have moved towards
their shrinking moderate center. Yet, it seems of late that the
Party's top post can only be granted to qualified eastern liberals.
Ron Brown's candidacy was vigorously supported by Ted Kennedy,
Mario Cuomo, and Big Labor Bosses.
Ron Brown is well-prepared to lead the liberal Democrats. In 1980, he
became a deputy campaign manager for Ted Kennedy's run for the
presidency. Between 1981-85, he served as deputy chairman of the DNC.
In 1988, he served as a national advisor to the Dukakis campaign.
CONCLUSIONS
The two parties are at a historical juncture. The Democrats are mired
in the failures of the past. The party of George Bush is looking
forward, seeking creative proposals to extend the promise of the 1980s
to all Americans by the 21st Century. To hide this contrast from the
voters will take more than a talented and experienced DNC chairman.