Lieberman urges rally crowd to keep political momentum
KIFLIN TURNER
News Writer
An energetic crowd awaited the arrival of vice presidential candidate Senator Joe Lieberman yesterday at South Bend airport.
Greatly contrasting from the formal and conservative atmosphere of Lieberman's earlier speech at Washington Hall, the expansive airline hangar was full of lively talk and energy.
Rock and roll music blared through speakers, encouraging a celebratory spirit for the audience rallying for the Democratic Party.
"It ain't over, till it's over," said Lieberman, citing the famous words of Yogi Berra.
Although recent polls have placed the Al Gore-Lieberman team behind Governor George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, Lieberman maintained a positive and confident attitude.
"The experts think it will be the closest race since 1960," said Lieberman, referring to the presidential race between Kennedy and Nixon. It was later discovered that the race came down to such a slim margin that a few votes comprised the determined victory for Kennedy.
"It comes to one extra vote per voting precinct," said Lieberman, in hopes of rekindling similar support from his late predecessor.
"If all of our supporters do that, we're going to be in the victory column," he said.
"I feel like the momentum is on our side," said Lieberman. Urging the crowd to closely examine the record of the last eight years, Lieberman concluded that voting for Gore is a clear choice in order to continue in the current state of prosperity.
Together with the creation of 22 million new jobs, the largest surplus in U.S. history, the smallest government in 40 years, and the lowest crime rate in 25 years, Lieberman identified the hard work of Gore and the Clinton Administration as progressive and successful.
"We've got the strongest economy in the history of the country," said Lieberman.
"Do we want to keep moving forwards, or do we want to move backwards?" asked Lieberman of the crowd.
He contrasted the success of his running mate to the present conditions of Texas. The environmental record in Texas is ranked third worst for water pollution, and 1.4 million children live without health insurance.
"One thing we haven't criticized them on is their education record," said Lieberman on the condition of the educational system in Texas. He voiced concern on the achievement gap between blacks and whites in the state.
The imbalance between racial groups "raises real concerns and validity," Lieberman added, "it is large and increasing."
He jabbed at Bush's ignorance of the issue, saying the governor was avoiding, or sidestepping the facts.
"[Bush] gives new meaning to the Texas two-step," said Lieberman.
Lieberman declared that one of the first issues he and Gore would tackle would be educational reform.
"To invest in making America's public schools the best in the world [is a primary goal]," he said.
"Honestly, no one does better work than the men and women who teach our children." He proposed a $10,000 deductible to families sending children to college.
Stressing his commitment to creating opportunities for citizens, Lieberman pointed to future aims in giving the middle-class tax cuts.
"If you pay down the debt and keep the interest rates low, you're giving the people a tax cut," he said.
Looking at the prosperity of the present and onwards to a rewarding future, Lieberman credits society and its technological advancements.
"We live in the greatest country in the world because we dream the biggest dreams and have the greatest solutions.
"In our time, the miracles of technology are hard to believe," he said.
Lieberman thanked his running mate, Al Gore for giving him the opportunity to run as Vice President.
"Thanks to Al Gore, I've been given the chance to break a barrier. The last two and a half months have been an unexpected miracle."
Lieberman noted Gore as "a leader gifted by nature and his intelligence who has seen over the horizon at what is ahead in the future."
"Together, we will win a great victory for America's future," said Lieberman.
Lieberman noted that his invitation to Notre Dame after giving a previous lecture on campus was an honor and that he felt at home because of the welcome reception.
All News Stories for Wednesday, October 25, 2000
