Campaign Trail Results: Game #1128322

This Game:

  • Year: 1988
  • Player Candidate: Michael Dukakis
  • Running Mate: Lloyd Bentsen
  • Difficulty Level: Normal
  • Winner Take All Mode?: Yes
  • Game Played:
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View overall results, or a specific state:
CandidateElectoral VotesPopular VotesPop. Vote %
---- Michael Dukakis32946,333,54350.60
---- George Bush20944,242,89548.32
---- Lenora Fulani/Other0581,8120.64
---- Ron Paul0409,0670.45

Visits:

  • Texas:11
  • Ohio:1

Answers:

  • How will you address the Iran-Contra scandal as you campaign for President?
    We will hammer on this theme, and particularly Mr. Bush's claim that he knew nothing about it. What kind of executive is he if he knew nothing about Iran-Contra?
  • What message will you most emphasize as you accept the Democratic Party nomination?
    I am a capable, pragmatic leader who will bring the Massachusetts Miracle to bear on a national scale. We will move past Reagan's scandals and into the future.
  • To what extent will you make your performance as Governor of Massachusetts a centerpiece of your campaign?
    Unlike George Bush, I have led the executive branch of government. I will make Massachusetts a centerpiece of my campaign.
  • How do you plan to attack the candidacy of George Bush, if at all?
    We oversaw the Massachusetts Miracle. Bush has remained out of the loop on key Reagan scandals, and lacked the judgment to suspend dealings with Noriega.
  • Is it true that you are a “card-carrying” member of the American Civil Liberties Union?
    I'm proud to be a member of the American Civil Liberties Union.
  • In 1977, you vetoed a law requiring teachers to begin the school day with a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. What were you thinking?
    I have nothing to hide. I'm proud to protect the freedom of conscience that every American should enjoy.
  • Do you believe that there should be federal funding for abortions?
    I have an open mind on this issue, but it would depend on who needs the money and what case they can make during the federal budget process.
  • The Bush campaign is attacking the Massachusetts prison furlough program, which included furloughs for convicted murderers. One such person, Willie Horton, killed again in Maryland. What is your response?
    I have ordered a halt to this program, albeit too late in this case. We will immediately counterattack these charges with examples of federal furloughs gone awry under the Reagan Administration.
  • The Bush campaign is attacking your opposition to the invasion of Grenada, and bombing of Libya. What is your response?
    We need to counterattack Reagan and Bush for the pointless increases in defense spending, which have destroyed the federal budget this decade.
  • The Bush campaign has repeatedly called you a “liberal” or “the liberal Governor”, and so on. Do you embrace the label of “liberal”?
    I'm a liberal in the tradition of Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman and John Kennedy. Americans will appreciate that on election day.
  • The Bush campaign is highlighting the pollution in Boston Harbor to counter your claims of a Massachusetts Miracle. How will you respond?
    I think it would make a good TV ad if we went to Texas and spoke with some of the people who have been put out of work by the oil crash there. Let's ask them how they feel about the Reagan economy.
  • Television advertising is coming to dominate the political campaign season. Where should the greatest emphasis be placed in your ads?
    Let's focus on my record as a Greek immigrant who has risen to the highest positions in American life, along with my competence and liberal values.
  • To what extent will you campaign focus on your background as the child of Greek immigrants, and your rise through American society?
    I want to run a series of compare-and-contrast advertisements, comparing my own humble background with that of George Bush.
  • What is your opinion on the selection of Dan Quayle as George Bush's running mate?
    Dan Quayle is obviously unqualified to serve as President, should the need arise, and his selection is most certainly a red flag for the capabilities of George Bush.
  • What do you have to say about the selection of Lloyd Bentsen as your running mate?
    Lloyd Bentsen has been involved in the government of this country since 1948. He is eminently qualified to advise our Administration from the first day.
  • Your running mate, Lloyd Bentsen, is widely believed to have defeated Dan Quayle in the Vice Presidential debate. Will you come back to this moment in your TV ads or speeches?
    The selection of Dan Quayle as a running mate is deeply concerning, for what it says about Bush himself as much as anything.
  • What is your position on capital punishment?
    I believe that capital punishment is ineffective at reducing crime, and is not applied in an equal manner. I do not support the practice.
  • Are you willing to rule out any further increases to the federal income tax, if elected President?
    Read my lips. There will be no new taxes under my Administration.
  • Are protectionist measures of some kind needed to counteract the dominance of Japan in foreign trade?
    We have taken too many steps to expand world trade without adequately protecting American workers from the consequences. I would definitely run a more protectionist Administration.
  • Do you believe that free trade measures destroy more American jobs than they create?
    Free trade agreements definitely cost more American jobs than they create, further polarizing our society.
  • Do you support additional gun control measures at the federal level?
    I would only support limited steps on this issue, like a ban on “cop killer” bullets. Overall, I'm an opponent of increased gun control.
  • What measures should be taken to assist states, such as Texas, which have been hurt by the recent crash in oil prices?
    We need to form a comprehensive energy strategy and re-implement price supports for domestic oil production.
  • Could more have been done to prevent the current farm crisis, which has devastated the upper Midwest?
    We need to increase the support for American agriculture by fighting for exports in our trade deals -- with the Soviet Union, Mexico, and elsewhere.
  • Where will you spend your final day of the campaign?
    Texas and its neighboring states.
  • Will you continue the tradition of debating your opponent in the month before the election?
    Let's do it.