Campaign Trail Results: Game #1150250
Play The Campaign Trail
This Game:
- Year: 1988
- Player Candidate: Michael Dukakis
- Running Mate: Al Gore
- Difficulty Level: Normal
- Winner Take All Mode?: Yes
- Game Played:
View overall results, or a specific state:
| Candidate | Electoral Votes | Popular Votes | Pop. Vote % |
|---|---|---|---|
| ---- George Bush | 312 | 46,278,312 | 50.75 |
| ---- Michael Dukakis | 226 | 43,779,903 | 48.01 |
| ---- Lenora Fulani/Other | 0 | 703,613 | 0.77 |
| ---- Ron Paul | 0 | 421,327 | 0.46 |
Visits:
- Texas:3
- California:2
- Michigan:2
- Missouri:2
- Ohio:2
- Florida: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?As Governor of Massachusetts, I have led a capable, liberal administration of that state. I will take this to the national level and undo eight years of failure under Ronald Reagan.
- To what extent will you make your performance as Governor of Massachusetts a centerpiece of your campaign?We will strike a balance between emphasizing my own experience, along with making some attacks on George Bush.
- 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 don't share every belief that this group has, but I'm not going to cancel my membership because of some spurious insinuations from the right.
- 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?This is an attempt by Republicans to deflect attention from the unpopularity of their own candidate, Mr. Bush, and his elitist background and policies.
- Do you believe that there should be federal funding for abortions?This is definitely taking things too far. The Roe v. Wade case is settled law, but federal funding for the practice is an entirely different matter.
- 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?Massachusetts has one of the lowest crime rates in the nation. We need to turn the tables and attack Bush and Reagan relentlessly on the national crime rate.
- The Bush campaign is attacking your opposition to the invasion of Grenada, and bombing of Libya. What is your response?I supported both of these actions in general. I criticized specific aspects of their implementation. I'm interested to know why Bush would distort the truth on this.
- 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.
- To what extent will you attack George Bush's background as the son of a U.S. Senator, and as an elitist in general?Ann Richards gave a great speech during the convention attacking Bush's supposed Texan roots. I think we really have an issue that we can run with here.
- 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 Al Gore as your running mate?Al Gore was the third-highest vote-getter during the Democratic primaries, and we are proud to have him on the ticket to unite our party.
- 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.
- Will you make a judge's views on abortion a strong component of your appointments?There is a lot more to jurisprudence than someone's belief on a small aspect of the abortion issue. My goal will be to appoint to most qualified judges available.
- Do you support additional gun control measures at the federal level?I believe that we need to consider any measure to reduce our nation's crime epidemic, including new gun control legislation.
- What measures should be taken to assist states, such as Texas, which have been hurt by the recent crash in oil prices?I believe that American companies should every right to bid on foreign oil contracts with our allies.
- 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?California.
- Will you continue the tradition of debating your opponent in the month before the election?Let's do it.