Campaign Trail Results: Game #1318358

This Game:

  • Year: 1988
  • Player Candidate: Michael Dukakis
  • Running Mate: John Glenn
  • Difficulty Level: Normal
  • Winner Take All Mode?: Yes
  • Game Played:
Previous Game Next Game
View overall results, or a specific state:
CandidateElectoral VotesPopular VotesPop. Vote %
---- Michael Dukakis27245,631,80749.59
---- George Bush26645,483,04949.43
---- Lenora Fulani/Other0490,9110.53
---- Ron Paul0411,9350.45

Visits:

  • Michigan:3
  • Ohio:2
  • Texas:2
  • Arkansas:1
  • Florida:1
  • Indiana:1
  • Louisiana:1
  • Pennsylvania: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 will take the attack to George Bush, who has all of the weaknesses of Ronald Reagan, with none of the strengths. He was born with a silver foot in his mouth.
  • 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?
    I support any federal effort to increase the health and well-being of women in America.
  • 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”?
    The Bush campaign continues to use dishonest language to scare the American people. I'm a pragmatist and a moderate Democrat. Bush is the real extremist in this race.
  • 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 attack the Reagan deficit, Bush's performance as Vice President, and mix in some spots to defend against Bush's dishonest allegations on various issues.
  • 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 remind voters that you served in the United States Army?
    I will mention this aspect of my biography frequently, particularly in contrast with Dan Quayle.
  • 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 John Glenn as your running mate?
    John Glenn has served his home state of Ohio well for many years, and we are proud to have him on our national ticket.
  • 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?
    I hope that this isn't necessary, but it would be irresponsible to rule anything out at the present time.
  • Are protectionist measures of some kind needed to counteract the dominance of Japan in foreign trade?
    Our first resort should be to negotiate with Japan and take steps to enhance the competitiveness of American industry. But I wouldn't take anything off the table.
  • 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.
  • Do you support the Strategic Defense Initiative, a.k.a. “Star Wars”, designed to produce missile-defense weapons?
    We should be making every effort we can with this program, but if the Soviet Union were to offer sufficient concessions, it should certainly be a bargaining chip.
  • 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 could have stabilized this situation much earlier with aggressive intervention from the federal government. This is the type of thing I would have done if I were President.
  • Where will you spend your final day of the campaign?
    The Midwest. Especially Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio.
  • Will you continue the tradition of debating your opponent in the month before the election?
    Let's do it.