Campaign Trail Results: Game #888271
Play The Campaign Trail
This Game:
- Year: 1988
- Player Candidate: Michael Dukakis
- Running Mate: Lloyd Bentsen
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Winner Take All Mode?: Yes
- Game Played:
View overall results, or a specific state:
| Candidate | Electoral Votes | Popular Votes | Pop. Vote % |
|---|---|---|---|
| ---- Michael Dukakis | 284 | 46,178,492 | 50.38 |
| ---- George Bush | 254 | 44,557,663 | 48.61 |
| ---- Lenora Fulani/Other | 0 | 503,534 | 0.55 |
| ---- Ron Paul | 0 | 423,788 | 0.46 |
Visits:
- Texas:4
- Ohio:2
- California:1
- Indiana:1
- Maine:1
- New Jersey:1
- North Carolina:1
- Virginia: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 call on all Americans who have been cast aside by our winner-take-all economy and our lopsided tax cuts, to unite and send the Republicans a clear message this fall.
- 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?At one time I was a member of the ACLU, but I've been as concerned as any good American by some of the cases that organization has taken on in the past few years.
- 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 was in line with a 1943 decision from the Supreme Court. It seemed highly likely at the time that this law was going to be struck down by the Massachusetts Supreme Court.
- 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?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?We will point out that the Reagan EPA is chiefly at fault for the lack of funds and action in that case, and we'll attack Bush's dishonesty.
- 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?My biography is an asset to our campaign, and I will not hesitate to emphasize it.
- 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?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 would only support limited steps on this issue, like a ban on “cop killer” bullets. Overall, I'm an opponent of increased gun control.
- 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 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.