Former Governor Dukakis Visits UMass Boston
University Communications
University Reporter
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Arts on the Point Moving Ahead |
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By Leigh DuPuy
UMass
Boston welcomed three-time Massachusetts Governor and 1988 Democratic
presidential candidate Michael Dukakis to campus on September 13 as a
special guest in Maurice Cunningham's "The American Presidency" class.
In a casual but informative session, the former governor talked with a
class of more than forty students about his perspective on presidential
campaigns and debates.
The governor's visit is part of the convocation series, "Civic Education for Civic Responsibility." Maurice Cunningham, chairman of the Political Science Department, restructured his undergraduate political science class to examine themes of civic responsibility and focus on the election process and debates. "I thought it would be great to have a former participant in the debates come to class. So, I invited the former governor by letter and followed up with a phone call. He was very gracious and eager to come," Cunningham notes.
The class was open to all interested students and faculty, and those attending filled the room and overflowed into the hallway and the adjoining classroom. Joined by UMass President William M.Bulger, Governor Dukakis talked about his presidential bid in 1988 and answered questions from students and faculty about politics, the debate, and the media.
Dukakis discussed his experiences with candor, opening the discussion with the comment, "Getting beat teaches you a few things." His narrative began with the moment he decided whether to run for the presidency. He described his love for public service and how much he had enjoyed his job as governor of Massachusetts. When he talked with his family about his concerns for them if he decided to run, his son urged him to do it, saying it was his duty.
Another inspiration for Dukakis was the opportunity itself. He commented on how amazing it was to him that a son of Greek immigrants could run for the Presidency. He cited John F. Kennedys initial need to convince voters that, as a Roman Catholic, he would not be handing the country over to the Pope to run. Pointing to Gores selection of Joseph Lieberman, Dukakis praised the diversity that is increasingly becoming a part of the bid for presidential office.
"I really enjoyed the primaries," he commented in describing the early days. Still, he admits it was a long process, pointing to the 85 days he spent campaigning in Iowa as an example. And once the conventions were over, he said, "It was a whole different ballgame." The pressures intensified as the campaign progressed. "It was a day-to-day fight," he said, "and it was always one less day to the election." These were days filled with rigorous scrutiny from the media and endless examinations of the polls. "There could be up to 700 members of the press covering me at one time," he explained.
Another challenge for Dukakis was the Secret Service which he had been the last to agree to engage. He had been a man who commuted to work by subway and shopped for his family at the Stop and Shop Supermarket. With the Secret Service in his daily life, he said he felt walled off from the American people.
A candidate's ability to connect to the American people despite these obstacles and project his or her true self is Dukakis measure of success. "Both Reagan and Clinton have been able to do this very effectively, " he pointed out. "Dole was not as successful. You would never believe this, but he has one of the best senses of humor in Washington."
Following the discussion of these challenges, he turned to talk about the current race and take questions from the class. Despite the polls, he argued that nothing was settled in the current race. "Two months is a lifetime and anything can happen," he said. "I believe the race is still 35 percent for Bush, 35 percent for Gore, and 35 percent undecided."
Students were interested in hearing if Dukakis really thought issues matter to the press or the people. He answered that it is clear that issues do matter, pointing to clear signs that constituencies respond to candidates' platforms. "Senior citizens are very interested in social security, and I think youll see that reflected in how the state of Florida decides to vote." He said.
Students asked both Dukakis and President Bulger how important they thought the debates to be and how they explained low voter turnout. Both agreed that the debates are very important as they attract huge number of viewers and reach both decided and undecided voters. Commenting on voter turnout, Dukakis went on to say, "Both parties have walked away from grassroots campaigns. This is a mistake that contributes to lower turnout."
The class concluded on a high note, with Dukakis praising public service and encouraging all who wanted a challenge and great rewards to consider it for their future careers.