New Hampshire newspaper editorial blisters Bush
January 28, 2000
Web posted at: 3:23 p.m. EST (2023 GMT)
MANCHESTER, New Hampshire (CNN) -- The publisher of the Manchester Union Leader, the state's largest newspaper, blistered Texas Gov. George W. Bush Friday, accusing him of insulting New Hampshire.
In a front-page editorial, Publisher Joseph W. McQuaid said it's clear
why his handlers have kept Bush's New Hampshire appearances to a minimum.
"They were rightly concerned that his smug attitude and smart remarks
would not do him any good," said McQuaid.
The editorial said Bush's attitude about appearing at debates in New
Hampshire with other GOP contenders is "one of ill-disguised contempt that he
should even have to appear with them and suffer their questions."
The same attitude seems to extend to New Hampshire voters, the editorial
says.
The editorial calls Bush "Gov. Smirk" and notes he said he would only
defend New Hampshire keeping its first-in-the nation primary if he won. Bush
aides said he was joking, but, says the editorial, "given the poor track record
of his father and other mushy moderates here, it is easy to believe he was dead
serious."
The editorial chides Bush for saying he wanted to simplify his tax plan
so that New Hampshire voters could understand the debate.
It concludes, "Governor, the 'good folks' here can understand complex
issues and debates. They just have a little trouble understanding
double-talking Texans."
|
