For Bush, Every Picture Tells a Story to Swing Voters

AUSTIN, Texas —  Thursday was all about pictures for the George W. Bush campaign.

First, the Texas governor met and shook hands with South African President Thabo Mbeki in front of the antebellum governor’s mansion in Austin--an image meant to reinforce the likely Republican presidential nominee’s foreign affairs experience.

That was followed by a news conference with Gen. Colin L. Powell, ostensibly to talk about the volunteer program headed by the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Of course, it didn’t hurt that one of the country’s most respected African American leaders mentioned his interest in working in a Bush administration, or that he affirmed his support behind Bush for president.

And, finally, there were the local schoolchildren, none of whom had any actual connection to the Texas Promise program promoted by Powell, but who were invited by the governor’s office to learn more about it.

“I’d be glad to answer a few questions, particularly on the Texas Promise Pledge,” Bush said with a grin as he opened himself up for queries on everything but the Texas Promise program.

The day illustrated the tricky balance Bush has tried to maintain between GOP conservatives and moderate swing voters since he secured the nomination March 7 after a bruising fight with Sen. John McCain of Arizona.

The various tableaux on Thursday had something for many of the groups of swing voters who are critical to the election this fall: children for the suburban moms; a military leader for hawkish Reagan Democrats and a message of racial inclusion for moderate Americans.

But the questions Bush faced were mostly about the growing protest he is now facing from conservative Christians, who are criticizing Bush for refusing to rule out an abortion rights supporter as a running mate.

In Colorado on Wednesday, conservative activist James Dobson told Associated Press that Bush sent a “scary” message to fundamentalists by failing to insist on an anti-abortion running mate. Bush passed up the opportunity Thursday to provide words of comfort to any shaken members of Dobson’s flock.

“One thing people are going to learn about me is I’m going to make my decisions based upon what I think is right for America,” Bush said, surrounded by a group of children shifting uncomfortably in the beating Texas sun.

Bush has ruled out choosing either Powell or McCain as running mates since both have asked that they not be considered. Powell repeated his feelings Thursday. Religious conservatives have sided against both men as possible GOP running mates. But Bush said they might still serve in his administration.

Gore officials on Thursday found themselves in the surprising position of agreeing with Dobson, as they joined in the criticism that Bush is camouflaging his conservative roots.

“This could be a rare moment of agreement,” said Doug Hattaway, Gore’s spokesman. “Dobson’s clearly on to something.”

But Bush brushed aside any suggestions that he was causing dissension in the party. “I’m confident I can unite the party and lead us to victory,” he said.

Powell joined in, dismissing the possibility of divisiveness when a reporter pointed out that he and Bush disagreed on whether to remove the anti-abortion plank from the Republican Party platform, a position Powell supports and Bush opposes.

“Good friends can disagree on issues,” Powell said. “I don’t see that there’s any big fight over that.”

In fact, the day’s events ended on yet another family-friendly note, as Bush pleaded with the press corps for privacy during his twin daughters’ high school graduation Thursday, echoing the concerns of President Clinton for his daughter, Chelsea, at the beginning of his term.

“I’m proud. I’m proud,” Bush said. “I’ll have a tear in my eye.”