Harold Keller / L’Observateur / February 5, 2000

Tuesday, in the New Hampshire Republican primary, Arizona Sen. JohnMcCain won a landslide victory over Texas Gov. George W. Bush. In theDemocratic primary in this same state, Vice-Pres. Al Gore barely bear outformer Sen. Bill Bradley, 52 percent to 48 percent.What effects will these results have on the presidential election next year? In my opinion, none at all. It will be a contest between George Bushand Al Gore. John McCain has proven that he can make it interesting, butBush will eventually prevail as the Republican choice to recapture the White House.

On the Democratic side, Al Gore, as the saying goes, has paid his dues in politics. It’s his turn. Can Bill Bradley make it interesting? Maybe, butonly because of the baggage Gore carries defending the Clinton Administration. Bradley has no money and is about as exciting as watchinga popsicle melt.

What message have the candidates gotten from Tuesday’s vote? I think Bush has been sent a loud and clear message that the voters want him to stay to the right. If he tries to straddle the fence on important issues,he’ll fail as his dad did. Gore, on the other hand, has to become even moreliberal, if that’s possible. In my opinion, he makes Bill Clinton lookconservative, sincere and honest.

What are some of the most important issues? The economy, foreign trade, education, the military, equal rights and medical insurance for all Americans. These are all important, but the one issue that keeps poppingup, even though no candidate is comfortable with it, is the abortion issue.

That’s right, the issue that everyone wants to put aside – everyone but God, that is. Will that determine the outcome of the next election? I thinkit will.

Last Saturday, someone asked me if I thought Al Gore could win. Myanswer was yes. Al Gore who, in 1984, said and wrote in a letter to aconstituent, “I have a very deep, personal conviction that abortion is wrong.” Last week, while campaigning, he said proudly, “I’m pro-choiceand I’m proud.” He realizes, like Ted Kennedy, Jesse Jackson and BillClinton, that being pro-life and defending the unborn is not popular in the Democratic Party.

Is Bush pro-life? His record indicates that he is, but how deep his convictions are remains to be seen. If he is really pro-life, the messagewill be loud and clear before the next election. If Bush tries to play bothsides of the issue, he will lose like his dad did.

Who will decided the next election? I believe, without a doubt, that the Christians who respect life will be the deciding vote. I personally can’tsee how a Christian can be pro-choice.

Why won’t the abortion issue go away? I believe the answer is simple. Godwill not allow it so.

HAROLD KELLER is affiliated with the Get High on Life religious motivational group. Call him at 652-8477.

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