It’s Simple: They Can’t Lose If They Don’t Enter The Race

So, the Democratic National Committee doesn’t want President Wishy Washy Willie’s name on CityVote ballots this fall in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene? Says DNC nabob Don Fowler: “There is no conceivable logical purpose to be served by a candidate’s inclusion on a ballot that does not reflect any actual ballot that any voter will ever be asked to vote upon.” Huh? One possible translation for Fowler’s gobbledygook was provided by CityVote founder Larry Agran: The Democrats are trying to protect President Clinton from embarrassment if other candidates get more votes. CityVote is a nonbinding presidential vote coinciding with elections on Nov. 7 in 20 U.S. cities, including Minneapolis, Boston and Newark, N.J. The Spokesman-Review is sponsoring the straw votes locally. We believe it gives our communities input into the presidential race before Iowa and New Hampshire seize center stage. The Democrats aren’t the only ones with the willies, though. Republicans “Born Again” Bob Dole and Phil “I’m More Conservative Than Bob” Gramm want to sit this one out, too. Apparently, CityVote is too broad to buy with targeted sound bites.

Kudos to Sandpoint, hang the motivation

Sandpoint deserves a dollop of Sweet Potatoes for taking its undeserved image as a racist community seriously. Sure, sure. Some of those now meeting to combat racism are motivated by the almighty dollar. Sandpoint businesses don’t want the local tourism industry hurt by the Ruby Ridge hearings and ex-police detective Mark Fuhrman’s move to town. But that’s OK. In the 1980s, the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce didn’t join the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations until members realized that racism isn’t good for business. Today, Kootenai County’s response to racism is nationally recognized.

Females are angry, too

Angry white males apparently aren’t the only ones upset with Big Government. There are also some mad females. In fact, a TALK DAILY nationwide poll discovered that the stereotypical angry, white Republican male comprised a meager 22 percent of talk radio listeners. Women make up a surprising 40 percent of the audience. The poll also found that talk radio audiences are better educated, earn more and are more politically involved than Americans overall. So, it’s not wrong to think Rush is right. It’s simply not P.C.

, DataTimes MEMO: D.F. Oliveria’s “Hot Potatoes” runs Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can comment on the items by calling (800) 344-6718 or (208) 765-7125.