Clinton Holds On To Lead In California

It was morning in California for President Clinton.

At the Hotel del Coronado, Valerie Parker, 32, spotted Clinton as he finished an early beach run on Thursday. “You’re a disgrace to the office of the presidency … you’re a draft-dodging, yellow-bellied liar,” she yelled repeatedly. “I can’t believe I’m the only one saying this to this loser.”

Just hours later, thousands of screaming, cheering - even fainting - Californians waited as Clinton strode into the sun to address them before the bunting-draped facade of courthouse in Santa Ana.

“I touched him! I shook his hand,” yelled Sandy Kowalsczk of Anaheim, emerging from the crowd reaching toward the president after the speech. “I got to shake Kennedy’s hand, too. God, what a thrill.”

California is a land of contrasts for any political candidate - but in the presidential race, Clinton appears uncanny in his ability to master them and focus on the finish line.

With just more than two weeks until Election Day, the president retains a double-digit lead on GOP challenger Bob Dole in California - and a 20-point lead among women. Polls indicate that state voters believe Clinton is leading the country in the right direction.

Dole’s campaign counters it has launched an all-out effort that will win the 54 electoral votes crucial to Clinton’s reelection.

“I can’t figure out this man’s campaign,” says pollster Del Ali, of Mason/Dixon Political-Media Research, of Dole’s strategy. “The only reason I see him in California is that it’s the graceful Bob Dole, thinking of other Republican (congressional candidates). Other than that, it makes no sense. Other states are his only prayer.”

Clinton’s months-long California lead - and Dole’s inability to win support of more than 40 percent of those polled here - rests with the economy, Ali says.