Dole Assesses Economy As ‘Barely Afloat’ Citing Growth Rate, He Tries To Unmask ‘Clinton Recovery’
Bob Dole sharply criticized President Clinton’s economic stewardship Wednesday, citing slow growth and warning that “today in America the economy is barely afloat.”
But six days before the election, Dole also conceded the possibility of defeat, telling broadcast interviewer David Frost that he might work with disabled people if he is not elected president.
Dole used a speech in Tennessee to deliver his presidential campaign’s strongest attack on Clinton’s handling of the economy. He pointed to government figures released earlier Wednesday showing a 2.2 percent growth rate, half the rate of the previous quarter.
“All this false and empty talk about the so-called Clinton recovery comes to an end,” Dole told 500 supporters at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn. “Take off the mask, it’s not Halloween. Take off the mask. The economy is not good.”
Dole flashed his trademark biting wit, adding: “If this is a recovery, I can hardly wait for the recession.”
After an overnight stay at home in Washington, Dole began his final campaign push by visiting the Lincoln Memorial and paying homage to the Civil War president who founded the Republican Party. He and his wife, Elizabeth, climbed partway up the memorial steps and paused for what he later said was a moment of silent prayer.
“I’ve read a lot about Lincoln,” Dole said. “I know the good times, the bad times, the doubtful times. But he never lost his focus, and he did what he set out to do - and that’s to save the union, keep us together. That’s what I, in a different sense, am trying to do - keep America together, honor the public trust in America.”
Dole abandoned his recent attacks on Clinton’s character, focusing instead on the economy. He blamed Clinton’s 1993 tax increase for what he described as an array of current ills, including the slowing growth rate.
Dole cited the new figures as proof of the need for the kind of economic stimulus he says would be provided by his 15 percent income tax cut plan.
The economy actually performed better in the third quarter than Dole had said Tuesday, when he predicted the growth rate would be 1.8 percent. But even with the 2.2 percent rate, Dole insisted that “these are the worst numbers in 20 years.”
Clinton, campaigning in Michigan, poked fun at Dole’s assessment, noting that in their final debate Dole had charged the economy was the worst in a century. “So we’re making progress,” Clinton told his audience. “Not everybody can make up 80 years in two weeks.”
Ann Lewis, Clinton’s deputy campaign manager, said this year’s over-all growth rate of 2.9 percent, combined with a 5.2 percent unemployment rate, is evidence that Clinton’s economic policies “put America on the right track.”
Dole followed his speech in Tennessee with a rally in New Orleans.
Elizabeth Dole continued to accompany her husband, and Former President Bush planned to campaign with him today.