by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright October 3, 1999
All Rights Reserved.

unning for the 'smoke' house — not the White House — actor and political activist Warren Beatty proved that he’s up to the task of looming more spin than the current resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Despite the hype, there’s no indication that Beatty was doing anything other than pulling old planks out of nostalgic democratic platforms — certainly not, as many people imagined, throwing his hat into the ring. No, this publicity stunt deserves a special award for the best artificial sweetener since saccharine. Unlike Bulworth, the 'real' Beatty is far less entertaining and more self-conscious. With quivering voice and trembling hands, Beatty delivered his 'activist' diatribe to an amused audience of Americans for Democratic Action, a beyond liberal Hollywood crowd at Merv Griffin’s Beverly Hilton Hotel.

       Lambasting Democrats for abandoning their ideals, Beatty reminded savvy listeners why Republicans have dominated presidential politics for the past 30 years. Dredging up the likes of Eleanor Roosevelt and easily forgettable images of George McGovern, Eugene McCarthy, Gary Hart and others, whose discredited politics hold mythical fascination for aging baby boomers, too narcotized by their own narcissism to admit that it practically bankrupted the country in the late '70s. Despite the nostalgia, we’re along way off from Woodstock and Iron Butterfly.

       How easily one forgets the interminable gas lines, double-digit inflation, and the Carter years of 'malaise' in which Americans inured themselves to a world of scarcity and diminishing returns. When Ronald Reagan rode into town and rescued the American psyche from its doom and gloom, the ceiling was broken and a new wave of prosperity began. How easily they forget. No, the celebrity dog and pony show threatens to reverse Clinton’s phenomenal coup that began in 1992, and now discounted by the left wing as 'selling out.' "If they don’t" [reform campaign financing], said well retired liberal senator Alan Cranston (D-Cal.), "he may well decide to think about running himself," underscoring powerful self-destructive forces within the Democratic party.

       Sounding tired liberal themes, Beatty admonished turncoat Democrats to return to the old ways, endorsing national health care, eradicating corporate tax loopholes, implementing public campaign financing, advocating gay rights, and globalizing the environment, imploring fellow Democrats to reassert their historic mission. "We don’t need a third party; we need a second party," pleaded Beatty, urging Democrat to return to the same party activism responsible for Social Security and Medicare. But what’s Beatty’s real agenda? Surely he knows that Clinton returned Democrats to the abandoned land of moderation. Hoisting the Democratic party out of the swamp, he dragged his party kicking and screaming to the forbidden center — skillfully placing his finger on the public’s pulse and winning the presidency twice. With the political dexterity of a brain surgeon, Clinton reattached his party’s severed credibility.

       Promising to undo the party’s credibility, Beatty’s agenda — well intentioned as it seems — alienates crossover voters attracted to Clinton’s 'new democrat' image and moderate policies. Glorifying the liberal accomplishments of bygone days, does Beatty really want to reverse all the Democratic momentum of the past 7 years? There’s no better way to upend the Democratic party than to return to the politics of failure — resuscitating old ways and discredited ideas. By looking to big brother to solve all of America’s problems, Beatty has once again placed his faith in the extravagant, monolithic Federal bureaucracy. Forgetting that American tax payers foot the bills, his vast spending plans assure that today’s surpluses are easily converted into tomorrow’s deficits. But the real deficit lies in Beatty’s veiled threat that if he doesn’t get his way, he’ll run for president. Is it any wonder why Al Gore bolted the beltway and headed for the hills of Tennessee?

       Listening carefully to Beatty’s gauntlet is Gore’s primary rival, Bill Bradley, already promising a whopping [although grossly underestimated] 65 billion dollar health care plan, adding to his growing war chest from Hollywood’s left wing elite. "There’s no question that Bradley has made himself the viable liberal in the race," said Bob Borosage, co-director of the activist group Campaign for America’s Future. Taking up the cause of gay rights also positions Bradley far left of Gore’s attempt to continue the politics of moderation. With the good times rolling and budget surpluses piling up like flapjacks, liberal politicians are out on a manic spending binge. Gore’s key advisors are painfully aware of how the "L" word can come back to bite them. What plays well in the media, doesn’t always translate into the ballot boxes. Watching this chaos within Democratic party is a more confident George W. Bush, rightfully restraining his own party’s fringe.

       Hollywood’s latest dog and pony show only underscores the dangerous riptides buffeting the Gore campaign and the Democratic party. While it’s tempting to jump into the liberal bidding war, Gore opted to regain his composure in the less frenetic atmosphere of bucolic America. "I’m a Southerner . . . and I too believe in less government intrusion into the private lives of people . . .," said president Carter to an already dubious electorate during campaign '80. He paid the price of a deteriorated economy. But even now, with a robust economy, can Democrats follow demagogues like Beatty down the old road of grandiose promises and big government spending? Casting his lot with the liberal establishment, Bradley’s already played his hand. With Clinton and Washington fatigue setting in, Gore can’t afford to do the same. With money to burn, it’s easy for euphoric activists to be spending future budget surpluses on ambitious government programs. Whether the dog and pony show is on the left or right, it’s still just a show.

About the Author

John M. Curtis is editor of OnlineColumnist.com. He’s also the director of a West Los Angeles think tank specializing in human behavior, health care and political research and media consultation. He’s a seminar trainer, columnist and author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

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