Dole pauses on campaign trail

Since the Lyndon Johnson administration, the Philadelphia World Affairs Council has hosted programs with every United States president -- except Bill Clinton. However, Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole added to the long list of the council's political speakers last Tuesday. And Governor Tom Ridge seems sure that Dole is the perfect choice to carry on tradition. "I give you the man whose leadership will fulfill the hope [of the world]," Ridge said, as he introduced Dole to the crowd of people gathered at the Philadelphia Marriott. "I give you the next president of the United States -- Bob Dole." Dole, who officially resigned from his position as Senate majority leader two weeks ago, was hailed by Ridge as a man "with America's self-interests at heart, rather than political self-interest." "[He is] a politician running for president, joining his opponent simply because it was the right thing to do," he said. Dole's appearance at the council comes right in the middle of the mad campaign trail the presidential hopefuls have embarked upon. And while his speech was centralized on American-European security and alliance, the campaign flavor of his words was decidedly clear. Dole blasted Clinton's current foreign policies, calling for a restoration of "decisiveness and purpose" to America's overseas affairs. "Bill Clinton's policy of indecision, vacillation and weakness is making the world a more dangerous place," he commented. "And [with the end of the Cold War] we are missing an opportunity that may never come again." Dole stressed the connection between Europe and the United States, saying that one is not stable and grounded without the other. He also said the security of Europe is vital to the security of the U.S., but added that the U.S. should still be a world leader. Dole used Bosnia as an example of "Clinton's failure of leadership" due to his "uncertain and vacillating policies." He criticized Clinton's unwillingness to enable Bosnia to defend itself early on, followed by his decision to commit American ground forces to keep peace. "Although I believe this commitment would not have been necessary if we had done what I suggested from the start, I made the decision to support the troops," he said. "It was not popular, but I learned a long time ago that young Americans risking their lives should never doubt the support of their government and the American people." And Dole added that the efforts made so far have been ineffectual since "not a single bullet has been delivered, and Bosnia remains outgunned." Dole also implied that the Clinton administration is placing more emphasis on the upcoming presidential election than on foreign affairs. "The whole world knows the Clinton Administration has its eye more on American elections in November than Bosnian elections in September," he accused. After moving on to call Clinton's attitude toward relations with Russia and the states of the former Soviet Union a case of "misguided romanticism," Dole turned to his own plans. He explained that his main focus is the consolidation of the Cold War victory in Europe, also stating that his policy "will reinforce the independence of all the states of the former Soviet Union, will support the new democracies of Europe" and will eventually lead to the enlargement of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. In addition, Dole called for a new arms control treaty. "While the threat of immediate nuclear holocaust has receded, the risk of accidental launch has increased," he said. Dole pledged that his administration would not leave the American people vulnerable to "ballistic" missile attack. "When I am President, we will deploy an effective national missile defense," he said over the thunderous applause from the audience gathered. "We can afford it. We can do it. We should begin now." In a show of appreciation for the audience, and possibly sensing a campaign opportunity -- Dole took time after his speech to meet many of the audience members. He also answered numerous questions as he walked around the room, ranging from other foreign policy issues to concerns over tobacco to the Communications Decency Act. Escorted back to his white airplane with "Dole for President" blazing across the side, the former senator seemed quite confident and at ease, pausing on the runway to pose for photographs with some of the Philadelphia special agents and meeting family members. With a final wave the presidential hopeful was whisked onto the plane -- his next campaign stop was not definite, but is rumored to be on the West Coast.