The Militant(logo) 
    Vol.60/No.30           September 2, 1996 
 
 
Buchanan Concedes Campaign Setback  

BY GALE SHANGOLD
ESCONDIDO, California - Patrick Buchanan, ultrarightist candidate for president during the Republican primaries earlier this year, conceded defeat in this year's campaign at a rally on the eve of the Republican convention August 11. More than l,000 people attended the invitation-only event at the California Center for the Arts, including nearly 200 members of the media.

Buchanan's speech was meek in comparison to his talks at the high point of his election campaign, when he placed first in the New Hampshire primary. "Now this miracle campaign is coming to an end," he said.

Earlier in the program, Oliver North, who ran Washington's mercenary "contra" war against the Nicaraguan revolution, was the first speaker to announce that Buchanan would stay within the Republican Party and not form a third party, as some of his supporters had hoped. He received some boos when he said, "I implore you, for the future of my children, stand up and fight within the party torn by adversity and moral crisis."

In his speech, Buchanan called for a "truce" in the Republican Party. "Let us -at least for the next 10 weeks, nobles and knights, and, yes, even the peasants with pitchforks - suspend our battles with one another and join together in common cause to defeat Bill Clinton." The next day he formally endorsed the ticket of Robert Dole and Jack Kemp.

At the same time Buchanan made it clear that he is not ending his attempt to forge an incipient fascist cadre out of those attracted to his campaign. He praised "the young of the Buchanan Brigades.... So now you've had your first defeat. It's painful. But I know in my heart this cause will prevail."

Maintaining the scapegoating of immigrants that has been a hallmark of his campaign, Buchanan said, "I do not exaggerate. The central issue of the new century will be whether America survives, as an independent republic, with her own defined borders, a common language, and a common culture.

"A few miles south of here is a great country, with a great and good people, the Mexican people.... Desperate for work, they violate our borders and immigration laws to get here.... "But this land is our land. And this country is our country. And we have a duty to look out for America and Americans first."

The rightist politician also sought through his speech and a video to present himself as a friend of working people against "transnational corporations that show no loyalty to their workers, nor allegiance to any country."

Buchanan touted his impact on the Republican Party's platform as a major accomplishment, saying, "Because the Buchanan Brigades would not compromise, and because we would not quit, the Republican Party remains tonight, a pro-life party." Dole, however, has made it clear he does not feel bound by this platform.

In addition to North, speakers at the rally included: Angela "Bay" Buchanan, chairperson of the Buchanan campaign; Rabbi Aryeh Spero; California Rep. Duncan Hunter; Florida Rep. Cliff Stearns; and Phyllis Schlafly, co-chair of the Buchanan for President Campaign.

Outside the Arts Center, 200 protesters rallied against Buchanan's positions on gay, abortion and immigrant rights. The main sponsor of the counterprotest was the National Lesbian and Gay Task Force in conjunction with Voices '96, a San Diego-based ad hoc gay and lesbian organization.  
 
 
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