JABS, NO KNOCKOUT

DOLE DID JUST FINE, BUT HE FAILED TO DO WHAT HE NEEDED: TURN THE RACE AROUND

This has been a campaign season of modest politics, with modest excitements. What it got on Sunday night in the first of the presidential debates was a modest face-off--low-key, congenial and small bore, However good that may have been for the quality of public discourse, it didn't do much for Bob Dole's dwindling chances on Election Day. He needed to come away from the debate in Hartford, Connecticut, a clear winner, He took prizes instead for good behavior and wit.

Clinton and Dole brought different needs to the debate. For Dole it was do or die. He had to hit Clinton...

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