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Ironically, that statement came just a day before Robert McFarlane, Reagan's former National Security Adviser, pleaded guilty to four misdemeanor charges for misleading Congress about aid to the contras. With other criminal action still likely on Iran-contra, Bush may have to endure yet another round of what-did-you-know, what-did-you-do interrogation. That is just one potential cloud on the Vice President's horizon. Though he currently rides a high wave because of Super Tuesday, and because the Democrats are still immersed in their own combat, most experts expect that advantage to wane. "This week's survey results," said Pollster Richard Wirthlin, who advises Dole, "are written in sand at the seashore."
Bush arrived at the brink of nomination with amazing speed, but he did it without displaying either charisma or substantive weight. The arena in which he fought was the narrow slice of ground dominated by party regulars. In states like Iowa, where Reagan's standing is relatively low, Bush encountered indifference from even the majority of Republicans. Often a vigorous primary campaign sharpens a candidate for the fall. In Bush's case, the opposite may have happened. He has invested so much in his status as Reagan's heir that he is likely to have difficulty playing to the larger audience for whom Reagan is becoming a benign relic rather than remaining a revered totem. In any event, George Bush will soon discover what every newly hatched candidate learns: the politics of nomination is far different from, and often easier than, the politics of election. Fortunately for him, he will have plenty of time to absorb that lesson.
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