Bradley Before Quitting Time: A Visit to Adelphi

by Dessi Kirilova

Bill Bradley, who has since withdrawn from the Democratic presidential race, visited Adelphi on March 22.  After stopping at the UC cafeteria for a photo-op with a bowl of Lackmann chili, Bradley delivered a speech to several hundred students and community guests in the University ballroom.

One day after the infamous "Apollo Theater" debate, a fierce example of a negative campaign face-off, Bradley continued his attack on the Vice President, who now appears to be the Democratic candidate.

"I think that he spoke very well," said junior Sarah Nichols. "However I think a lot of the things he referred to [today], like the honest and straightforward campaigning, doesn't really match up with what he practiced last night in the debate with Gore."

The former New Jersey senator began by listing his key points of political commitment: universal access to health care, an education policy that works for every American, the elimination of child poverty, strong gun control legislation, true racial unity and fundamental campaign finance reform.

Adelphi president Steve Isenberg, who introduced the event, offered the campus as a forum for the other Presidential and Senate candidates.  He added that he hopes the excitement of first-hand encounters with politicians will create a spirit of citizenship on the campus and get students to the voting booths.

The largely pro-Bradley audience met his choice of topics with enthusiastic applause, and his convictions, which he expressed repeatedly, echoed very well with the crowd. "I agree with the health care issue in particular," said junior Stephen Bacigalupo, "I think that it's a sin that we have 44-45 million uninsured."

"He showed he has conviction and he stands for what he believes in.  I believe that he will be honest and will try to take the money out of politics, and will make this more of an honesty game, than just a big political game the way it is right now… And usually I don't believe politicians but I feel I believe him and he has my vote, " said junior Gustavo Escobar.

Others, however, commented disapprovingly on the greater part of Bradley's speech, which was devoted mainly to point out the faults in his opponent's voting and actions. 

New Jersey resident Desiree Vuocolo, a sophomore, said, "I think that Senator Bradley is a good man; I think he has a lot of good intentions and I believe that he can actually accomplish them.  What I don't understand, though, is why he continues to act like a child and scrabble with Vice President Al Gore."  

Disappointed, she referred to the first page of Bradley's promotional booklet, where he is addressing the voters with the promise "to run a different campaign. One that focuses on issues, not attacks." "I had really hoped that he would rise above that and make a difference," Vuocolo said critically.

Since dropping out of the race, Bradley's tone has become a lot less antagonistic.  He called and congratulated the Vice President on his nomination and declared that, in the best traditions of the Democratic Party, now it is time "to unify and close ranks behind the nominee as soon as the people have spoken."