Letter From Al

National Review, June 14, 1999

ROBERT J. DOLE

Washington, D.C.

May 23, 1999

Dear Elizabeth:

What do you want me to do? Lie to the guy? He asks me a simple question: "Do you think your wife has a shot at the nomination?" What am I supposed to say? Gotta answer with the truth, I guess. Gotta answer.

So I tell him, "Too soon to tell." And it is. You ask me a question, I answer it. That's just the kind of guy Bob Dole is. That's the kind of guy Bob Dole was when you married him. That's the kind of guy Bob Dole is today. Not much Bob Dole can do about it, I guess. Whatever.

I guess I didn't have to say that I thought about sending money to McCain. But I did. Not much. One grand. Small amount, really. John's a friend. Nice guy. Came out of the chicken coop in 'nam with his head still screwed on, not an easy trick. They kept him in that hotbox and whacked him with that hose kind of thing, I guess. He's still got all the pieces. So maybe Bob Dole sends him a grand. Don't make a federal case.

So now you're mad. I can see your point. Not much I can do about it. I've seen you mad before, you know. You were mad during the '76 campaign. Mad during the '88 campaign. Mad in '96. And you're mad now. Only this time, you're mad at me, Bob Dole.

Well, come to think of it, you were mad at me all those other times, too. Not much I could do about it then. Not much I can do about it now, either.

But you know Bob Dole. And you know he feels bad for talking out of school. He'll keep his mouth shut from now on, I guess.

You can stay mad if you want. Not much I can do about it. You'll stop when you stop, I guess.

I'm sorry or whatever. Well, anyway . . .

Your husband,

Bob

Office of The PRESIDENT

WASHINGTON, D.C.

May 23, 1999

Dear Al:

A few days ago, someone from my office gave me a copy of a recent "interview" I allegedly gave to someone in the press.

I can't tell you how upset I was to read it. I never told anyone to "have fun," not one time. I did not express "reservations" or "pessimism" about your candidacy or its chances.

I'll say this again, and I want you to listen: I did not tell that reporter that your campaign was "in trouble," or that I was "concerned" about it.

Of course, this was all many days ago. I can't quite recall the entire interview verbatim. There may have been some things, which in the context of an interview on a whole range of issues, that may be seen, out of context and without the proper shading, to seem like criticisms or backstabbing or what have you. And if some things were said that should not have been said, or if I came off as unsupportive or pessimistic, let me be the first to say that I do not recall those specific instances.

You know, Al, that you have my full and unconditional support. Whatever was said in that interview by the person being interviewed-and if that person was the person writing this note, then let that person be the first person to take responsibility for it-you know that I have the deepest admiration for you and the highest hopes for your candidacy.

As we enter the threshold of the new millennium, let's all try to move beyond the politics of black and white-of yes and no-and see how all of us, working together, are stronger than anyone of us, working alone.

Have fun out there!

Bill