The better of two goods - Lech Walesa's presidential campaign against Tadeusz Mazowiecki in Poland

National Review, Dec 3, 1990

N important sense, it matters little who wins the Polish presidential elections scheduled for November 25, Prime Minister Tadeusz Mazowiecki or Solidarity leader Lech Walesa. Whoever wins, Poland will have as leader a patriot with the best of intentions. This may not be sufficient recommendation for high office in other countries, but it has been a rare thing in Poland these last three centuries. Moreover, both men promise to guide Poland toward a pluralist, free-market, democratic society that will seek an early association with the European community. The difference between them lies in the style and the pace of reforms promised. Those who want an aristocratic type-paternalist, distant, studied, and capable of using knife and fork-will vote for Mr. Mazowiecki.

Mr. Walesa, on the other hand, has some of Ronald Reagan's virtues. He may not be the most subtle of intellectuals, but he more than compensates with magnetism, energy, and an instinctive understanding of the needs of the common man. Polls suggest that it is Mr. Walesa's optimism, stamina, and enthusiasm that most Poles favor.

Whatever the outcome, the presidential campaign-the first draft of democracy Poles have tasted for half a century-is already having beneficial results. The Mazowiecki government has sprung to action since Mr. Walesa's challenge. Suddenly, Communist thieves and criminals are being prosecuted more vigorously. Privatization has accelerated, foreign policy becomes more assertive and public relations more active. If that's what democracy is all about. then Poles are coming to like it.