Suburban mothers divided between Bush and Gore
By John King/CNN
July 12, 2000
Web posted at: 6:32 p.m. EDT (2232 GMT)
ST. LOUIS (CNN) -- Spend a little time with Connie Silverstein, and it's obvious that she's proud of her daughter -- and disgusted with President Clinton.
"I wish that Bill Clinton had resigned, because I thought he just humiliated us from a moral standpoint," said Silverstein, referring to the 1998 impeachment drama that surrounded the president's relationship with former intern Monica Lewinsky.
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Connie Silverstein
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It's a view that colors her thoughts of this year's presidential race. She's leaning toward presumptive Democratic nominee Vice President Al Gore, but is troubled by recurring questions about his controversial fund-raising efforts during the 1996 election.
"I don't think he has been truthful with us, and I am concerned about truthfulness because of what we have just been through with Clinton," she said.
So she's watching and waiting.
Although the support of suburban mothers was critical in both of Clinton's successful presidential campaigns, the so-called "gender gap" among voters is non-existent in the 2000 presidential race between Gore and Texas Gov. George W. Bush thus far.
Conversations with St. Louis-area mothers suggest that Gore's suburban woes are at least in part due to the enduring legacy of the Lewinsky scandal. Maureen Helfers, a mother of four boys, intends to vote for Republican presidential hopeful George W. Bush.
"I would like for them to see a leader that they can respect, and I am hoping that George Bush will be the person," said Helfers, crossing her fingers.
Gail Holcomb, a mother of two, also laments about the aftereffects of the impeachment case, but says she's still inclined to vote for Gore.
"I grew up looking up at the presidents, and I wish my children could," she said. "But I don't think that they do."
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Gail Holcomb
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There's ample evidence among the mothers of what political pollsters refer to as "cross pressures."
Bush, the presumptive Republican nominee, has the edge when the conversation turns to values.
"I do think what's going to stick out most for me is leadership and who can we trust and who is going to be a good leader for our country, somebody we're not going to be embarrassed by," said Susan McGraw.
But many others find themselves leaning in Gore's direction when the conversation turns to topics such as the environment and gun control.
"As much as I like W., I am just sick about his whole deal with concealed weapons," said Silverstein, referring to Texas governor's 1995 signing of a law that allows state residents to carry concealed weapons with a permit.
Bush's limited experience in elective office also works against him among this group.
"Because the state gives their governor such limited power, I'm not sure he actually be prepared to be the president," Maureen McDonnell said.
Besides the weather, not much has changed in this suburban battleground since a visit three months ago. For now, the coffee talk tends to be more about the stifling heat or summer travel plans. It just doesn't seem like it's time for politics just yet.
"It seems pretty distant and it doesn't seem crucial at this minute, so I haven't been that involved," said Lori Mersman.
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Laurie Sneden
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What worries a number of these mothers has very little to do with Bush or Gore, but could ultimately influence their voting mood in November. Laurie Sneden just learned some of the lyrics of a song her son likes.
The musician "sings about raping his mother, killing his mother and doing the same to the mother of his daughter," said Sneden. "He's 8, and I almost bought him the CD because I didn't have a clue."
Most of the mothers in the group frequently use the Internet, and know that their children log on as well, sometimes for the wrong reasons.
"To me, the sad thing is their innocence has been taken away from them and it will never be replaced," said Helfers. Although there was no support for Internet censorship among the group, most wondered if something is missing.
"We do have a dearth in this country for role models," said Liz Reinus. "But should it be in one place? Should it be in Washington?"
It's a question to ponder with most Americans waiting for the summer conventions or the fall debates to bring the presidential campaign into focus.
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