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... e D'Amato, Schumer is a quintessential New Yorker; hes aggressive, intense, and by no means shy to take credit for his accomplishments. Important to note, is that in more than 25 years in public life and 18 in the House of Representatives, he has managed to carve out a solid and moderate record. He has been the House Democrats' leader on crime-fighting, crusading for more money for police and prisons, tougher sentencing laws, tighter gun control and capital punishment. His legislative record is impressive; he has been effective chiefly because he seems to understand that it is essential to combine traditional liberal concerns on issues such as gun control with equal demonstrations of concern about issues such as neighborhood crime. Schumer does have his weaknesses.
Primarily, this lies in his relative disillusion to upstate interests. Schumer has been a representative of urban interests for as long as hes been in politics. He tends to have a weak stance on rural interests, and this could prove to substantially effect him at the polls. Indeed, Schumer enjoys a rather large advantage in New York City (61 %), and with Hispanics (67 %) and Blacks (68 %). Unfortunately, particular strategies and tactics pursued by the respective candidates during the election has clouded much of their positive attributes. Both candidates certainly contributed their fair share of negative 30 second Ad bits.
Damato, however, is the king of the negative ad. His attack on Schumer, one of the hardest-working and most conscientious members of Congress, for missing votes is outrageous and grossly distorted. This is how D'Amato has always run his campaigns though, by knocking down the other guy; and, indeed, this is where the reality of modern American politics seems to be heading, for good or for worse. The record certainly shows that D'Amato is one of the most enthusiastic practitioners of this black art and that anyone running against him would have no choice but to attempt to respond in kind or be buried in an avalanche of mud. 20 So, indeed, Schumer has replied, airing his own attacks; questioning Damato's truthfulness and his ethics. Both candidates also have attempted to capitalize on each and everyone of their opponents misspoken words, gravely distorting the importance and the underlying reasons of the statements. It has simply become an absurd circus of look what he said about this and about that.
This negative sentiment was not solely pursued through television ads mind you, the two candidates would take every opportunity to bash their opponent: at press conferences, interviews, and the like. The unfortunate result, is that these candidates spent far more money attacking each other, than promoting there own positive images. This strategy has made the campaign one of the most expensive and distasteful campaigns in American history. On another strategy front, Damato has consistently been able to win a large chunk of the Jewish vote in the past; and indeed this has been crucial to his victories. During this election cycle, he has focused a great deal of time and effort on maintaining this advantage. He even went as far as saying he will beat Schumer in his own backyard. 21 Possibly the strongest argument for Damato's candidacy however, is that in a Republican-controlled Senate he will be an inside force fighting for the interests of New York and the region.
It is an argument that cannot be easily dismissed; and its an argument Damato has been pounding home recently. Yet another strategy implemented by both candidates, and by most candidates across the nation for that matter, is publicly getting support for their election from other prominent politicians. In the last weeks of the campaign, both Schumer and Damato have made a blitz of public appearances with variety of politicians. Schumer could have been seen with President Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Vice President Gore, Senator Moynehan, as well as an assortment of local political leaders. Damato got the support of Governor Pataki, Orthodox Jewish leaders, Mayor Giuliani, and a variety of local leaders. This particular strategy has, in the past, proven to be quite effective if the proper mix of supporters is chosen.
The bottom line is that Schumer and Damato are both unusually tenacious and dedicated public servants. No matter who wins Nov. 3, New York is going to have a tough-minded, street-smart proponent of its interests in the U. S. Senate. Unfortunately, the campaign was wrought with negativism throughout, with each candidate almost personally pitted against the other.
Notably absent from the campaign was discussion on the policy differences between them unfortunately. It is important, also, not to loose sight that the spoils of this election are by no means diminutive. The victor will be provided with nothing less than opportunity to represent, arguably, the strongest constituency in America. Though, after in depth analysis, it become clear that New York is likely in store for its first new Senator in Damato's spot in 18 years. Damato does have an impressive record of not only getting things done, but getting things done for New York.
However, he does also have staunch conservative views on a variety of issues which seem to clearly place him out of synch with his constituents. Furthermore, his historic, instinctive, and improper out bursts have embarrassed New Yorkers enough. Chuck Schumer is the more youthful, more tactful, more moderate choice. His record, though not perfect, falls more in line with the sentiment of the New York population. Additionally, New York needs a change; enough is enough. 18 years with the same representative is way too long of a time for such a dynamic urban epicenter like New York. Schumer simply fits the bill at the right time.
The overwhelming negative tactics and strategies pursued throughout the campaign are flat out deplorable. Each candidate deserves a portion of the blame. The real issues, the differences in platforms, the policy differences, the differences that mattered were barely brushed over. The campaign came down to who said what, when, and how. It came down to a bickering match between two seemingly engaging candidates with much to bicker about. The electorate is left with a formidable task after the smoke of the battle clears, if it ever does.
Who is best for us? The choice is not cut and dry, black and white. In reality, the two candidates arent much different, their both hardcore New Yorkers, they both want the best for there home state, and they both have proven themselves to be outstanding at the intriguing, and misunderstood game of politicking. What are the differences? Unfortunately most voters will never know.
They were blinded by the overt negativism that plagued the campaign trails. In order to truly uncover the differences, an in depth examination must be partaken. But this is too much to ask for the electorate. When it all comes down to it, Schumer's advantages should outweigh Damato's shortcomings. Bibliography:
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