He saw two regimes in mortal conflict in the world and acted on his resolve that America must prevail. As appealing as this view is, the danger it holds for Republicans is how Bauer would apply it to today's world. He is not alone. Witness our own Senator Bob Smith 's opposition to President Clinton 's nominee for the China ambassadorship. This political claptrap threatens American interests.
China is no Soviet Union.
It is not expansionist, and its military is no danger to the United States. The Chinese government is oppressive, but the best way to influence Chinese behavior is through trade, diplomacy and cultural exchange, not through threats and bluster. And this is only one arena for the Republican struggle over Reagan's legacy. We have already seen Gov. Bush and Sen. John McCain attempt to appease the pro-choice faction of their party. These questions comprise an important filter for following the Republican primary campaign in New Hampshire and gauging the party's prospects a year from now.