It's less important to be with the candidate who most reflects personal views and values. This is a curious, but important concept. It explains, more than anything else, why politicians will say whatever it takes to be considered a winner. That gets them the money, which gets them the opportunity to make their case and actually win. That's where Bill Bradley is now, as Massachusetts now proves.
People are very worried.
They are afraid Gore can't win. The uncertainty about Gore is giving Bradley ''traction,'' to use a word he does. When he's up against Gore, be sure to close your eyes and picture him up against George W. Bush, the likely GOP presidential nominees. It's a political reality in 1999. You can't get heard without buying the microphone.