Newspapers endorsing Republican George Bush in editorials Sunday expressed in tough words displeasure with Bush's running mate, Sen. Dan Quayle of Indiana, calling the selection 'ridiculous,' 'puzzling' and 'not the perfect choice.'
In a none-too-subtle shot at Quayle, 41, The Fort Lauderdale (Fla.)
Sun-Sentinel said it 'recommends George Bush as the better of the two (presidential candidates), and prays for his continued good health.'
The Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel said Bush picked a 'political and intellectual lightweight' for his running mate and the Akron (Ohio) Beacon-Journal said the choice of Quayle was 'ridiculous.'
Endorsing Democrat Michael Dukakis, Newsday in New York City and Long Island, N.Y., criticized Bush's judgment for choosing 'this featherweight' and added, 'For many, this alone is reason to vote against Bush.'
The New Brunswick (N.J.) Home-News called the selection of Quayle 'puzzling -- and dismaying' but expressed the hope that Bush, if elected Nov. 8, will choose a strong Cabinet.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, which endorsed Dukakis, said the prospect of Quayle becoming president was 'just plain frightening.' Friday, The Philadelphia Daily News criticized Bush as someone who 'pretends, despite all the evidence, that J. Danforth Quayle is not a callow moron.'
The Arizona Republic endorsed Bush but said he 'is not the perfect choice for president, even as Dan Quayle is not the perfect choice for vice president. But as Life magazine used to advertise, 'Consider the alternative.''
