Kemp stresses growth, inclusion

SAN DIEGO Jack Kemp, pledging to "take our message of growth,hope, leadership and cultural renewal to all Americans," accepted theRepublican vice presidential nomination Wednesday night.

"Our goal is not just a more prosperous America but a betterAmerica," he said.

Kemp, 61, a former professional football quarterback,congressman, and housing secretary whose surprise selection by BobDole excited the convention, stepped behind the rostrum to thestrains of "You've Got to Be a Football Hero." Delegates tossedminiature plastic footballs as Kemp made his entrance.

Kemp struck themes of economic growth and inclusion. Hereferred to the convention as "a celebration of ideas." "Our goal isnot just to win, but to be worthy of winning," he said.

"Every generation faces a choice - hope or despair, to plan forscarcity or to embrace possibilities," he said. "Americans do notaccept limits, we transcend them."

Kemp endorsed Dole's call for tax cuts and said the Doleeconomic plan would get America moving again. He criticizedPresident Clinton as a captive of the old order.

"The Democratic Party today is not democratic. They'reelitists. They don't have faith in the people. They have faith ingovernment. That is why they raised taxes on the middle class. Thatis why they tried to nationalize our health-care system. . . . Thatis why they are the party of the status quo. And as of tonight . . .we are the party of change," Kemp said.

Kemp said Dole's economic plan will boost the economy and"liberate the productive genius of the American people."

"Naysayers in Mr. Clinton's White House say it can't be done.They don't know Bob Dole. They don't know Jack Kemp," he said.

Kemp repeatedly paid tribute to Dole, who resurrected hispolitical career. "I believe that Bob Dole will be the first lion ofthe 21st century," he said. On Monday night, Kemp referred to formerPresident Ronald Reagan as "the last lion" of the 20th century.

"I am putting our opponents on notice," Kemp said. "We are askingfor the support of every single American. Our appeal of boundlessopportunity crosses every barrier of geography, race and belief. Wemay not get every vote, but we will speak to every heart. In wordand action, we will represent our entire American family."

Kemp, who reversed himself earlier this week and now supportsdenying education to children of illegal immigrants and repealingaffirmative action programs in California, made reference to neithertopic in his speech.

He quoted a 10-year-old from Chicago's Henry Horner homes.

Kemp said the child in the CHA project told a reporter: "If Igrow up, I'd like to be a bus driver."

"Think how much poorer our nation is deprived for that child'sfuture and those like him. Think how much richer our nation will bewhen every child is able to grow up to reach his or her God-givenpotential," said Kemp.

When Kemp's speech was interrupted by sustained applause, hesilenced delegates by responding: "I accept. I accept. I accept."

Kemp was introduced by his son Jeff, also a former professionalquarterback.