Posted by BEN BEAUMONT – Michael Dukakis, the former Massachusetts governor and 1988 Democratic presidential candidate, discussed politics and public service today in a speech at the Clinton School.
On his failed presidential bid against George H. W. Bush, Dukakis said he had two regrets – not responding to attacks from the Bush campaign and his inability to create a grassroots organization in all 50 states. He credited Bill Clinton for fighting back against attacks in 1992 and Barack Obama for his grassroots efforts in 2008.
Dukakis lamented the rise of the use of the filibuster as a political tool in the Senate, blaming both parties for abusing a rule that was not intended to circumvent a majority vote.
“Where does it say in the constitution that you need 60 votes to get anything done,” he said.
On public service, Dukakis complemented the mission and work of the Clinton School and compared Obama’s ability to inspire young people to what President John F. Kennedy did for his own generation.
Video of his speech will be posted tomorrow at www.clintonschoolspearkers.com.
Prior to his speech, Dukakis spent some time visiting with the Clinton School students.