Like Choice of Lieberman?

When prospective Democratic presidential nominee Al Gore chose Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman of Connecticut to be his running mate, there were decidedly mixed reactions here in Los Angeles. The choice pleased many members of L.A.'s large Jewish community, but angered some Hollywood executives because Lieberman has been an outspoken critic of the entertainment industry. So the Business Journal asks:

What do you think of Al Gore's choice of running mate?

G. Allen McNamee III

Associate Attorney

Pillsbury Madison & Sutro LLP 

I think it's a good choice. Lieberman represents a powerful sector of the community. It shows the progress and diversity of our nation. I think in this day and age, you have an educated voting class and people are going to be voting on the basis of a person's abilities and records. That Lieberman has a Jewish background helps Gore in this instance. Also, in today's politics, the more center you are, the more votes you get, and Lieberman tends toward the center. I am a conservative Democrat.

Josh Gertler

Vice President

Fleishman Hillard International Communications

I think Gore's choice was strategic and politically savvy. Lieberman helps Gore distance himself from the current administration, and this seems to be what he (Gore) needs to do to get a bump in poll numbers before the convention. And as someone of the Jewish faith, the choice of Lieberman makes me proud and is of enough historical significance to capture the attention of the news media and of the American public.

Larry Waterman

Vice President of Marketing

TRL Communications

Personally, I don't think Gore's choice of Lieberman is going to make a big difference in how the election turns out. People have already decided in their minds whether they are voting for Gore or Bush. I mean, Gore might win more Jewish votes by picking Lieberman, and he might lose the votes of people who don't want a very religious man in a position like vice president, but I don't think it will have a dramatic effect on the polls. It's not like Republicans are suddenly going to change their minds and vote for Gore now that he chose Lieberman as his running mate. He is conservative as far as Democrats go, but I don't think he will attract Republican voters.

Paulette Robertson

Co-Owner

Just Right Graphics

I think that Lieberman is a good choice. He is a very moral man and he has taken a brave stand against the immoral things that have gone on in our government. I think that he is the kind of leader our country needs. We need to get back to a government that we can respect. I think that he complements Gore nicely. It was very important to me who Gore chose, because, frankly, I think Gore is a little weak on his own. I feel confident voting for him now with Lieberman as his right-hand man.

David Walsh

Chief Financial Officer

In Line Productions

I'm not going to vote for Gore anyway, so it is really of no concern to me. However, I do find it odd that he would choose a running mate with whom he doesn't even agree on all the issues. It seems like Gore is doing this in response to the efforts that Bush has made to express his stance on tolerance and acceptance. It is just a big political game and I find it completely ridiculous.

Kathy Cooper

Receptionist

Miller & Associates

I am not really sure what I think about it yet. It will be interesting to see how they are welcomed here in L.A. I mean, I know that Lieberman has been critical of the kind of lifestyle that exists here in L.A., so I don't know how people will respond to that. It seemed like a strange move for Gore. Maybe he is trying to pick someone as opposite of Clinton as possible. He might need someone like that to get more conservative votes.