THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 15, 1996 TAG: 9608150548
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A9 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Terri Williams
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: 44 lines
The Republican Party's efforts to appeal to women and minorities aren't playing at the C&C Restaurant on White Marsh Road.
``It's all a facade,'' Charles Beverly said in between forkfuls of fried chicken and potato salad. Beverly said the Republican Party platform, which opposes affirmative action and abortion, isn't friendly to women and minorities.
Beverly's friend Angelia Moore agreed. She said the party is more interested in glitz than substance.
``It's the Hollywood aspect,'' Moore said Wednesday. ``No one's really hitting the issues. It's just an overlay. It will be interesting to see what Bob Dole says tonight.''
At Bunny's Restaurant on Wilroy Road, the GOP show got a better reaction.
``In order to win, that's what you've got to do,'' said Frank Staylor. ``Fifty-three percent of the voters are women.''
Tuesday's GOP attacks on Clinton didn't seem to bother Staylor. Political mudslinging is merely part of the game, he said.
``I've been watching conventions for 40 years, and this one's mild,'' Staylor said. ``It's gotten to the point where you just expect it.''
Some are simply disenchanted by the entire political process.
At the Wal-Mart coffee shop, Earl Grady pondered the state of leadership between long drags on cigarettes.
``They (presidential candidates) don't live up to what they promise,'' Grady said. ``Bob Dole can't change the world, and I'm not a Democrat or a Republican.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photos
Angelia Moore
Frank Staylor
Charles Beverly
Earl Grady
KEYWORDS: REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION 1996 by CNB