Word: babbittism
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...Campaigning is often absurd under any circumstances -- a gaggle of politicians asking to be taken seriously while begging to be liked. Who wants to leave himself or herself open to the sort of antics of elections past -- Ronald Reagan grabbing the microphone he paid for in New Hampshire, Bruce Babbitt comparing himself unfavorably to a talking horse, Pierre Dupont IV pleading to be called Pete -- while the President is welcoming back his victorious troops and addressing a flag-waving joint session of Congress...
Finally, a victory may offset the cost in lives and treasure. "Any military adventure, however poorly conceived, however dubious the strategic objective, is absolutely validated by victory," says former Arizona Governor Bruce Babbitt, a history buff. "Once we commit to the use of force and it's decisive, then the cost is automatically worthwhile, without any exceptions in the course of American history...
...Species Act for last- resort protection for ecosystems. In Nevada the Interior Department is currently trying to satisfy agricultural demands for water while preserving the endangered fish and wetlands in the Stillwater National Wildlife Preserve. Such balancing acts are going to become ever more common. Says former Governor Bruce Babbitt of Arizona: "Only very recently has it become clear that there are no more water holes in the West...
...fictional Zenith, George Babbitt brags about boosterism. In Boston, a Tappet brother asks, "Does the transmission go clunk before or after you let in the clutch?" In Paris, Papa Wemba recalls his days as Zaire's most popular folk singer. And in New Orleans, Dr. John bellows the blues from the stage of the Colt 38 Club...
Traditional radio drama is also getting a wider airing on NPR. The network broadcast Babbitt, Sinclair Lewis' novel of Main Street shenanigans, complete with music, sound effects and a cast of 34 readers, including Ed Asner (as George Babbitt), Richard Dreyfuss, Amy Irving and John Lithgow. Among future projects: Arthur Kopit's play Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Momma's Hung You in the Closet and I'm Feeling So Sad and muckraking novelist Frank Norris' McTeague. Asner, who was paid a mere $2,300 for his work, which stretched over nine months, finds it satisfying nonetheless. Says he: "I grew...