Governor Brown Seems Far Off Presidency (Press, 31 December 1979)

In a news piece dated 31 December 1979, John Hitchison reports from San Francisco on the evolving dynamics of the American presidential race, particularly focusing on Governor Jerry Brown's candidacy. Brown appears to be struggling to gain traction in a field dominated by President Jimmy Carter and Senator Edward Kennedy. He often seems overshadowed, akin to a schoolboy trying to play with the university team. However, recent developments in California, where Kennedy has performed poorly, have prompted Brown to assert that he may be surpassing Kennedy for second place. Brown is increasingly encouraged by Kennedy's missteps, particularly during his recent California visits. Kennedy's inappropriate comments regarding the Shah of Iran and his perceived lacklustre speaking abilities have drawn criticism, contributing to a decline in his poll standings against Carter. Despite this, many observers regard Brown as an underdog with little serious backing from the political establishment. When a midwestern newspaper set up a debate that included Carter and Kennedy but initially excluded Brown, he was forced to repeatedly request an invitation, highlighting his relative invisibility in the race. Hitchison outlines several challenges Brown faces, notably his inconsistent image, which has made it difficult for political professionals to take him seriously. Although he has an ability to resonate with specific public sectors, this has not translated into broad support from traditional political factions. Even in California, where he enjoys local support, he is perceived as an outsider within his own party, and he has not garnered favour from influential state Democrats. Criticism from fellow Democrats and Republican allegiance to Ronald Reagan further complicate his candidacy. Local politicians like Leo McCarthy and trade union leaders like John Henning have been openly scathing, and Brown has become a target for ridicule in the media. Polls consistently show him lagging behind Carter and Kennedy, and the charisma that seemed to accompany his earlier campaign efforts appears to have faded. Despite a more focused approach to his current campaign, he has made controversial political moves that have not endeared him to potential allies. His support of Proposition 13, which he initially opposed, and the appointment of individuals ideologically at odds with their constituencies have drawn negative attention. Furthermore, his recent tour of Africa with a pop star girlfriend was seen as frivolous, further alienating him from traditional political circles. While Brown's dedicated campaign team points out parallels with Carter's initial, improbable rise to prominence, they acknowledge that his ideological platform—centred on protecting the earth, serving the people, and exploring the universe—might not resonate with voters concerned about pressing issues like inflation, energy crises, and international tensions, particularly with Iran. As the 1980 primary elections approach, Brown's prospects remain uncertain, marked by both challenges and the faint hope of surprising the electorate.

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