Perot to Mount Radio Soapbox in 86 Markets

WASHINGTON —  Live, from Dallas, it’s Ross Perot. And for President Clinton, that likely means trouble. Just ask George Bush.

Days after urging his supporters to vote Republican in November, Perot today begins a weekly radio talk show to be broadcast in 86 markets nationwide, offering the controversial Texas businessman a prominent soapbox for the final month of the campaign.

And if Perot’s history and his recent rhetoric is any guide, Clinton is due for some verbal shellacking.

“You lie during the campaign, you don’t keep your word,” Perot said in a recent telephone conversation when asked about Clinton. But Perot was quick to add, “I hate just the nonstop personal attacks in politics.”

For Republicans, Perot’s salvos at Clinton are welcome news. After all, Perot got 19% of the vote in the 1992 presidential election. And although his standing with most Americans has fallen since that campaign, three-fourths of Perot voters still view him favorably, and presumably could be swayed by his advice to “give the Republicans an opportunity in the leadership role.”

It was a remarkable statement, since less than a month ago Perot said congressional Republicans had failed to put forward constructive policy proposals. Also, his endorsement came at a time when Republicans on Capitol Hill were blocking two of his organization’s top priorities, campaign reform and restrictions on lobbyists.

But for all their glee, most Republicans are wary of embracing Perot or cheering him on too much--because they expect to be back on his enemies’ list soon.

“His form of populism is anti-Washington, anti-government, basically against anything that is big and powerful and anybody who is in charge,” said Ed Goeas, a Republican pollster.

In 1992, Bush was in charge--and in Perot’s sights. Now it’s Clinton’s turn.