An ‘Average Joe’ stumps for White House

Andrew Glazer

COSTA MESA -- While many presidential hopefuls are pushing each other

for camera time in the blustery New Hampshire cold, Republican candidate

Joe Schriner played with his family in sunny Balearic Park.

“Who do you think the sane candidate is?” asked Schriner, 44, who wore

two days of stubble and a flannel shirt with rolled-up sleeves.

“Average Joe” Schriner and his staff -- wife Liz, feisty daughter Sarah,

4, and sleepy son, Joseph, 2 -- have traveled the country since April,

when he declared he would seek the Republican Party’s nomination for

presidential candidate at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia.

He has pulled his white, 1974 Xplorer van over at many of America’s Main

Streets and playgrounds -- the latter so his kids would have a chance to

play -- to preach his political doctrine of “voluntary simplicity.”

“I think America needs to cut back on spending and consumerism and start

spending more time with its families,” he said to a crowd of one.

More specifically, Schriner -- who, when not campaigning, is an

Ohio-based journalist and drug rehabilitation counselor -- is in favor of

appointing the cream of local activists to presidential advisory

positions.

Schriner said that as president, he would convert the White House into a

homeless shelter. But Sarah may have other plans.

“I want to roller-skate there,” she said, running laps around her father.

Schriner’s foreign policy platform is equally unique. He said that, if

elected, he would ask American families to become pen pals with Russian

families and create a mutual understanding between the nations.

“During Reagan’s years, he called Russia the Evil Empire,” Schriner said.

“If we got to pick a family and correspond, maybe send some money, then

we could really cut down on all the Cold War stereotyping.”

Schriner said he also would channel military spending into social

programs, such as the Peace Corps.

“I think we should reverse the notion of war and declare war on social

injustice and poverty.”

Schriner said he is confident he will win. He’s taking his mobile

campaign headquarters to San Diego this morning.

His would-be First Lady, who is from New Zealand, said she has enjoyed

the ride. As far as friends and family, she said most have been

supportive.

“A few don’t understand, but many have helped us out,” she said. “Others

support us with their tongues in their cheeks.”

But Sarah was sincere in endorsing her father:

“I want him to be president because he loves me and he plays hide and

seek.”