Goldwater book hard on colleagues

Press, 28 September 1988, Page 51

Goldwater book hard on colleagues

By

LEE GOULD

NZPA-AP Washington The former United States Senator and Presidential candidate, Barry Goldwater, says he is enjoying the quiet life in retirement, sitting in the Arizona sun and watching the robins on his windowsill. But his mind, of late, has been back in Washington, reliving past battles. What he remembers is not at all flattering to those who served with him, and what he sees for the future is not always reassuring. Barry Goldwater, as always, is still speaking bluntly. At the age of 79, the Right-wing politician has written another book, reflecting on his 30-year career as a senator, his 1964 Republican Presidential bid, and the people and events he encountered along the way. “Goldwater,” written with Jack Casserly, will be published by Doubleday on October 12. “Nostalgia for the old days and other times rises

like the sun most of my mornings,” Goldwater says. “But in the evening, when the cool desert air refreshes my spirit, my blood flows faster and I shake my fist at the present.” Considering his outspoken words, Goldwater must have written most of his book in the evening, with his blood flowing. Neither Democrats nor Republicans are spared. President Reagan: “I believe Reagan did know of the diversion of Iranian funds to the Contras. He had to know. The White House explanation makes him out to be either a liar or incompetent.” Senate Republican leader Bob Dole: “Dole does not have the leadership qualities that his job as minority leader requires. He tries to make everybody happy. That cannot be done. I and other Republicans were unable to harden his hide. The Kansas Senator must become tough if he is ever to become a leader.” Senate Democratic leader Robert Byrd: “One

day I saw Bob Byrd on the Senate floor and did not recognise him. His face was covered with pancake makeup that ran down his starched collar. His hair was stylishly fluffed. He looked like he was about to step on stage in some nightclub act. I took one look, walked back to my seat, sat down and waited for him to pull out his fiddle.” President Nixon: “Richard Nixon was the most dishonest individual I have met in my life. He lied to his wife, his family, his friends, his colleagues in the Congress, lifetime members of his own political party, the American people, and the world.” Election “junkies” will be disappointed if they expect similar observations on the candidates in this year’s presidential election. Fellow senators Lloyd Bentsen and Dan Quayle, the Democratic and Republican VicePresidential nominees, are not discussed at all.

The name, George Bush, appears once and that of Michael Dukakis not at all. In spite of criticism of the Iran-Contra scandal and other controversies during the present administration, Goldwater calls Reagan “the most inspirational President I have seen,” edging out John F. Kennedy, who “inspired the nation.” While Goldwater is optimistic that the world will solve problems of population, hunger and disease, he says communism is the world’s greatest danger and that “the seeds of future global conflict have unmistakably already been sown. A third world war is not unthinkable.” At the beginning of his book, Goldwater says: “These recollections are straight from the shoulder a last salute before the flag is lowered and the final notes of taps fade into memory. A man stands up, says his piece, then sits down. Others must judge his deeds.”