Gore routs Bradley nationwide, sending alumnus to brink of defeat

NEW YORK — Failing to overcome sagging poll numbers and a bleak outlook, former New Jersey Senator Bill Bradley '65 last night conceded victory to Vice President Al Gore in yesterday's Super Tuesday primaries. The devastating loss likely spells the end to Bradley's presidential bid.

Gore won a clean sweep yesterday, soundly defeating Bradley in all 16 Democratic Party contests, including delegate powerhouses New York and California and Bradley's native Missouri.

According to early estimates, Gore picked up 794 delegates yesterday, bringing his total to 1,276. Bradley won 312, for a total to date of 369.

On the Republican side, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) had a good showing — winning in Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts — but Texas Gov. George W. Bush emerged as the day's clear victor.

Bradley

At about 9:00 p.m. last night, Bradley entered a ballroom in the Sheraton New York as a band played "Celebration" and supporters chanted his name.

He was surrounded by friends and prominent political allies, including former New York mayor Ed Koch and Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-N.Y.).

A few minutes later, a solemn but composed Bradley addressed a crowd of about 1,500 people. "I've just called the vice president to congratulate him on his victory tonight," he said. "He won. I lost."

Bradley indicated that he had not yet decided whether to withdraw from the race or continue his fight. "Tomorrow I'll consult with supporters across the country and get their thoughts and advice," he said. "I'll make my plans known shortly."

Despite his weak showing in yesterday's primaries, Bradley remained upbeat and emphasized his campaign's accomplishments. "We've shaped the national debate. We brought core democratic issues to the floor," he said. "Today millions of people across the nation voted for change."

Slipping in one cutting remark about the vice president in an otherwise cordial commentary, Bradley contrasted the approaches of his and Gore's campaigns.

"In this campaign we don't ask where the wind is blowing and follow it," he said. "We begin with convictions."

Attempting to define a legacy for her husband's campaign, Ernestine Bradley said, "We have brought in new people, people who have been out of the political process." The candidate added, "I believe that history will write that we helped change politics."