In an ideal world

But the problem for Howard Phillips always is that it isn't | Joel Belz

It might be useful, just before speeding ahead into the busy traffic of a presidential election, to cast one wistful glance into the rearview mirror of what might have been.

The main choice now, of course, appears to be between pragmatists Al Gore for the Democrats and George W. Bush for the Republicans. But people of principle should not forget two other men who, while never realistically in the race for actual office, deserve more than the mere footnote in history they may get.

Indeed, with four months left before the big conventions, both are still active candidates. Democrat Bill Bradley has thrown in the towel, as have Republicans John McCain, Gary Bauer, Steve Forbes, Elizabeth Dole, Dan Quayle, Lamar Alexander, Bob Smith, and John Kasich. But not Alan Keyes and Howard Phillips.