The express train on which the year 2000 presidential election is riding has just left Philadelphia with George W. Bush receiving the Republican nomination and is now speeding towards Los Angeles where Vice President Al Gore is expected to be coronated by the Democrats.

After choosing Richard "Dick" Cheney as their vice presidential standard bearer, the Republicans are set for the fall election showdown. And the Democrats have taken up Senator Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut as their vice president nominee from a field that included Senator John Edwards of North Carolina — the youngest and
least well known of the group — and Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts.

The choice of Senator Lieberman has generated an interesting response from the Democratic National Committee Chairperson Ed Rendell. He stated that Lieberman, "would be a slam dunk" if he were not Jewish.

Having worked with Senator Lieberman in the Congress, I find him to be a man of high moral principles and unquestioned integrity. We have shared the podium on school choice issues and he has demonstrated that he has a heart for children and would like to see them all receive a quality education.

Lieberman has spent two terms in the Senate, has the requisite experience and is well like by most of his colleagues. These are important qualifications for a Vice President. So why raise the question on whether he will face hidden voter prejudice because he is an Orthodox Jew?

Did we not face the challenge of religious prejudice and presidential politics before " the age of enlightenment" when John Kennedy was the candidate?

My high school history teacher made the class write essays on this issue of politics and religion in the late 50’s and early 60’s. Why are we still asking questions about a person’s religious orientation rather than on their character?

Since Mr. Rendells’ concern reflects a summation of back room discussions,are the same questions being raised about minorities, women, etc?

Has politics glass ceiling been erected based on a perception of hidden prejudices of voters?

Now that Ed Rendell, the former Mayor of Philadelphia has stuffed his "Philly Cheese Steak" in his mouth, will Joe Liebermen be blamed if the Gore/Lieberman ticket loses in November?

If that happens, what hope is there of ever electing a Black, Latino, Woman, or Jewish President or Vice President in the immediate future?

Al Gore must stand up and make plain what the Democratic Party position really is on the question of inclusion and diversity at the highest level of American, the model democracy for the rest of the world.

It can be argued without question that the Clinton/Gore administration has appointed more Blacks, Latinos and women in high level positions in government that any other presidency in history. Yet, the presidency and vice presidency has been largely a place for white males.

Now that Senator Lieberman is the vice presidential choice, race and religion should not be the predominant factor in making a decision to vote for the ticket.