The Nation: Harris Bows Out

The economics of presidential aspirations crashed over Fred Harris last week. "I'm broke," the Oklahoma Democrat told a crowded press conference. Then he threw in the towel. Finances, however, were only the most visible symptom of much deeper trouble. In the 46 days since he declared, the Harris candidacy never got off the ground.

His campaign slogan, "No more bull shit," revolted many an audience, and Harris never did make clear the meaning of the "new populism" he offered as an alternative. He vigorously argued for a redistribution of income, yet failed to outline in detail how it could be accomplished. He proposed such specifics as breaking up General Motors into five or six separate companies but offered scant evidence that such plans were feasible. On television, he was surprisingly docile, uncertain and easily intimidated. Harris' withdrawal will have little effect on the remaining Democratic hopefuls, other than to reduce the crowding in the field.