He's the party's candidate of hope

SAN DIEGO When Bob Dole tracked me down in this convention citylast Thursday with a telephone call from his Washington campaignheadquarters, I became convinced that he was about to do theimpossible: name Jack Kemp his running mate.

Dole never has hidden his displeasure with my criticism of hisperformance as a Republican presidential candidate. His lastunsolicited call to me was eight years ago. Now, he told me flatlythat yes, his archrival Kemp was among his last three prospects forvice president. He left me with little doubt that he would decide onKemp the next day.

That phone call was a tiny reflection of Dole's dramaticallyaltered course. He has rejected …