A Calm Dukakis Sips Water--and Feels Good

The two TVs were silent. Four aides talked quietly on the balcony. A card on a congratulatory spray of orchids lay unopened. The candidate was drinking water, not champagne.

Indeed, the only sign of celebration in Michael S. Dukakis’ 29th-floor Century Towers suite as he finally wrapped up the long-fought Democratic presidential nomination Tuesday night was a half-eaten frosted blue 30th birthday cake for his son, John.

“I feel good,” Dukakis said simply. Not awed or nervous on an historic night? “No, each step along the way prepares you for the next. You’re always thinking ahead.”

Aides Are Ecstatic

The ever-disciplined, 54-year-old Dukakis may have been calm as he was driven to a victory party, but his aides and supporters were ecstatic that the once-obscure three-term Massachusetts governor had just won overpowering victories in California, New Jersey, New Mexico and Montana, giving him enough delegates to win the nomination.

Dukakis was guarded, saying he would begin considering how to choose his running mate after he flies home to Boston today. He’ll take “a fresh look,” he said, and he would admit to having “no names yet” in his head.

Will Avoid ‘Public Process’

“I don’t think I’ll have an elaborate public process,” he added, citing 1984 Democratic nominee Walter F. Mondale’s much-criticized public interview process. “This is a unique choice, to put it mildly.”

He indicated he may announce his choice before Democrats gather in Atlanta on July 18. “I’m not sure, but I’m inclined to think you don’t want to spend a lot of time at the convention leaving people in doubt,” he said.

Dukakis said he had “no doubt,” that the Rev. Jesse Jackson, his runner-up in the final four primaries, would support the eventual Democratic ticket against presumptive Republican nominee George Bush.

“I think he’s going to be actively involved and give his full support,” Dukakis said flatly.

Moreover, Dukakis said he was not worried or hurt politically by Jackson’s threats this week to challenge him “on the floor in Atlanta” if he did not agree to declare South Africa a terrorist state. Jackson had a “perfect right” to criticize,” Dukakis said.

Benefit in Competition

Dukakis said the “continued competition has been a plus” because his campaign had recruited thousands of supporters and contributors in California and New Jersey. “That wouldn’t have happened without continued competition,” he said.

“I think we’ve got a real opportunity to put together not only as strong a grass-roots operation for the fall as we’ve ever seen, in every state, but to greatly expand the party’s base,” he added.

By the time he arrived at the Biltmore Hotel, hundreds had gathered in the cavernous Crystal Room. Dukakis appeared at 9:40 p.m. before a giant flag, flanked by his son, John, and daughters Andrea, 22, and Kara, 19.

His message was upbeat, designed for the fall, and filled with warnings for his opponent. As he began, cheers of “Win, Mike, win!” filled the room.

Americans “aren’t interested in slashing attacks,” Dukakis told the crowd. “They want to judge our positive ideas for change.”

Sees ‘Golden Opportunity’

“Every day of this race, the strength of our character--our integrity and independence--will be scrutinized,” he said, adding that the race was a “golden opportunity” for Democrats.

“And what quicksand for our opponents if they waste this opportunity on mudslinging and name-calling,” he added. “Because the American people are not interested in what Mr. Bush thinks of me or what I think of him. They want to know which one of us has the strength and the ability and the values to lead our country.”

Citing his heritage as the son of Greek immigrants, Dukakis said he had “an abiding faith in the American dream.”

“Every child who has ambition is it’s heir,” he said. “Every worker who demands dignity keeps its flame. Every farmer who works the land is its ally. . . . Every barrier of race, sex, and class we shatter is its strength. And every soul around the world who swells with hope at the sight of our flag is its truth.”

Gets Call From Wife

He ended with a surprise telephone hookup to his wife, Kitty, recuperating from neck surgery in room 759 of Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.