American Notes POLITICS

The hijack crisis began with a rumor broadcast on CNN that top Bob Dole Advisers David Keene and Donald Devine had seized control of the chaotic campaign by taking over the candidate's plane. Campaign Chairman Bill Brock was vexed enough to fly from Washington in order to confront Keene, the apparent ringleader, in Orlando, near Disney World.

The issues involved may have been Mickey Mouse power politics, but the dialogue was hard-boiled. Brock told Keene, "I'm cutting the string -- you're finished." Then Devine innocently asked to join the breakfast club. "You might as well," Brock snarled. "I'll take both of you at once." Both mutineers, along with their baggage, were unceremoniously dumped from the plane.