What was Bill Clinton thinking at Dukakis speech?

To the editor,

Why is  William Clinton not chastised for his  arrogant behavior at the 1988 Democratic National Convention? The nominating speech he gave for Gov. Michael Dukakis of Massachusetts droned on and on like an old time filibuster. He did not take the hint to stop, even as  a chorus of embarrassing jeers punctuated his speech. 

Not only did  his behavior  bring scorn and ridicule on his party. Worse still, he compelled Dukakis to deliver his acceptance speech after most of America had  gone to sleep. Clinton’s conduct cannot  be explained  by ignorance. Nobody ever accused him of lacking political savvy.

The only plausible explanation is that he was afraid of the outside chance that Dukakis might win and be re-elected in 1992, thus blocking himself in 1992. He probably saw even the chance of  a strong showing by Dukakis as a threat to his 1992 plans. 

Alan J. Saks