WHILE ENUMERATING THE SINS of his opponent in his rambling closing statement at the second presidential debate, Bob Dole blurted out this indictment: “President Clinton opposes term limits.” Perhaps supporters of limiting congressional terms should have been grateful for those five little words, in a campaign where the issue has gone largely unmentioned by either side.

Nevertheless, as I sat in the University of San Diego theater, questions crossed my mind. Granted that Bill Clinton opposes term limits, but when did Bob Dole start supporting them? When did this congressional “lifer” experience his epiphany? There surely was no announcement of his conversion.