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Al Gore on the Issues

Also See: George W. Bush on the Issues

Election 2000 Online Discussion Group
This is the place to discuss the candidates and issues of the 2000 Election. It is politics, so almost anything goes, 

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Budget & Economy

From Candidate's Web Site
"Al Gore believes we should use the projected surplus to build our economic prosperity, invest in our families, secure Social Security and Medicare for future generations, and pay off the national debt in 15 years."

Public Statements
"And this is what I pledge to you: I will fight to keep our prosperity going. And as president, I will balance the budget every year, and we will have surpluses every single year of the Gore presidency." -- Somersworth, IA 1/3/2000

Defense

From Candidate's Web Site
"Throughout his public service career, Al Gore has shown leadership and vision on an array of international policy issues. From safeguarding nuclear arsenals, to fighting terrorism, to helping to slow global warming, he has always focused on combating threats to our nation's security. He has stood up for American values by supporting military intervention to end ethnic cleansing and by promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. And he has consistently promoted peace and prosperity by helping people close the gates of war and by opening new markets abroad. Al Gore has developed a plan for American leadership on the world stage - a policy of Forward Engagement to address new security issues before they become crises and to seize the opportunities of a Global Age."

"In a 1980 meeting in his home state of Tennessee, then-Congressman Gore asked a gathering of students how many expected to see nuclear war in their lifetimes. He was stunned to see nearly every hand in the room rise. Two years later, Congressman Gore advanced a new idea for bringing new stability to the U.S.-Soviet nuclear arms race: deterring a first strike by moving from multi-warhead missiles to single-warhead missiles on both sides in a phased 'build-down.'"

Public Statements
"Our men and women in uniform offer us no less than their lives," Gore said. "We have to make sure their service is not only rewarding but rewarded." CNN - Aug, 22, 2000

"If anyone doubts our strength, let them talk to our pilots patrolling the skies over Iraq right now. Let them meet the sailors who have kept the peace in the Taiwan Strait, and let them remember our overwhelming victory in Kosovo without a single American life lost in battle." CNN - Aug, 22, 2000

Free Trade

From Candidate's Web Site
"America must maintain its role as the world’s leader. Al Gore has repeatedly called for the passage of Fast Track trading authority, to allow the President to open more markets.. He has fought for a trading system that includes strong safeguards for workers, for health and safety, for children, and for a clean environment. And he has called on other nations -- such as Japan and the nations of Europe -- to jump-start their own economies, and live up to their shared responsibilities for global growth."

Public Statements
"Vice President Al Gore told labor leaders on Thursday he wanted future U.S. trade agreements to better protect workers and the environment, but denied that he planned to renegotiate a landmark trade pact with China if elected president in November, a spokesman said." -- Reuters 2/17/00

Discuss Free Trade with China 
Read the opinions of others or share your own in this online forum.

Government Reform

From Candidate's Web Site
"As Vice President, Al Gore has led the National Partnership for Reinventing Government - a reform effort that has eliminated waste and inefficiency throughout the federal government, to make it cost less and work better for the American people. This effort builds upon Gore's strong record of fighting to change the way Washington works. As a Member of Congress, Gore investigated waste and mismanagement within the federal government and worked hard to make government more open and responsive to the needs of the American people."

"Our campaign finance system is broken and needs to be fixed. As a Congressman, Al Gore was an early sponsor of legislation to limit spending for congressional campaigns in return for public financing, a system similar to that system used for presidential elections."

Gun Control

From Candidate's Web Site
"As a member of Congress, and as Vice President, Al Gore has fought to keep dangerous guns out of the hands of criminals. He supported a ban on assault weapons, worked to craft a compromise on the Brady Bill, and has fought for additional penalties for gun-related crimes. In addition, the Vice President has been a vocal advocate for eliminating guns in our schools."

Public Statements
"I think we ought to ban assault weapons and Saturday night specials, and junk guns." -- New Hampshire Primary Debate 1/5/2000
"And nothing does more to tear families apart than guns, gangs, drugs, and the fear that walks alongside those terrors. Our children cannot reach for their dreams if they are ducking for cover." -- Boston, MA 7/12/99

"I will change a political culture in Washington that puts the interests of the gun lobby ahead of the needs of American families, too many of whom now feel they have to draw the curtains at midday because they fear their children's becoming living targets." -- Boston, MA 7/12/99

Gun Control Online Debate
Read or join in a free online forum dedicated to the gun control issue hosted by your About Guide.

Social Security

From Candidate's Web Site
"Al Gore has worked hard to ensure that older Americans get the services they need and the respect they deserve. He has fought to protect and strengthen Social Security and he has worked to provide supplemental retirement security - through meaningful pension reform - to America's seniors. Gore also has been a strong advocate for support services and service opportunities made available in the Older Americans Act."

Public Statements
"Imagine when we save Medicare  secure social security. Imagine what this country will be like when we invest and bring about revolutionary progress in our schools and raise them to world class, the best in the entire world. Imagine what it will be like when we bring our people together and make new strides for opportunity and justice." -- Somersworth, IA 1/3/2000

"And, I will never privatize social security or destroy it by diverting funds intended for social security. I will strengthen social security, not undermine social security." -- Announcement of Candidacy

Discuss Social Security
Read or join in a free online forum on Social Security hosted by your About Guide.

Tax Reform

From Candidate's Web Site
"Al Gore has worked hard to provide tax relief for millions of America's families and small businesses, and he has promoted tax relief while working for a balanced budget. Gore cast the deciding vote for the Administration's 1993 economic plan that cut taxes for 15 million working families, and he has worked for other tax policies to help families raise a child and pay for college. In addition, Gore has supported tax relief efforts for America's small businesses and a permanent research and development tax credit."

Public Statements
"In virtually every public appearance, Gore ominously utters the words risky tax scheme. He has been chanting that mantra since 1996; in his debate with Jack Kemp, he chanted it eight times. Then, it was a put-down of Bob Dole’s proposed 15% tax cut; now it’s a put-down of the tax cuts pending in Congress." -- Boston Globe Editorial 8/30/99

Issues covered by other About Guides: (Select below)

Other Candidates' Web Sites

Election 2000 Online Discussion Group
This is the place to discuss the candidates and issues of the 2000 Election. It is politics, so almost anything goes, 

Presidential Poll - NEW
Vote for: Browne, Buchanan, Bush, Gore, Hagelin, Nader or Phillips. See the standings instantly.

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