Al Gore in The Associated Press
On Principles & Values:
Endorses Dean for President
Al Gore plans to endorse Howard Dean for the Democratic presidential nomination, a dramatic move that could tighten Dean’s grip on the front-runner position. Gore, who won the popular vote but lost the electoral vote in the disputed 2000 election,
has agreed to endorse Dean in New York City’s Harlem neighborhood on Tuesday and then travel with the former Vermont governor to Iowa, site of the Jan. 19 caucuses that kick off the nominating process. The Gore endorsement comes just weeks after two key
unions backed Dean’s candidacy. The approval of Bill Clinton’s No. 2 bolsters Dean’s case that he can carry the party’s mantle next November and represents more than an Internet-driven outsider relying on the support of largely white, upscale voters.
It also helps Dean, who leads in state polls in New Hampshire and Iowa, as he tries to persuade Democrats wary of his lack of foreign policy experience and missteps on the campaign trail that his nomination is all but certain.
Source: Ron Fournier, Associated Press on AOL News
Dec 8, 2003
On Families & Children:
Fiscal discipline helps single people as well as families
Q: What is one example of something in your plans that would improve opportunities for single adults past their college years? A:In just a few days, Americans will have a choice between two very different visions for America. My vision is of
responsible tax cuts targeted to help the middle-class, paying down the national debt to strengthen Social Security, Medicare and our economy and making key investments in education, health care, law enforcement and the environment. Single adults will
benefit from my plan to ensure that Social Security is there when they retire, while creating a new 401 (k)-style investment plan to help people save for retirement, buy a first home or get new job training. They will benefit from good new jobs that
result from fiscal discipline and key investments in new technologies. And they will have an easier time buying a home or paying off student loans, as we eliminate the national debt to keep down interest rates.
Source: Associated Press
Nov 6, 2000
On Immigration:
English is our language, but “English-Only” divides us
Q: Should English be made the country’s official language? A: I believe that all of our people should have the opportunity to learn English, so that they can succeed and reach their fullest potential. However, I oppose ‘English only’ proposals.
Everyone knows that English is the language of the United States. ‘English only’ laws only seek to divide our nation, which has a long history of immigration by people who speak many languages.“
Source: Associated Press
Nov 1, 2000
On Free Trade:
More Latin American trade, with labor & enviro protections
Q: Would you pursue a hemispheric trade deal extending the benefits of NAFTA to Central and South America and the Caribbean? A: I am committed to enhancing our alliance and expanding trade with the
countries of Latin America. Trade has been an important part of our economic expansion and creates high-paying jobs. As president, I will build on the work that the administration began when the U.S. hosted the
first Summit of the Americas to promote hemispheric cooperation on a full spectrum of political, economic, security, and social issues. As we expand our trade agreements, we can achieve more based on what we
have learned in the past seven years. I will insist that labor and environmental protections are included as part of future trade agreements.
Source: Associated Press
Oct 31, 2000
On Civil Rights:
Affirmative Action: mend it, don’t end it
Our future as a nation depends upon whether or not we can break down the barriers that have been used to pit group against group, and bring our people together. We must take extra steps to acknowledge the history of discrimination and injustice, and to
bring all people into the American dream. I am against quotas-they are illegal and un-American. We have to mend affirmative action-to make sure that programs are carefully targeted and fair and that they meet legal requirements-but we should not end it.
Source: Associated Press
Oct 25, 2000
On Foreign Policy:
Vietnam: Trade will improve human rights & help with MIAs
Q: An agreement has been signed with Vietnam that will require that country to protect US intellectual property and open its markets. It makes no demands on human rights. Do you support this deal? A: I believe that we must ratify and fully implement
important new trade agreements, and as president, I will insist on and use the authority to negotiate and enforce worker rights, human rights and environmental protections in those agreements. I believe that the US-Vietnam Bilateral Trade Agreement
provides important benefits to American businesses and workers, including dramatic new market access for American goods, services, and agricultural products; intellectual property protection; investment protection provisions; and transparency and
rule-of-law measures. The treaty also represents an important step in the normalization of our relations with Vietnam, a process which will strengthen cooperation on bringing American POW-MIAs home, promoting religious freedom and combating narcotics.
Source: Associated Press
Oct 18, 2000
On Education:
Claimed $10,000 tuition tax cut worth $800 over current plan
Gore, by omission, made his plan to help parents with the costs of college sound more generous than it is. “I want to give every middle class family a $10,000-a-year tax deduction for college tuition,” the Democrat
said. That’s true, but a tax credit is already available for that purpose. Gore actually offers people a choice of an increased tax credit or the tax deduction. The additional benefit, for many families, would be $800.
Source: Associated Press analysis of St. Louis debate
Oct 17, 2000
On Education:
Overempasized restrictions of Bush’s education plan
Gore suggested Bush’s education plan would force states to give parents whose children are in failing schools vouchers to send their children to private schools. Bush’s plan offers more choices than that, including public schools or tutoring. Gore
also said that when a school is found to be failing under Bush’s plan, “kids would be trapped there for another three years” before anything is done. He suggested that his own plan would [act] right away; Gore’s plan in fact would take two years.
Source: Associated Press analysis of St. Louis debate
Oct 17, 2000
On Health Care:
Claim that drugmakers spend more on ads than R&D isn’t true
The vice president made an attack on drug companies that conflicts with independent studies. Gore claimed that drug makers “are now spending more money on advertising and promotion -- you see all these ads -- than they
are on research and development.”In fact, the industry spent between $5.8 billion and $8.3 billion on promotion and $21 billion on research and development in 1998. There has been a 20-fold increase in TV drug advertising over the past six years.
Source: Associated Press analysis of St. Louis debate
Oct 17, 2000
On Energy & Oil:
Renewable energy instead of nuclear power
Q: Should the United States increase its use of nuclear power as part of a strategy to come closer to energy independence? A: I strongly believe we need to take measures to increase our nation’s energy security and
decrease our dependence on unreliable foreign sources of oil. However, I do not support an increased reliance on nuclear power. In order to achieve sound economic and environmental goals, I believe that we must increase renewable energy
sources and environmentally sound domestic energy production and develop new energy-saving technologies, while reducing our reliance on imported energy. Through the power of free markets and American ingenuity, my plan will
dramatically reduce pollution and enhance our energy security - and create more jobs in the process.
Source: Associated Press
Oct 16, 2000
On Health Care:
Opposes Medical Savings Accounts; they segment out the sick
Q: Should the government let everyone set aside money in a tax-free medical savings account to help pay for their health care? A: I am opposed to Republican proposals to broaden medical savings accounts. These proposals have the potential to
segment healthy populations from the sick in the insurance market and therefore leave sicker populations with higher health care costs. We already have some demonstrations on MSAs today and should wait and see what kind of impact they have.
Source: Associated Press
Oct 11, 2000
On Technology:
Electronic Bill of Rights protects personal information
Q: On Internet Privacy: Should the federal government step in to safeguard people’s online privacy or can that be done through self-regulation and users’ education? A: I believe that, in this time of unprecedented possibility,
we must ensure that new technology is used to renew and strengthen our oldest and most cherished values. That is why I have called for an Electronic Bill of Rights for this electronic age. It includes the right to choose whether personal information.
is disclosed; the right to know how, when, and how much of that information is being used; the right to see it yourself; and the right to know if it’s accurate. In many areas, I believe that industry self-regulation of Internet privacy is an effective
response. Last year, the administration and the FTC held a workshop that pushed the industry to come to the table and negotiate a privacy code of conduct. That code of conduct is now in place.
Source: Associated Press
Oct 6, 2000
On Technology:
Internet self-regulation OK: privacy policy on all web sites
In many areas, I believe that industry self-regulation of Internet privacy is an effective response. We have been pushing the private sector to get good privacy policies online, and there has been some impressive progress. For instance, only 14%
of commercial Web sites had privacy policies posted in the spring of 1998, but that number had risen to 88% by this spring. The next steps are to figure out the best way to get privacy policies posted at that last 12% and to
keep improving the quality of privacy policies. I am proud of my role in pushing for effective privacy protection in the area of online profiling. In 1998, before most people were even aware of the problem, I called for the government to
study this issue and to create an effective response. Last year, the administration and the FTC held a workshop that pushed the industry to come to the table and negotiate a privacy code of conduct. That code of conduct is now in place.
Source: Associated Press
Oct 6, 2000
On Families & Children:
Abstinence Ed in the context of comprehensive Sex Ed
Q: Do you support the initiative to encourage young people to abstain from sex but not allow discussion of birth control? A: I support a comprehensive strategy to prevent teen pregnancy and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases that includes
abstinence education and other measures. I believe that community leaders are in the best position to identify those family-planning strategies that will be most effective within their respective communities.
Source: Associated Press
Sep 22, 2000
On Principles & Values:
Abstinence Ed in the context of comprehensive Sex Ed
Q: Do you support the initiative to encourage young people to abstain from sex but not allow discussion of birth control? A: I support a comprehensive strategy to prevent teen pregnancy and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases that includes
abstinence education and other measures. I believe that community leaders are in the best position to identify those family-planning strategies that will be most effective within their respective communities.
Source: (X-ref Families) Associated Press
Sep 22, 2000
On Jobs:
Kill Freedom to Farm Act: keep price supports
Q: The Freedom to Farm Act cut price supports to farmers while giving them more freedom to plant what they want. Do you support this law? A: I believe we must maintain America’s food security and protect our vital agricultural lands. As president, I
will work to maintain flexibility and freedom in what farmers choose to plant while providing our independent family farmers the support they need during hard times. The fact that prices and farm income have remained so low for so long, and that billions
of dollars in emergency farm aid was needed over the past two years, shows that the ‘Freedom to Farm’ Act is misguided and wholly inadequate in a climate of declining crop prices and turmoil in overseas markets. I believe that we must restore the farm
income safety net for family farmers with a system that increases support when crop prices or yields fall unexpectedly. That doesn’t mean going back to an outdated system where government tells farmers what crops to produce.
Source: Associated Press
Sep 20, 2000
On Environment:
Major commitment to build high-speed Amtrak rail systems
Q: Should the federal government be spending more to help Amtrak expand intercity rail travel and develop high-speed corridors?? A: With growing congestion on our highways and airports, it’s time to give the American people a fast and efficient
alternative for traveling between our communities. High-speed rail reduces highway and airport congestion, improves air quality, stimulates the economy, and broadens the scope of personal choice for traveling between our communities. That is why, as part
of my Energy Security and Environment Trust Fund, I am proposing a major commitment to build high-speed rail systems in major transportation corridors across the nation. As president, I will fight for new grants to Amtrak and the states for improving
and expanding passenger rail routes and corridors. And I will work to secure funding to help communities improve rail stations - to help rebuild these vital economic centers in cities and small towns across America.
Source: Associated Press
Sep 17, 2000
On Energy & Oil:
$150B Energy Security and Environment Trust Fund
Q: What would you do to promote the use of cleaner energy? A: Encouraging consumers and producers to use cleaner energy is critical to ensuring we have clean air and fighting the threat of global warming. That is why I have proposed a bold,
unprecedented Energy Security and Environment Trust Fund - a $150 billion fund to help develop clean new technologies. This fund will provide tax credits and financial incentives to power producers who reduce pollutant emissions; consumers who
purchase energy-efficient vehicles, homes and home appliances; and communities that build energy-saving forms of public transportation. These measures will stimulate
economic growth, create new jobs, reduce our nation’s dependence on unreliable foreign sources of oil and clean up the nation’s air and water.
Source: Associated Press
Sep 12, 2000
On Homeland Security:
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell is unfair & hasn’t worked
Q: Do you support the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on gays in the military? A: The ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy has not worked. Furthermore, I believe that, as a matter of basic fairness, the policy should be changed. It is unacceptable
that patriotic men and women who serve their nation with distinction are not only discharged, but suffer persecution and even violence. They should be allowed to serve their country without discrimination.
Source: Associated Press
Sep 6, 2000
On Crime:
Use DNA techniques to make death penalty more fair
I believe the death penalty is an appropriate and effective punishment for certain offenses. I strongly support, however, the use of new DNA techniques that can make our criminal justice system fairer and more accurate. I believe that we must take every
possible precaution to ensure the integrity and fairness of the system when we apply this ultimate penalty. We must be vigilant in not allowing race, class or absence of competent counsel to have any influence in such crucial decisions.“
Source: Associated Press
Sep 4, 2000
On Social Security:
Open questions: future surplus & future discipline
| Bush | Gore |
|---|
- Allow investing an unspecified amount of payroll taxes in the stock market.
- Does not preclude decreasing guaranteed benefits for future retirees.
| Use the federal budget surplus
to pay down the debt and use the interest saved to keep Social Security solvent.- Subsidized retirement savings plan open to families earning up to $100,000 a year.
|
| Unanswered questions |
|---|
- Will the
government bail out people who make poor investment decisions?
- What about the costs of making the transition to & then maintaining the accounts?
- If some payroll taxes are diverted to private accounts, how will the government make up the difference
for current retirees?
| - What if future administrations don’t display the kind of fiscal discipline Gore’s plan requires?
- What if the projections of budget surplus money to pay down the debt doesn’t come true?
|
Source: Associated Press in Boston Globe, p. A10
Jul 5, 2000
On Technology:
Online federal services: a “second American Revolution”
Al Gore promised on Monday that as president he would have nearly all federal services online by 2003 in a “second American Revolution” linking the people and their
government via the Internet. He raised a vision of buyers competing for government business via Internet auctions: “The power of government should not be locked
away in Washington but put at your services -- no further away than your keyboard,“ the Democratic presidential contender said. Gore said that under his plan, people could use the Internet to get information about Social Security benefits,
to apply for a home loan through the Federal Home Administration, to report a crime or to find the health plan that would work best for them. He said he wanted government ”online -- so you don’t have to stand in line.“
Source: Associated Press in NY Times
Jun 5, 2000
On Social Security:
Use stock market for private investment, not Social Security
Gore said today that the stock market was an attractive place for Americans to invest over the long run but that it was the wrong place to seek a solution to Social Security’s problems. “The magnitude of the government’s stock ownership would be such
that it would at least raise the question of whether or not we had begun to change the fundamental nature of our economy,” Mr. Gore said. “Upon reflection, it seemed to me that those problems were quite serious.” Moreover, Gore said, he became convinced
that Wall Street’s ups and downs were large enough to create a risk that the government might be making a bad investment. During long stretches -- including from the late 1960’s to the early 1980’s, Wall Street was by no means
the one-way bet it has often been viewed as in recent years. He said any investment in the markets should “come on top of Social Security,” rather than as a replacement for it.
Source: Richard W. Stevenson and James Dao, Associated Press
May 24, 2000
On Social Security:
Switches view to no government investment in stocks
Gore backed away from his early support for allowing the government itself to invest in stocks on Social Security’s behalf. He said that his shift was driven by a recognition that allowing the government to become a big shareholder would create problems
and that the stock market had not generated as consistently strong returns as he had once assumed. Last year, Gore backed a plan under which the government would begin channeling hundreds of billions of dollars in additional money into Social Security
out of general tax revenues starting in 2011. Under the plan, half of the new money going to Social Security would be invested by the government in stocks, up to a maximum of 15% of Social Security’s total reserves.
Gore said he had been swayed in
part by criticism of the idea from Alan Greenspan, who opposed the plan on the grounds that politicians would not be able to resist using the government’s role as a shareholder to favor or punish certain industries or to meddle in corporate decisions.
Source: Richard W. Stevenson and James Dao, Associated Press
May 24, 2000
On War & Peace:
Israel: support full UN participation
Gore reminded some 2,000 AIPAC delegates that he has spoken to the UN Security Council, and he said he privately advocated for Israel’s full UN participation with Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
Source: Sandra Sobieraj, Associated Press, in L.A. Times
May 23, 2000
On War & Peace:
Iraq: support Saddam’s opposition, until he’s gone
Gore said he had met--and will meet again next month--with Iraqi opposition forces in order to “see Saddam Hussein gone.” In the next meeting, Gore said, “I will encourage them to further unite in their
efforts against Saddam.” He said, “We have made it clear that it is our policy to see Saddam Hussein gone.”
Source: Sandra Sobieraj, Associated Press, in L.A. Times
May 23, 2000
On Foreign Policy:
To union: we disagree on China; but agree elsewhere
Gore made his case yesterday for the China trade bill to union workers. “I know that one of your legislative priorities is to urge members of Congress not to support permanent normal trade relations with China,” Gore said. “You know that I don’t share
that view. I strongly support normal trade relations with China because I believe it is right for America’s economy and right for the cause of reform in China.” George W. Bush has accused Gore of reticence on the trade issue. The Bush campaign was so
certain that Gore would say nothing about the impending House trade vote in his union address that they issued a statement one hour earlier saying, “Before union audiences, his support disappears.” But Gore faced the difference of opinion head on, if not
too enthusiastically. Reading from his text in even tones to a silent audience, Gore said, “I respect the depth and strength of your feeling, but I’m also proud that on other great issues, you and I stand together - virtually on all of the other ones.”
Source: Sandra Sobieraj, Associated Press
May 22, 2000
On Jobs:
To union: we disagree on China; but agree elsewhere
Gore made his case yesterday for the China trade bill to union workers.... Gore faced the difference of opinion head on, if not too enthusiastically. Reading from his text in even tones to a silent audience, Gore
said, “I respect the depth and strength of your feeling, but I’m also proud that on other great issues, you and I stand together - virtually on all of the other ones.” He spoke about his support for increasing
the minimum wage, expanding Medicare to cover prescription drugs and banning permanent striker replacements. The AFL-CIO has made defeat of the China trade bill its top legislative priority for the
year. Labor argues that free trade costs American jobs and does nothing to ensure labor rights overseas.
Source: (X-ref China) Sandra Sobieraj, Associated Press
May 22, 2000
On Homeland Security:
$1.2 billion in new education money for veterans
Al Gore courted veterans yesterday with $1.2 billion in new education money for them, their families, and their survivors. “Those who fight for our security should never have to fight for the education they need to succeed,” Gore said at a VFW post.
Gore’s plan would increase monthly payments to veterans and families by 25%, from $536 to $670. Gore said that would be the largest increase in their education funding since the program began 16 years ago as part of the GI Bill.
Benefits also would be indexed to inflation and veterans could use the money for other types of learning during school breaks. Gore said no new money would be needed to pay for the increased benefits since they would be covered
by the money available from the Veterans Administration. “We don’t give our veterans anything,” Gore concluded. “You have earned what you get with blood, sweat, and tears.”
Source: Associated Press in Boston Globe, p. A36
May 11, 2000
On Social Security:
Gore: Bush’s Social Security plan is risky privatization
Gore accused Bush today of devising a “secret plan” that could bankrupt the Social Security system. Gore asserted that Bush was quietly developing a “risky” plan to allow individual investment accounts in Social Security that would jeopardize millions
of taxpayers’ savings. “How does the Bush plan propose to deal with the bankruptcy of Social Security that his privatization scheme would cause? He doesn’t even bother to provide an answer.” Under Bush’s proposal, taxpayers would be allowed to invest
a small part of their Social Security payroll taxes in the stock or bond markets. Bush’s aides argue that such a plan would help taxpayers take advantage of the stock market’s historic growth.
But Gore asserted today that the plan would make the
system vulnerable to huge market fluctuations that could hurt millions of retirees. And as he has repeatedly done in recent days, he suggested that Mr. Bush was charting a course that was “reckless” and “irresponsible.”
Source: James Dao & Frank Bruni, Associated Press
May 4, 2000
On Health Care:
Pharmaceutical profits are ‘out of line’
Al Gore blamed pharmaceutical companies yesterday for profits that are “way out of line” and plugged his own drug-payment plan. Gore put the drug companies at the center of his argument for expanding Medicare coverage to include prescription drugs.
Profits are good for encouraging investors, Gore said, but drug companies are “going far beyond that. They’re going to the point that the margins are way out of line with what most other industries and most other lines of business believe is normal
and adequate. They’re using the market power to dictate prices that are way above what competition would set them at.“ Gore has proposed adding a Medicare prescription drug benefit and letting uninsured Americans 55 to 65 buy into Medicare coverage.
His drug plan would offer free coverage for low-income recipients, catastrophic coverage for all and an optional cost-sharing benefit for others with premiums of $44 a month when phased in.
Source: Associated Press in New York Times
Apr 26, 2000
On Gun Control:
Agrees with Bush on banning weapons; but wants registration
Where They Agree: Regarding guns, Texas Gov. George W. Bush and Vice President Al Gore would, if elected president:- Support the current ban on assault weapons.
- Prohibit juveniles from possessing assault weapons.
- Ban imports
of high-capacity ammunition clips.
- Raise the minimum age for possessing a handgun from 18 to 21.
- Require that trigger locks be sold with handguns.
Where They Differ- Bush also would:
- Provide more money
for enforcement of gun laws.
- Support automatic detention for young people who commit crimes with guns.
- Oppose government-mandated registration of guns owned by people who don’t break laws.
- Gore also would:
- Require photo
licensing for handgun purchases.
- Limit gun purchases to one per month and require a three-day waiting period.
- Require manufacturers and federally licensed sellers to report sales to a state authority.
Source: Associated Press in Los Angeles Times
Apr 21, 2000
On Technology:
Unhealthy concentrations of power snuff out competition
While Gore has broken ranks with the president on several recent occasions, he & President Clinton have remained quiet on Microsoft. In November, at Microsoft headquarters, Gore said stern antitrust action sometimes is needed to break up “unhealthy
concentrations of power” that snuffs out competition. Gore stressed, however, that he was speaking only of his belief in the “fundamental American value” of making sure that neither heavy-handed government for unfair business practices quash competition.
Source: Associated Press
Apr 9, 2000
On Health Care:
Expand Children’s Health Insurance Program for working poor
On Coverage: Expand Children’s Health Insurance Program, which subsidizes premiums for working poor. Plan would offer subsides to more children, plus their parents, in families that earn too
much now to qualify but not enough to afford private insurance on their own. Also would allow children of wealthier families into the program, with families paying the full cost.
Source: Associated Press
Mar 14, 2000
On Health Care:
25% tax credit for health insurance; HMO appeals
On Tax breaks:25% tax credit for people who buy private health insurance because they don’t get it at work. People who do get insurance at work would also get a 25% tax credit on premiums-if the company has fewer than 50 employees and joins a
“purchasing coalition” to negotiate affordable rates.On HMOs:Supports right of patients to “independent appeal” when denied treatment, guaranteed coverage of emergency room treatment, and “redress” for actions of the HMO, & other protections.
Source: Associated Press
Mar 14, 2000
On Health Care:
Medicare option at age 55; more Rx coverage
On Medicare: Add prescription drug benefit and let uninsured Americans aged 55 to 65 buy into Medicare coverage. Drug plan would offer free coverage for low-income recipients,
catastrophic coverage for all, and optional cost-sharing benefit for others with premiums of $44 a month when phased in.
Source: Associated Press
Mar 14, 2000
On Health Care:
$300B over 15 years to keep Medicare solvent
I am deeply committed to keeping Medicare strong for the future. When I became vice president in 1993, the Medicare trust fund was scheduled to run out in 1999. We took steps to keep it strong until 2015. However, given the
fact that the number of people on Medicare is scheduled to double over the next few decades, Medicare will need additional resources to keep the trust fund strong for the future. That is why I have proposed devoting nearly $300 billion of the projected
budget surplus over the next 15 years to keep Medicare solvent for at least the next quarter century. I also believe we should strengthen Medicare by adding a prescription drug benefit to help Medicare beneficiaries pay for their medicines. My plan has
no deductible, and would eliminate cost-sharing and premiums for those living on low incomes. And it would provide additional support for those encountering catastrophic drug costs.
Source: Associated Press, in Brockton (MA) Enterprise, p. B6
Mar 1, 2000
On Education:
Supports Goals 2000 & standards-based movement
Q: Should federal money be linked to how well students perform on national or statewide tests? A: I believe that federal money should be used to reward success and to support what works. I am pleased to note the success of the
standards-based movement; with the help of our Goals 2000 program, today 48 states have developed standards for student performance. I believe we should invest more in all our public schools, which is why I have proposed an
additional $115 billion over 10 years to support education initiatives from preschool to college. But we cannot tolerate failing schools either. Every state and every school district should be required to identify failing schools and work to turn them
around-with strict accountability for results and strong incentives for success. And if these failing schools don’t improve quickly, they should be shut down and re-opened with new leadership and a full peer evaluation of every teacher.
Source: Associated Press
Feb 23, 2000
On Civil Rights:
Confederate flags divide us-remove them from Statehouses
Gore said the Confederate flag should come down from public buildings because it divides Americans. Gore said the flag represents “for many Americans a hurtful message that recalls the pain of slavery” and it should not be flown from the South Carolina
Statehouse or other public buildings. “The citizens of goodwill everywhere must take a position on it and see that in fact the American flag heals and the Confederate flag divides us,” he said. “I think there is too much tolerance of intolerance.”
Source: Holly Ramer, Associated Press
Jan 16, 2000
On Free Trade:
Open Europe & Japan to genetically-modified farm products
Gore talked tough on farm policies, demanding that foreign markets be opened to genetically modified commodities. Europe and Japan resist those products.
“We can’t let Europe and Japan determine our farm policy,” said Gore, who said “sound science” should govern.
Source: Associated Press in the Brockton (MA) Enterprise, p. A7
Jan 9, 2000
On Abortion:
Honor women by honoring their right to choose
“One of the ways we honor women is to honor the choices they make,” Gore told a group of women activists. “I want you to know that I will ensure that a woman’s right to choose is preserved and protected.”
Source: Associated Press, in The Enterprise (Brockton MA), p. A9
Jan 4, 2000
On Energy & Oil:
Public/private initiative to triple auto fuel efficiency
Environmentalist supporters noted that Gore:- Supported global warming research long before the issue was recognized as a serious threat
- Joined with Big Three automakers to create the Public/Private Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles
to triple the fuel efficiency of vehicles without increasing cost or reducing quality or safety
- launched a “livability initiative” to help communities preserve green space, ease traffic congestion and pursue regional “smart growth” strategies.
Source: Associated Press, “Environmentalists Endorse”
Oct 7, 1999
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