Presidential Debate 1: October 3, 2000
Vice-President Al Gore and Governor George W. Bush met in their first debate of the campaign Tuesday night. Other than a brisk exchange on abortion and the Supreme Court, neither made a direct appeal to women voters. However, several issues seen by women to be of particular importance received attention. Below are excerpts from the debate on those issues, as well as links to further analysis and commentary.
Some pundits called the debate "boring" - and it is true that there were no stellar moments for either man. But, while debate-watchers tend to hope for the "major gaffe" or the "knock-out punch," such moments often get in the way of understanding the differences between the two candidates. Perhaps the pundits weren't well served by the debate, but I think many American citizens were. Clear differences were laid out between the candidates on tax and economic policies, education, social security, the Supreme Court and a host of other issues. Although at times the debate was downright pedantic, at least rhetoric - while certainly flowing - did not flood the stage and drown out the issues.
Karen
Excerpts from the debate:
Abortion and the Supreme Court
Education
Social Security
Discuss the debate in the forum, or join one of the other current discussions:
Analysis
Do the Fuzzy Math!
Whenever big politics and big money come together in the heat of open
debate, some "fuzzy math" often results. US Government Guide Robert Longley examines some of the taxing numbers tossed about in round one of the Gore-Bush debates.
Bush - Gore Debate
"My tax cut helps more people than your tax cut," and other big-money matters consumed most of the first nationally televised debate between Democrat Al Gore and Republican George W. Bush. Find out how their plans for Tax Cuts, Health Care, Education, and Social Security might affect you, in this four part analysis from US Government Guide Robert Longley.
Gore Showcases His Mettle
Both candidates stayed "on message" and managed to avoid catastrophic gaffes. Both candidates love their wives. Both care deeply about seniors and "the people." But Gore dominated the debate by focusing on his favorite issues and responding more specifically to Bush's challenges, says Liberal Politics Guide Lisa Tolin.
First Presidential Debate Abortion Coverage
Questions about RU-486 and overturning Roe v. Wade were
included in the first presidential debate. Here's how Gore and Bush
responded. From About Pro-Choice Views Guide Margaret Sykes.
Foreign Policy In the Debate
Governor George W. Bush and Vice President Al Gore addressed a few major
foreign policy issues during the first presidential debate. Foreign oil, the Yugoslavia elections, and the use of U.S. military might around the world were part of the fray. World News Guide Keith Porter has details.
Commentary
The Debate Stunk My editor made me watch the presidential debate, and I hated it. Gore had too much make-up, and Bush was a deer caught in the headlights. Here are my 9 suggestions for making the next debate more palatable.
The 'Jacks' Presidential Debate Awards
Al Gore and George W. Bush both turned in "award-winning" performances in
their first debate. So, Conservative Politics Guide Ted Gausmann awards the first ever "Jacks" Presidential Debate Awards, with a distinctly conservative flavor. (Bush gets the best awards, Gore gets the duds.)
My Open Letter to George Bush
Pro-Choice Guide Margaret Sykes is unable to make sense of Bush's remarks about abortion in last night's debate. So, she's written a letter asking him to clear some things. For instance, if "good people" can disagree on abortion, then how can it be "killing an innocent child," which all good people find abhorrent?
Transcripts
Complete Transcript
Abortion and the Supreme Court
Education
Social Security