--:---.---.~.--- -~------

STORY BY MADDIE HANNA AND JOE HETTLER he issues that concern young voters most have assumed a prominent role in the 2004 presidential election as both John Kerry and George W. Bush strive to secure the youth vote. _ T "Younger voters are particularly interested in what the future might hold," American Studies professor Robert Schmuhl said. "Whether the candidates have addressed these concerns in compelling ways is an open question. . .. Historically, economic issues tend to assume dominant importance in a presidential campaign. This year is different, with the war in Iraq and the threat of terrorism vying for voter concern." Media organizations be especially interested in young people, such as the will directly affect us if cult to determine which such as Rock the Vote and the policy decisions that status of Social Security, either party doesn't do candidate is most closely Vote or Die emphasize the we're making right now," should be considered, said something about it," aligned with their own environment, gay rights, he said. Tom Guglielmo, an Rippinger said. views. health care, education and Particularly at Notre American Studies assis­ Health care also con­ "[For] younger voters, terrorism as the most Dame, with its Center for tant professor. cerns young voters, mostly occupied with col­ prominent issues facing Social Concerns and "You could make the Rippinger said, in light of lege and work - it's hard voters under 30. For many strong emphasis on case that Social Security is recent debates over creat­ to actually take the time to Notre Dame students, Catholic social teaching, for older people, but ing a government-based do the research and make national security is their issues of social welfare there's the question that health care system. an informed vote," top concern. also tend to become a pri­ this will even be around," Other students are con­ Rippinger said. "I think that everybody ority. Kerry and Bush's he said. cerned with issues that But Guglielmo believes in the country, including respective sta-nces on Like Guglielmo, deal with Catholic values. students must take time to young voters, is concerned these social issues will Rippinger cited Social "On Notre Dame's cam­ educate themselves so about security issues," determine for whom many Security as a concern, not­ pus, there's always a lot of they can make an said Nicola Bunick, co­ young people vote, said ing that the Social issues over abortion and informed decision on Nov. president of Notre Dame's Bunick. Security trust fund might stem cell debate. For 2 College Democrats. "A lot of people are real­ become bankrupt by some people, that can be a "There are some really Co-president of Notre ly involved in social justice 2018, according to infor­ big factor," Bunick said. big issues on the table," Dame's College - it strikes a chord with mation provided by the While some students are he said. Republicans, Tom them," she said. Institute for Policy impelled to become Contact Maddie Hanna at Rippinger, agrees. Even issues that don't Innovation. activists in such hotbed mhannal @nd.edu and Joe "Younger voters should directly seem to affect "That's something that issues, others find it diffi- Hettler at [email protected] r------,------,------,-----~------

page 2 The Observer + IN FOCUS Monday, October 25, 2004

"lie's got this little shtick, you know." former Presidfmt Clinton WASIIIN<;TON - (;norge W. says. "Because he's not a ~~on­ Bush lovns to tPII pnopln about ventional political intellm:tual, hn th P ti llH~ .I a pan nse l'ri me set it up so he gets eonsist(mtly Ministnr .Junichiro Koizurni com­ u nden~stimat«~d." parPd him to ( ;ary CoopPr, lwro Bush is orw of the most out­ of tlw WPstPrn rnovin "lligh wardly religious presidents of Noon." modern times - a subtnxt of his Anwrica's 4:{rd prPsidmJt culti­ presidnncy that became morn vatPs tlH' tough-guy imag!\ ofl'l~r­ pronounc1~d in the aftl'rmath of' ing hirnsPif as a blunt-spoknn the Sept. I I attacks, as lw man of action. 'Tm a gut play(~r." framed tim light against terror lw says. as a battle of good vs. evil. Arnnricans do want tlwir prnsi­ "It would lw very dillicult to bP dnnts to lw strong and dncisivn. the president without believing,'' But with l'n•sidnnt Bush. the he says. qualitiPs his supportnrs find Bush said earlier this year he appnaling can also be kindling wants to ld God's light shine lin· the bonlirns of' his critics. through him - but as a "secular Stnadfast becomes stubborn. politician." lie says he draws Conlident bm:omes eocky. strength from the Americans Bush is the n~solutn prnsident who are praying for him. who gripped a bullhorn at Steven Waldman, editor in Ground Znro and called out to chief of Beliefnet, a multifaith rescue workers straining to hear religious Web site, said Bush's him: "I can hear you! The rest of religious convictions feed into his tho world hears you!" image as a steadfast president in Less attractive to some is the a time of war. But, Waldman swaggering commander in chief says, "clearly some people feel who darnd militants attacking that we're seeing the negative U.S. forces in Iraq by taunting, underbelly of that trait, that his "Bring 'em on." steadfastness has turned into "Those who love him say stubbornness and unwillingness 'leader, decisive, passionate.' llis to face disappointing facts." dntractors say 'angry, petulant,"' Wead, who worked with Bush says Doug Wead, a family friend to court evangelicals during the who worked with Bush on his 1988 campaign, says the presi­ fatlwr's 1988 presidential cam­ dent's expressions of faith are paign. "But everybody agrees both sincere and calculated: "I that there's something in his gut, don't think George Bush knows something that's really driving which sometimes." him." Laura Bush jokes that her hus­ Whatever the motivation, that band has such a strong "Alpha drive is now propelling Bush male" personality that even her through what his wife sentimen­ dog, Barney, pays more attention tally calls their last campaign. to him than to her. Bush himself. never one for But she also says he "has a reflection, shows no sense of heart of gold, which doesn't nostalgia- rather a gritty deter­ to be." reads it every other year.) "maybe that woman was right," always come across." Aides mination to, as he puts it, bring But at age 58, he is in excellent On a typical day, Bush heads to referring to author Gail Sheehy's mention private meetings that everything to the field, leaving physical condition. When his the Oval Oflice by about 7 a.m., theory that he might be dyslexic. don't appear on the president's nothing in the locker room. knees gave out this winter after toting the 50- to 70-page briefmg Bush can be almost defiantly schedule in which he comforts Four years after the Supreme years of running, Bush switched book on the day's events that inarticulate. Nuclear ever will be the families of those serving in Court sealed Bush's victory by to riding a mountain bike. was his bedtime reading the nuk-u-lar to him. Iraq and Afghanistan or who delivering him Florida's electoral "He attacks that thing," says night before. He will start his At a Celebration of Reading have lost loved ones. votes, friends and critics alike Charlie Younger, a longtime meetings by 8, and carve out ceremony in 2001, the president The president loves to keep say he has been remarkably friend from Texas. "His pop-off time during the day to exercise rattled off a dozen of his own tabs on what the rest of the Bush unchanged by his first term in valve is exercise. He's serious - on the elliptical trainer, per­ lulus to a delighted audience. family is up to, although he is oflice. about it." haps, if biking is not an option. "The way I see it," Bush joked, quick to dismiss the notion that ''I'm the kind of person who The statistics from his latest Meetings are short and to the "I am a boon to the English lan­ he seeks much advice from his doesn't change," he says flatly. physical: 6 feet tall, 194 pounds. point. They start on time - early guage. I've coined new words father, the ex-president. But Laura Bush says in an Resting blood pressure: 110/62 if most of the players are there. like 'misunderestimate' and Still, there are plenty of echoes interview that the terror attacks (below 120/80 is healthy). Cabinet meetings begin with a 'Hispanically.' I've expanded the of the first President Bush. of Sept. 11, 2001, and the Hesting pulse: 45 beats per prayer offered by one of the definition of words themselves, When the son prepared for nation's response to them have minute (60-100 is normal for department heads. Suits and ties using 'vulcanize' when I meant war after the Sept. 11 attacks in "added a solemnness and a seri­ adults, 40-60 for a well-trained are required in the Oval Oflice. 'polarize,' 'Grecians' when I 2001, he declared: "This act will ousness" to her husband's per­ athlete). Longtime friend Clay Johnson, meant 'Greeks,' 'inebriating' not stand." The same words his sonality. She hastens to add, Ask the first lady for three who served as Bush's first per­ when I meant 'exhilarating.' And father had used in 1990 after though, that he still likes to words to describe her husband sonnel director in Washington instead of 'barriers and tariffs,' I Iraq invaded Kuwait. laugh. and "disciplined" is the first one and handled appointments for said 'terriers and barril's.'" Bush's sister, Doro Bush Koch, One lesson Bush has learned is out of her mouth. ("Funny" and him in Austin, says personnel Cousin John Ellis calls the says that when family members that his hope to replicate the "compassionate" come next.) meetings in the two settings malapropisms "a non-issue. He's gather at the Bush compound in chummy bipartisanship he had So regimented is Bush's were "freakishly the same - very sharp and very shrewd." Kennebunkport, Maine, they with Texas Democrats when he lifestyle that one can almost pre­ whether it was the Fire Ant But even some of Bush's sometimes congregate around was governor was but a dream. dict his conduct months in Advisory Board in Texas or the defenders speak of a lack of the speakerphone in her parents' The partisan tone of Washington, advance. undersecretary of state for intellectual heft. bedroom at 6 a.m. to call George where comity in private can If you want to know what the something gargantuan." Former speechwriter David W. at the White House. quickly sour in public, is one of president will do on Election Day, Psychologist and political sci­ Frum says in his book that while "It's 99.9 percent family stuff,'' Bush's biggest disappointments, odds are that he'll get up about entist Stanley Renshon writes in the president's virtues outweigh says Koch. "He likes to know although Democrats point the 5:30 a.m., push the button on the 'an upcoming book, "In His his faults, Bush is "often uncuri­ what's going on in Maine, and linger of blame back at him. coffee maker, scan the day's Father's Shadow," that it's as if ous and as a result ill informed, who are the cousins who are Physical changes in Bush are headlines (perhaps more careful­ Bush went through a "midlife more conventional in his think­ there." easier to pinpoint. ly than usual), then study the crisis in reverse." Rather than ing than a leader probably The president's idea of garden­ "lie's grayer for sure," says daily devotional for Nov. 2 laid rejecting responsibility in middle should be." ing might involve a chainsaw. Laura. Adviser Karen Hughes out in Oswald Chambers' "My age and buying a sports car, Treasury Secretary Paul But he also loves to work jigsaw says that in the lines on Bush's Utmost for his Highest." The Bush gave up drinking at 40 and O'Neill, who was fired by Bush, puzzles, go for long walks and face are etched "some of the topic will be authority and inde­ found religion and discipline. described the president as like a birdwatch - not exactly typical weight of the world." pendence; the scripture will be Nothing has helped feed the "blind man in a roomful of deaf Alpha male activities. Bush himself joked before John 14:15: "If ye love Me, ye caricature of Bush as dimwitted people." "He's the one, when we were throwing out the opening pitch will keep My commandments.'' more than his own verbal stum­ Yet everyone credits Bush with at camp, who spotted the scarlet at a baseball game this spring (Next year, he will switch back to bles - so plentiful that Bush street smarts and an uncanny tanager," says the first lady. "He that "my wing isn't what it used reading the One Year Bible; he himself joked to Hughes that ability to read people. has great 20-20 eyesight.'' Monday, October 25, 2004 The Observer + IN FOCUS page 3

fun, let your hair down, relax, laugh, kick some jokes around, WASHINGTON - Vietnam, have a good time - talk about anti-war protests and politics something other than this." were still years in the future. In Kerry's daughter Alex, 30, says 1963, John Kerry was a college her father sometimes can get so kid looking for adventure on a focused that it "precludes having summer abroad. Traveling on a lackadaisical moment." But she better wheels than most, there says he can be witty and silly, were Kerry and a buddy explor­ even goofy, in more relaxed set­ ing Europe in a low-slung Austin tings. llealey, racing against an Alfa His younger daughter, Vanessa, Homeo on the twisting road to 27, ·offers four words to sum up Nice, chasing a Porsche across her father: dedicated, curious, Italy. intelligent, playful. The gendarmes caught him in "I like 'playful' above all," Monte Carlo: Kerry, so intent on Kerry says, when offered his retracing the course of the Grand daughter's list. Prix that he headed the wrong Then, somewhat reluctantly, he direction on a one-way street. comes up with his own quartet: "John had to do those types of romantic, passionate, idealistic, things," says his travel compan­ engaged. ion and longtime friend, Harvey Friends speak of small, fre­ Bundy. quent acts of generosity, and loy­ Even the youthful hijinks of alty built up over decades. John Kerry had an extra element Tracy Droz Tragos, whose of intensity about them. father served with Kerry in Now, at age 60, Kerry is pursu­ Vietnam and was killed there, ing the American presidency with remembers how Kerry took time the same doggedness and focus to make rubbings of her father's that are lifelong traits fi:Jr a son of name from the Vietnam War privilege who nonetheless had to Memorial to send to her grand­ fight for much of what he got. parents in small-town Missouri. The impatient young man whose "That relationship meant the first two tries for Congress fiz­ world to my grandmother," says zled, who waited another 15 Tragos. years for the right entree to Kerry, whose service as captain Congress and two more decades of a Swift boat in Vietnam for a good shot at the White brought him three Purple Hearts House, is right where his stars and a Silver Star for heroism, still seemed fixed from the beginning. has a piece of shrapnel embed­ "He's always been the kind of ded in his leg. There is a scar, he guy who knew his place in histo­ says, but the wound doesn't both­ ry," says Daniel Barbiero, college er him. roommate and friend since "It's just there," he says, "part before that." of my internal machinery." Kerry winces at any such hint Kerry's service became a major of destiny. campaign issue this year as sev­ Life, he says in an interview in eral veterans who served on his stocking feet aboard his cam­ pals presenting Kerry with a . says former Sen. Bob Kerrey, D­ friends speak of his uncanny abil­ other boats appeared in biting TV paign plane, too often offers a telegram and a red, white and Neb., who served with Kerry in ity to connect. He is the fabulous­ ads questioning his record and "twist of fate" to think in such blue cake that said "Yippee!" in Congress. "Sometimes he can ly wealthy success story who criticizing his later anti-war com­ terms. May 1964 when he was elected give you the impression that he's wolfs down peanut butter-and­ ments. Veterans who served on "When you lose Robert president of the Yale Political on two sides of an issue. He's jelly sandwiches. Kerry's boat defended him and Kennedy, you lose John Kennedy, Union, a college debating society. not." The first thing that people must sometimes campaigned alongside you lose Martin Luther King, you She wrote in her journal at the Ever was it so. come to grips with when they him. lose your very closest friends, you time: "We decided that for all fur­ As a 27 -year-old war protester consider John Kerry, even before Vanessa Kerry says she lose both your parent'> ... you just ther successes - especially when who captured the attention of a they begin to parse his words, is remembers poking around her know every day is every day. You he's elected president of the U.S. nation, Kerry told a "60 Minutes" his appearance. He is so long, so father's desk as a child and com­ take 'em as they come. And it's - th~t we'll send him a Yippee! interviewer in 1971 that when he thin, he looks deceptively fragile. ing across a rocket that had been up to others iater on to make cake. went to Vietnam, "I was gung-ho One's head must scan up, then aimed at Kerry's boat when he judgments about how it all fits." Always a leader, always an in a certain sense but had doubts down to take in his full 6-foot-4 jumped ashore to chase down As a child, Kerry was always achiever, Kerry, a four-term in another sense." frame. Ilis wingspan, when he and kill a young Viet Cong fighter. "the most politically attuned," Massachusetts senator, nonethe­ He came home from war, he gestures with his arms, seems to "Those are the stories I grew says his younger brother, less sketches a less scripted life said, with "a tremendous amount stretch to the walls. up with," she says. "I think it has Cameron. "lie was always the plan for himself, one driven by a of hope" but also "a certain His face, too, is long and thin. made my dad value every day. leader of the pack in the neigh­ desire to serve more than an depression." Comic Billy Crystal jokes that He's t~e first to say every day is borhood among the cousins, the ambition to climb. Watching Kerry debate an issue someone needs to let Kerry's face extra. quarterback at iouch football." Early on, he says, thoughts of can be "a little bit like at a tennis know that he's having a good Kerry went to war with doubts llis drive and competitiveness, the presidency were only "a hazy match, watching the ball going time. about Vietnam and came home s~ys C;,ameron, are "just hard­ possibility." back and forth," says David His lanky body only serves to with certainty that the war was wired. "I don't think you think of it in Leiter, his former chief of staff. accentuate the thick mass of sil­ wrong; he received early release They are still there in adult­ mal terms," he says. "He' is curious .... He's engaged very hair atop his head. "In the from the Navy to run for hood, as Kerry windsurfs He decided to run, he says, and thoughtful. He always strug­ · event of an emergency, my hair Congress as an anti-war candi­ Naushon Island in a full-on because the Democrats "had no gles to get it right." can be used as a flotation device," date. His candidacy fizzled Northeastern gale or silences a voiee." The Republicans, he felt, The nuance that typifies Kerry's Kerry once joked on his cam­ because a more prominent anti­ campaign heckler by declaring: "! were reducing national security public statements is there as well paign plane. war figure was already in the never run away from anything, issues to politieal slogans. in his life portrait, which is paint­ That funny, self-deprecating race. But as a decorated veteran, (1Specially George Bush." lie wanted to offer people a ed with blended colors and dap­ side of Kerry, and his warm, gen­ Kerry quickly emerged as a William Stanberry, Kerry's "360-degree view of where pled brushstrokes rather than erous side - friends say his true spokesman against the war. debate-team partner at Yale, says America is today," as he wrote in sharp lines. persona - doesn't always come Bob Muller, president of the Kerry's interest in the pmsidency his campaign book. He is the promising young man across in public. Voters have Vietnam Veterans of America was clear even in college. That panoramic perspective is of Brahmin bloodlines who man­ sometimes seen him as standoff­ Foundation and a friend who has "I couldn't help admire the gall, trademark Kerry. aged to attend an elite prep ish. known Kerry since their war-pro­ in a way, of someone who had Where supporters see a school only through the largesse "Have you had a beer with me tester days, says Kerry was the such a clearly stated long-term refreshing openness and an abili­ of a generous aunt. He is the dec­ yet?" Kerry protested when a one who "put a good face on us," objective," he recalls. "To some ty to think through complex orated war hero who evolved into local reporter once asked about who tamped down the move­ extrmt it was impressive, and to issues almost three-dimensional­ a shaggy-haired protester. He is his reputation for aloofness. ment's extremes and offered a some extent almost ridiculous." ly, his critics find waffling and the politician who speaks of core What would someone learn more moderate face of dissent. Blakely Fetridge Bundy, the ambivalence. principles yet is known for his about him if they did go out for "John has always been able to girlfriend, and later wife of "lie has this good and bad cautious pragmatism. He is the that beer, he is asked later. do an override on the emotions," Harvey Bundy, one of Kerry's col­ characteristic to describe at candidate who can't seem to "You just have to do it," he Muller said, "to be pragmatic and lege roommates, remembers his length the things that he sees," warm up to people yet whose insists. "You just have to have to be effective." page 4 The Observer + IN FOCUS Monday, October 25, 2004

"On the signal issues of this campaign - the Iraq war "JKerryl would be a sound steward, replacing a "President Bush got some things wrong, but there and terrorism - Kerry is up to the challenge .... He is eowboy ethic with a weleome pragmatism, advanc­ is much he got right. We are faced with an unre- b s .··t.ed ·. ... p. a ..inful .. ing American interests and values, SQe:l\Jn,'gto lerjtjJlg !t{~~ txhb9'~lfi~~~,ftp~ J¥¥:~Pft~~\Wti'. ·~Q~~~· 't t~1})& c~ur ~~ now-~.·t·J···u··~.with rP.vflrse a earnless course abroad. just as he 'would be M&irrfla 1· y tliplomaeyLbt·· rnterna\ unli1I~ hsblu- ·· .. . ol~ ·. tJSf{#fe ,·ltl.l§lt at home." -Akron Beacon Journal tions. Bush's resolve and commitment to stay the .so sap the strength of America. We are confident a tions abo course are clear." -Austin American-Statesman Kerry presidency will restore both unity and strength." Canton R - Boston Globe

"Despite the best effort~ of the campaigns to do other­ wise, what sets these men apart is not their qualifications to be president, but their positions. on the issues: Bush "T·fi~,qebates,, placed a ,spef;li t on th~ sk,ills "LKcn;yJ is a serious man with and. Kerry ollcr ciP.cl.Q(~dJy diff~r(~pt vifif!q~ Jpr ,,tQP. j.:q\fQ­ andiiabibti(}s ot;lit \Y9':t~i!t¢().d . Irthe 'pr~si­ skills. He is the one candidate wh try. It Is on this basis 1lw.t.ibef~~df\t~ta.li~.~~jydg¢g, den.t•gbttib!r th~" stbfit.~ BMifirr!i' drald ' heal the denply bitter divisions in and it is beeatL~e we believe Kerry has, on the whole, the Newsday better plan li1r America that we endorse him for presi­ dent of the United States."- Maine Sw1day Telegram

\ \ WASH. \ II N.D. 3

Strongly for Bush Strongly for Kerry

Leaning for Bush Leaning for Kerry

SOURCE: Associated Press, New York Times

"Kerry knows how to effectively join with U.S. allies to leverage the vast power of international will. ..• K;~r~y·~apprQach d n10nst~ates maturity, nuance'•·a~d;.tl'ioughtful~es~. : eJqi!Jitlities don't always 'play 'W~Il iri campaig tin& bite!>. But they will serve America exceedingly well in the Oval Office."- Minneapolis Star Tribune

"[We) will not lend its endorsement to a "Like many people, Bush finds it difficult to admit has made too many mistakes, nor to one a mistake, particularly when under attack on all erning philosophy we reject. This de<:isic1n si~s.b~~~·A~.. . · · .hf>t_in • . t ~.~~~~.ill..~·.·.· whtcliim~ftft.4~d'n d~'rs Re c~Q~n\ill] W1dti#(i•e6n1q proved preferable to cautious, indecisive ones." - ... We will ~ever feel obliged to defend I louston Chronicle blunders and mL'ijudgments have hurt we settle for an equally bad choke." Monday, October 25, 2004 The Observer + IN FOCUS page 5

his mistakes, America knows who Bush led the country through immense trou­ "When a president is seeking re-election, the con- , burdened by all the votes that came in t~;Jir;ew~a~ ~x,!t~~~l!ITI ,!p".§ervi£h:x )Ye nate for 20 years, still leaves many ques- t ~.~:Wo~ ff•19·WSI1iJ1!l&ll,(ta •~·· ~f4~·~J!es what kind of president he would be."­ on too many matters rrnportan o our country."- IOSitory Charlotte Observer

"We have been impressed with Mr. Kerry's wide "This election is an opportunity to demonstrate to knowledge and clear thinking - something that 1g analytical terrorists throughout the world that America is not beeam~ mor apparent, gnce qe Wf!S reined in by t;;· ~ Q1•S;;J~' ~an beginto f ll 'flfi!s "-< ~. nation/\,+!'- thal~1Jtii d9~atfii~iJ~l; ·~!~~~'l¥%~1ling k 0 to re-evalua e eciswnswwhen condihoris eliange .... :::;' He strikes us, above all, as a man with a strong ;::1 moral core."- New York Times ~ ~ '1 '1 ~ Breakdown of Electoral Votes Presidential candidates George W Bush and John Kerry will vie for the lion·s share of the 538 possible national electoral votes on Nov. l. neecing a minimum of 270 votes to win the election. While Associated Press and New York TtmeS polls incicate that nine ..swing .. states are especially contentious in the 2004 race and 20 states have been identified as battleground areas, where candidltes continue their efforts to woo the voters to their r-espectNe tickets. National Presidential Poll Nader 1% Unsure 3%

Results of an October · from NBC-Wall Street Journal

Electoral Vote Totals

Strongly for Kerry 154 Votes Leaning for Kerry 60Votes Swing States 103 Votes Leaning for Swing State Bush 56 Votes Strongly for Bush 166 Votes

~eds a leader who sees the world as it ws how to rebuild international focuses on threats to homeland secu- 1tlli:t g

didat.e who ffers agov­ "It can be assumed that the next president, be it main silent to "John Kerry is a credible, prepared, likely choice the fona\:natiqn that should: ex e ·· ore sQphi.stic · , 1 led - _:ij . . :Ct~~&l~ ter informed on health care and has sound ideas Bush has offered." -Dayton Dally News ews for creating jobs." - Des Moines Register .------~~------

page 6 The Observer + IN FOCUS Monday, October 25, 2004 Election ITiight Candidates target women voters co111e dovvn to vvho can get out the vote

Associated Press WASIIINCTON- With the televised dPlmtes behind tlwm. Prnsidcnt Bush and Snn. John Kerry have little opportunity to shape f'urtlwr the pn\sidnntial race excnpt by waging an intPnse eiTort in the home strntrh aimnd at gnlting out the vote. Voters haw a pretty good idea now what Bush and Kerry am all about. Tlww isn't mtwh room f'or Pitlwr one to ''tleline" his opporwnt or himsdf'. At this point, gdting out the vote is equal­ ly- if' not mom- important than winning Photos courtesy AP, www.georgewbush.com owr tlw dwindling number of' undecided Women show their support for the Democratic and Republican candidates for president. Both John Kerry and voters. strategist<> in both parties a1-,rrnn. George W. Bush have increased their efforts to woo women voters as Election Day draws near. With just two weeks to go to the election, polls showed Bush and Kerry in a dead heat - bark wlwrP they wem at the bPginning of' now," I less said. "I think a lot ular with married women and That record bodes well l'or By CLAIRE HEININGER of issues are just now being the "security moms" who plan this year's Dnmocratie eandi­ tlw sumnwr bnlim· tlw party eonVfmtions. In Focus Wrircr "If' anything, tlwm's a little tail wind f'or mentioned - and they're to east their votes on safety date, she said. "We don't know Knrry coming out of' tlw debates," said poll­ women's issues across the and family values. Kerry would go into the Whitn ster AndrPw Kohut, director of' the Pew Armed with retooled stump board." This gap between single and House and do all that," she speeehes and flanked by polar Bush and Kerry might also married voters - and this said, "but he may bn more HnsParch Cnnter. ".lust as thnn~ was a little opposite wives, President tail wind l'or Bush in August. But wlwn be playing on these issues sim­ year, single and married likely to." George W. Bush and Sen. John would you ratlwr havn a little tail wind. in ply to seize a narrowing win­ women - is aetually far morn Beeause many women vot­ Kerry are inereasingly target­ dow of opportunity, lless aeute than the well-known ers view the security issue as August or in mid-October'?'' ing women voters as the 2004 "gender gap" between male paramount, however, the gen­ Kohut said how succnssf'ul nach sidn is in added. presidential eampaign hits "Part of' it is the race is just and female voters, Wolbreeht der gap may be narrowing. getting out its vow "is one of' the most eruneh time. so close that women voters said. Stable marriages often Wolbreeht said. important elmnPnl<> in the mul game. I think Women east 8 million morn are one group they might be lead to a relatively eonserva­ "Elections often eome down them is a fair numbm· of' votes still up for votes than men in the 2000 able to capture, especially in tive perspective, resulting in to convincing people what is grabs. And some people arnn 't going to get election, according to the U.S. the swing states," she said. many married women voting most important," she said. any mal eonvietions until we get right up to Census Bureau. And beeause Christina Wolbrecht, a Notre for a Hepubliean ticket, she pointing to Bush's claims - 1\lnetion Day." women eompose a sizeable Dame political seience profes­ said. And since dual-ineome echoed consistently in his Both tho Dnmocral<> and the Hepublicans, percentage of this year's sor who specializes in married eouples are better speeehes and the three presi­ along with wPII-Iinanced activist groups on remaining undecided voters­ women's voting behavior, said equipped to deal with sudden dential debates - that terror­ both thn left and the right. have spent between 55 to 60 percent, swaying undeeided women to job loss than a single-income ism and homeland security months pouring rnsourees into registering aceording to polls conducted a particular side is only hall' woman supporting herself, trump all else, and that keep­ voters after the near deadloek of' the 2000 by the Associated Press, the eandidates' battle - Demoerats' inclusive flconomie iQg f;p11ilieij sa~'e from ~ttaJ:k is JJ~"~'~itleutial race and polls showing an Reuters, women policy becomes more attrac­ of' utmost priority. That strate­ extrmnely tight ran\ again this year. the New must still be tive to those who aren't mar­ gy reflects Bush's attempt to There has been an avalanehe of' new York Times "Part of it is the race is lured into ried, Wolbreeht said. convinee women that "my voter rngistrations at election boards aeross . and CBS­ just so close that women the voting "Traditionally, working issues are your issues," tho nation. Now. with most registration both candi­ booth. women vote Democratic and Wolbreeht said. dnadlirws passed. political activislc; f()r both dates are in voters are one group they "The can­ stay-at-home mothers vote While the president and candidalt\S arP pounding thP pavPment to hot pursuit might be able to didates Republican," she said. "Single Kerry have only reeently ensurn votnrs get to polling plaees on Nov. 2. of this eriti­ capture, especially in the have two women may feel the brunt of' stepped up the intensity of Partit~ular niTorts are being dirnctnd at cal demo­ goals: to eeonomics more harshly." their appeals to women, their minoritiPs, with a big pf'f'ort on the fast­ graphie. swing states." eon vi nee Despite these dil'ferenees wives, First Lady Laura Bush growing bloc of' llispanic voters. In the people who among women voters, reeent and her counterpart, Teresa Most indications am that voter turnout swing state Diana Hess don't know election history indieates an Heinz Kerry, have attraeted will bn high. given the high viewership of' of Wiscon­ League of Women Voters who they're overall gender gap still exislc;. the attention of li.1male voters tlw dnbatns and polls showing a largpr­ sin Friday. voting for to Women have consistently throughout the eampaign. South Bend than-usual number of votnrs saying thny'rn Kerry told a vote for favored the Democratic Party lleinz Knrry has been con­ li1llowing thn campaign dosnly. mostly co-president them, and since the 1960's, after backing troversial because of her Turnout could mnan thn dil'l'erence female to mobilize Republicans the 40 years heiress image, previous mar­ bdwnnn victory and def'oat in dosnly con­ crowd that those who before that. Wolbrecht said. riage to a Hepubliean (now­ t.nstnd statns. he understood women's strug­ support them already to turn This pattern held true in 2000, dnceasnd Pennsylvania Sen. II. Dnmoerats art~ turning widnspread eon­ gles to bala·nee family out," she said. "A lot of people when 53 percent of women .John Heinz Ill) and string of cern about the war in Iraq and worry ovnr demands with the fight for who didn't turn out last time voted for the Domocratie pres­ inflammatory eomments in the tlw neonomy into votnr meruitment lurns. equal status in the workplaee. were women. [The candidates] idential candidate, AI Gore, press, Wolbreeht said. Mt\anwhiln. Hepublicans am investing f'ar lie promised that if' he is elect­ are trying to give them a rea­ and 45 pereent ehoso the Independent and aggressive. morn in gnt-out-thn-votn drives than evnr ed, he will assist them with son to turn out and vote on a Hepublican, Bush. This year, lleinz Kerry thereli1rc stands lwfon~. with an assist from rPiigious and economic and edueational ini­ rainy Tuesday when they have Kerry leads Bush among likely in stark contrast to Laura stwially ronservatiw advoraey groups. tiatives. Campaigning the a million other things to do." women voters by 15 percent, Bush, Wolbreeht said. l>nspitn huge amounl<> spnnt by both sidns same day in Pennsylvania, However, many women vot­ aeeording to a poll published "Laura Bush bnhavcs morP on rwgativn udvnrtising, tho throo prnsiden­ another toss-up state, Bush ers in the arna haven't needed Thursday like a typi­ tial and ono viet> prosidential debates eountered that such issues extra attention from the can­ by the eal first allownd Anwrieans to see tho candidates as pale in eomparison to national didates to recognize voting's Associated "Traditionally, working lady, smil­ thny arP, up dose and unvarnislwd, sup­ security, as he courted women importance. Hess said. The Press. women vote Democratic ing when planting eampaign-gnruwatnd carieaturns. who believe that he is better League of' Women Voters' S i n c e her hus­ "Thnse dnbatns haw nssnntially undonn equipped to protnet American South Bend branch registered strides and stay-at-home mothers h a n d what amounL<> to $100 million in rwgative families from terrorist attaeks. between 1 00 and 150 new have been vote Republican." speaks, attacks," said Knrry senior stratngist Mikn The last-minute onslaught of voters this year, she said, and made on favoring l>onilon. attention to women's eonccrns agencies across St. .Joseph issues like Christina Wolbrecht traditional Sinn~ thn nation alrtmdy had a pretty may be an attempt to compen­ County have reported huge abortion, professor 'First Lady good nwasurn of Bush. Kerry bnrwlitnd tho sate li>r the Iraq war's domi­ registration turnout ovorall. wage equi­ causes' like most from the dnbatPs that shownd him nation of the initial months of "We want to make sure ty, mmi- eel ucation morn than holding his own with the prnsi­ the campaign, said Diana women vote and arn infi1rmed mum wage, family leave, wel­ and women's health ntrn," she dPnt. polls suggnst. !less. co-president of the voters," Hess said. fare, education and sexual said. 'Teresa is less polished." Marc Haricot, Bush's campaign ehairman, League of Women Voters' But since women do not harassment law during To appnal to women voters said Anwricans now have bnforn thmn "thn South Bend branch. eomprise a uniform voting Democratic prosideneies, in their parties' respeetive cPntral issun of tlw campaign: who are Tho National Couneil of bloc - diverging along single women may trust the party's bases, the Bush and Kerry these two pt\opln, what will tlmy bring to the Women's Organizations identi­ vs. married, working vs. stay­ history of' eneouraging reform campaigns have spun these ollke'?'' fied such "women's issu~s" as at-home, urban vs. rural and in these areas, Wolbrecht said. distinctions to create negativi­ Campaigning in a dwindling number of hea1th eare, pay equity, f~tmily other lines - the candidates "A hypothesis for why ty, Hess said. "Eaeh First Lady battleground states, both Bush and Kerry leave. social seeurity and have tended to foeus on women have ... been more could be paintnd in a role that will try to nner~-,rizn their political ba-;e with human righl<> as topics of' par­ groups of women who would likely to be Demoerats is they would cause ire on either side. rod-moat attacks, even as they keep reach­ ticular interest to women in its benefit most from their par­ favor a party thai provides But ultimately the impact isn't ing out li1r undecided voters. "ABC's of' Women's Issues" ties' platforms. While Kerry more of a social safety net," as great as the candidates "There is a small number out there to voter guide - many of which has tried to paint himself as she said. "I don't want to say themselves." light for. Nnitht\r guy at this point has totally have only recently hit the the more attractive candidate either [party! has been perfeet dosed the sale," said Bruee Buehanan, a headlines. for single working women, as ... but the Democratic Party politieal sdenee professor at the University "Domestic issues were over­ refleeted in his Wiseonsin has a better record of' fighting Contact Claire Heininger at oi'Texa<>. shadowed by security up until speech, Bush has beeome pop- for [women)." [email protected] Monday, October 25, 2004 The Observer + IN FOCUS page 7 Third-party candidates hope to make impact But it's unlikely any can play a significant role in determining presidency

AP photos Third-party candidates will likely make little impact on the 2004 presidential election on Nov. 2. From left to right, Michael Badnarik of the Libertarian Party, David Cobb of the Green Party, independent candidate Ralph Nader and Constitution Party candidate Michael Peroutka are all running for the presidency this year.

ond in the polls," Colwell said. "There received little coverage across the coun­ Peroutka and the Constitution Party By JOE HETTLER was some thought he could really try. Some may deem this unfair, but pledge to end abortion by 2005, strictly In Focus Writer become president. There's nobody that Colwell disagrees. interpret the Constitution and withdraw has a chance to do that this time." "You have to earn your coverage," he troops from Iraq. Ralph Nader didn't win the 2000 pres­ Besides the two major parties, several said. "If somebody was coming on Colwell believes none of these third idential election as the Green Party's lesser-known strong like a Ross party candidates have much chance of candidate, but he still played a pivotal third parties will Perot or even a influencing this election. role in determining the victor. have candidates "There are all kinds of Nader it's "There are all kinds of candidates Some political analysts believe Nader on the ballot in candidates running - some in almost unfair for running - some in only one state, some took votes away from Democratic candi­ many, if not all the real candi­ in more than that and if you add all date Al Gore, thereby helping 50, states. The only one state, some in more than dates - the ones their votes, you could say they have a Republican challenger George W. Bush Green Party that, and if you add all their who have a real slight role," Colwell said. "But, really, win key electoral states and ultimately bypassed Nader votes, you could say they have a chance of winning Nader is the only one at the end that the presidency. and instead nomi­ - if the press you'd say played any role at all." "Some of [the citizens] possibly would nated David Cobb, slight role. But, really, Nader is devotes a lot of The difference between this election not have VIJted at all. Some of them the Libertarian the only one at the end that you'd time to these can­ and those in previous years - where would have voted for Bush," said Jack Party chose say played any role at all." didates that have third-party candidates made an impact Colwell, a Notre Dame journalism pro­ Michael Badnarik no chance." - is the strong feelings many fessor who has covered politics for 40 and the The third par­ Americans have for or against Bush and years at the South Bend Tribune. "It Constitution Party Jack Colwell ties offer his policies, especially the Iraq War. appears that most of the Nader votes selected Michael professor Americans a can­ "Part of it is the country has really otherwise would have gone to Gore and Peroutka. After dictate that is rad- become polarized," Colwell said. "Most the thought is that he probably played a losing the Green ically different of the voters very early realized if they spoiler role in the election. If he had not party's bid, Nader decided to run as an than those candidates from the were for President Bush or against him been on the ballot at all, Gore likely independent candidate, but will only be Republicans and Democrats. The Green before John Kerry became officially the would have won." named on the ballot in 34 states, Party's Cobb major issues include nominee. So with everything so polar­ But in the 2004 presidential election, excluding Indiana. pulling all troops out of Iraq immediate­ ized there really weren't a lot of people third-party candidates likely won't have While the third-party candidates gar­ ly, providing health care for all out looking for a third-party alternative. the same impact Ross Perot had in 1996 ner support from thousands of people Americans and establishing rights for If they had been, then probably some or Nader in 2000. this year, they have struggled to gain homosexuals. Badnarik and the third party candidate would have "There's certainly nobody like a Ross national attention from the television Libertarians promise a plan for remov­ become a lot stronger." Perot when he ran as a third-party can­ and newspaper media. Besides Bush ing troops from Iraq, oppose the Patriot didate and at one time actually was sec- and Kerry, other candidates have Act and wish to keep government small. Contact Joe Hettler at [email protected] Campaign finale draws far-out rhetoric, gaffes on both

Associated Press Kerry has said he was just complimenting Flu vaccine was not an issue in the Cheney's earlier claim that a CIA report the Cheneys on their parenting. debates. Since then, it has become a major concluding that Saddam Hussein had no And then there was the claim by Pat one. weapons of mass destruction actually rein­ WASHINGTON - As the presidential race Robertson that God told him Iraq would be Kerry claimed - and the administration forced the administration's case for going to winds down, the two camps are dialing up "messy," but that Bush assured the religious denied - that Bush aides got advance word war led Edwards to say Bush and Cheney the rhetoric. That's led to some far-out broadcaster in early 2003 there would be of a supply disruption and did nothing about were "completely out of touch with reality." statements, unscripted behavior and foot­ no U.S. casualties. Bush aides denied the it. Kerry said the inability to get the vaccine Had enough mudslinging? in-mouth comments from both sides. president said any such thing. to Americans was "a serious demonstration If not, there always is independent candi­ Generating homestretch shock waves With people con­ of the failure of leader- date Ralph Nader. He says this year's elec­ were Vice President Dick Cheney's nuclear­ cerned about the econ- ship." tion presents voters with a choice between bomb terror warnings for U.S. cities, Sen. omy and Iraq, both "Part of what's happening Democrats criticized "heart disease and cancer." John Kerry's efforts to blame President candidates are turning Cheney and leading The close race also seems to be producing Bush for flu vaccine shortages and Teresa to extreme politics to is the consequence of all Republicans for getting gaffes that reinforce negative stereotypes; Heinz Kerry's suggestion that Laura Bush try to nudge the needle the tensions and anxieties their shots while those for instance, Bush as language-challenged never had a "real job." in their favor. from the fact that neither officials were urging and Kerry as vain and aloof. Heinz Kerry apologized, saying she "for­ Kerry accuses Bush healthy people to forgo In a New Jersey speech on terrorism, got" that the first lady worked for 10 years of pondering a revival candidate made a big move inoculations to free up Bush asserted: "We will finish the work we as a teacher and librarian. of the military draft in the polls after the supplies. Cheney, who have started. We will stand up for terror, we The comment, which could hurt Kerry and planning a debates." has a history of heart will stand up for freedom." among undecided women voters who are "January surprise" on disease, did so at the The next day he joked to supporters in stay-at-home moms, appeared to reflect the Social Security. Bush advice of his doctor, Florida: "ln the last few years, the American enormous pressures on both campaigns in a labels the Wayne Fields aides said. Bush, Kerry people have gotten to know me. They know close race. Massachusetts senator presidential expert and running mate John my blunt way of speaking. I get that from "Part of what's happening is the conse­ an unrepentant tax­ Edwards are skipping Mother. They know I sometimes mangle the quence of all the tensions and anxieties and-spend "liberal" too the shots. English language. I get that from Dad." from the fact that neither candidate made a wishy-washy to stand up to the terrorist Cheney has stepped up his attacks on Kerry went hunting for geese in Ohio - big move in the polls after the debates. threat. Kerry's fitness to be commander in chief. hoping for a photo op that would sway gun­ We're left with the same dead heat we had Each suggests the other would lead the Last week he called Kerry unsuited for deal­ owning voters. But when he bought a non­ at the start," said Wayne Fields, an expert country toward despair, defeat, towering ing with the "ultimate threat" of terrorists resident hunting license he seem stumped in presidential rhetoric at Washington debt. who bombed U.S. cities with nuclear when asked by a clerk what hair color University in St. Louis. "Everybody's beginning to recognize the weapons. should be entered into the computer to Republicans are still seething at Kerry for stakes of this election are huge, both cam­ "You've got to get your mind around that describe the buyer. mentioning Cheney's openly gay daughter in paigns are tired, and they appear to be let­ concept," Cheney told Ohio supporters, sug­ "Salt and pepper," the graying candidate the final presidential debate. "I thought it ting it all hang out," said GOP consultant gesting Kerry could not. Kerry accused the said. When told by the clerk that the system was over the line," Bush said last week in Scott Reed, who ran Bob Dole's 1996 presi­ administration of failing to safeguard would only let him pick a simple color, an interview with The Associated Press. dential campaign. nuclear materials in Russia and elsewhere. Kerry settled for gray. page 8 The Observer + IN FOCUS Monday, October 25, 2004

I Only in eases of rape or ineest or when a woman's life is I Yes. Would nominate only Supreme Court justices who sup­ ABORTION / endangered. Signed bill to ban a procedure that opponents call j port abortion rights. Voted against partial-birth ban. i partial-birth abortion. l ...... j ...... - ...... _,,, ______,___ ...... _,,, ...... ____ .. ,...... +-···---········-··----·-----"--·-.. ---· .. -·--- ..····--- ...... - ...... i Hecord deficits in a time of war, terrorism and tax cut<;. Deficit! Cut defieit by half, at least, in first term, but has not fully I cxpeeted to surpass $400 million this year; the government had a I explained how he would do so in light of major proposals on I $127 surplus three years earlier. Says deficits ean be halved in five 1 health care, education, defense and more. Hepeal of Bush tax BUDGET I years but has not fully explained how. Bush proposes that Congress i1 cuts for wealthier Americans would eover some costs. I limit discretionary spending in programs outside defense and i 1 1 ... -th~Sn~::,: ~2 ~~r.~~~~~?.:~-~::.~~-~t-~~~r.~~.~~... ~~~-t. .. ~?..~:· ...... i----Opp~~es ;,other t-han i~·~;~~~;;j;~~-~~-~~t~~-;-~ti·~~-~-j-~;-d·d-~~es-

DEATH PE~-~-~!Y .... t w~-;;t·~--~f~))oa··~~=~;;pi-;;y~~~t---~~~~~~t~-t;;-h~'ip .. th~- un;~~ ... ~~~K~;~~~:·.: t~;--~~t; .. ·r~·;-·~iddle- -;~d· ..~;;=·i~-~~~;··pe<;pl~--b~t ployed with job-seareh expenses. Wants to make recently / raise taxes on people earning over $200,000. lie promises tax­ passed temporary tax euts permanent, ease business regula- i payers earning less than $200,000: "I am not going to raise ECONOMY _ TAXES tions, pursue more free-trade deals, increase domestic energy l taxes." Would increase child-eare tax erndit by $1,000. Spend on 1 production, limit elass-action lawsuits and medieal malpractice highways, sehool construction, pollution eleanup, onergy projects liability. Also, give tax breaks, regulatory relief and investment tand more to ereate 3 million jobs in 500 days. Provide $50 billion incentives to needy communities. over two years to states struggling with budget delieits. -·------· --·- ·-· -·- '' ------·--· ------· ------·-- -· --·------.. ·--" - __ ...... _, ...... ______,_,___ ...... ______,_, ...... -· -- .. - ~ Championed a 2002 overhaul of elementary and seeondary Establish community serviec plan for high school student'> that education that toughened standards for teaehers, schools and would qualify them for the equivalent of their states' !bur-year pub- student achievement. Budget proposal would increase spending lie college tuition if they perform two years of national serviee. on poor sehool districts, children with disabilities, Pell grants to . Provide a tax eredit for every year of eollege on the lirst $4,000 help poor students attend college, and experimental private- paid in tuition. Credit would provide 100 pereent of the first $1,000 1 EDUCATION school voueher programs. The plan would cut spending on voca- and 50 percent on the rest. Opposes private-school vouchnrs. tiona! education, a family literaey program, arts in education, Backed 2002 changes but says insullieient money was spent on dropout prevention and more. Budget proposal, if passed, would them and too much emphasis is placnd on tests for measuring stu­ mark 43 pereent increase in federal spending on programs dent achievement. Wants to establish $200 billion ndueation trust under the No Child Left Behind Act sinee Bush took oflice. fund to help pay for the 2002 school reforms and special edueation. ______...... ''"-ii· ...... _ ...... -- ...... _ ...... -- +-----·------.. ·-··------...... ______,_____ ...... _.. ,_ ...... Change clean air laws to use a market-based approaeh to Re-engage "in the development of an international elimate reduce pollution from power plants, including first national eap change strategy to address global warming;" no explicit endorse­ on mercury emissions. Cut spending next year on low-interest ment of Kyoto treaty. No drilling in Aretic refuge. Has supported loans for loeal clean water projeets. lnerease federal support for tougher fuel eeonomy standards for vehicles. Goal of 20 percent of ENVIRONMENT development of hydrogen-fueled ear. Open Alaska's Arctic eleetricity from renewable or alternative sources by 2020. Steer National Wildlife Hefuge to oil drilling. $20 billion from oil and gas royalties to development of cleaner energy. Goal of independenee from Middle East oil in 10 years. Tougher standards for companies operating on public lands. ·+ ...... ··t·-...... - ...... - ...- ....- ... - ...... ___ .______,., ______,...... - .... -.-·-·----- Proposes eonstitutional amendment banning gay marriage. lias Opposes gay marriage but also opposes constitutional amend- continued former President Clinton's policy allowing gays to serve ment against it; supports right to eivil unions. Would ban job dis­ GAY RIGHTS in military if they an1 not open about their homosexuality. erimination against homosexuals, extend hate-crime protections to gays and let gays serve openly in the military. Number of Americans without health insurance has risen in his Expand existing insurance system for federal employees to presidency, reaching nearly 45 million in 2003, up from nearly 40 private citizens through tax eredits and subsidies. Unemployed million in 2000. Achieved prescription drug benefit for older would get 75 pereent tax eredit to help pay for insuranee. Tax Americans that subsidizes costs for low-income patients and I credits for small businesses and their employees for health encourages private insurance eompanies to oll'er coverage for the j insurance. People aged 55 to 64 could buy into federal employ­ elderly willing to opt out of traditional Medicare. Cost of drug i ees' health plan at affordable priee. Government would help benefit and other Medicare ehanges now estimated at $534 bil-l eompanies and insurers pay an employee's catastrophic medical HEALTH lion over 10 years, up from $395 billion when ehanges were 1 eosts if the firms would agree to hold down premiums. Federal debated. New tax-free medieal savings accounts can be opened 1 support to expand aceess to state-administered health insur­ by people under 65 who meet eertain conditions. Monthly Iance for children. Overall costs estimated by outside analyst at Medieare premiums for doctor visits are rising a record $11.60 $895 billion over 10 years, to eover 27 million more people. next year, or 17 percent. Independent study finds family health insuranee premiums in employer-sponsored plans up 11 percent, i · averaging $9,950 annually for family of four. ' ...... _,_,_,,__ , ...... ,... ___ , ...... ~_ ...... _._ ...... ~.-· .. -· ...... -...... ~ ...... - ...... -...... _,,,__ .. ___ ,_,_, ...... ___ ,,,_,__ ... _...... _ .. ,_ .... , ______Swift military victory followed by violent aftermath and halting Supported congressional resolution letting Bush go to war but efl'orts at stabilizing new government, with more than 1,000 U.S. says he did so based on faulty U.S. intelligenee and with the military deaths. Won congressional approval of $87 billion for belief the president would build a true eoalition and exhaust continued military operations and aid in Iraq and Afghanistan. options short of war. Opposed $87 billion package for Iraq and IRAQ WAR Defends decision to go to war despite later findings that Iraq had Afghanistan. Says he would try to begin U.S. troop withdrawal no weapons of mass destruction, the central rationale at the time, in six months and complete it in four years, by encouraging and that Saddam Hussein's ties to al-Qaida were tenuous at most. allies to commit more forees. Says Saddam had the will to foment unrest, eooperate with ter­ rorists and develop sueh weapons over time. -----...... ___ .. ___ ~---- - ...... ______-1--·------·---- Says military commanders believe active-duty forees are ade- Boost active-duty forces worldwide by 40,000, double Army quate. "If they nHed more, I will make sure they get it." Is beginning speeial forces eapability, inerease eivil-affairs troops by half. an overhaul of overseas deployments, with 70,000 troops coming out boost military poliee and psyehdfbgieal-operations personnel. "I of South Korea and Europe, many Cold-War era bases to be closed, don't support a draft." MILITARY and more troops to be stationed in U.S. with temporary assignments to growing network of no-frills "forward operating sites" in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. "We're not going to have a draft so long as I am the president." Iraq and war on terror­ _____.. ______,______r-·---··----ism have stretehed- ...... both aetive-duty_...... ______forces ...... and - ...... reserves. - .... ----··----·"'""'''"'-"''"""'""'"'"'"'"' ...... - ... --.--.. -··------...... _ ...... ______.. _...... --...... ______...... Using diplomacy to try to stop nuclear proliferation in the Supports one-on-one talks between U.S. and North Korea remaining "axis of evil" countries, North Korea and Iran. May alongside the six-nation negotiations. Says U.S. and other nations offer Iran economic incentives to suspend its uranium enrichment should offer Iran nuclear fuel for peaceful purposes, then take activities; prepared to push for economic sanctions if Iran does back the spent fuel so it cannot be used to develop nuclear NUCLEAR not concede. Six-nation negotiations have produced little progress weapons. in persuading North Korea to end its nuclear program. Give younger workers the opportunity to put part of their payroll Opposes partial privatization of Soeial Security. Would require RETIREMENT tax into retirement accounts, giving them a chanee to make a higher companies switehing to cheaper lump-sum pnnsion plans to offer return on that investment in return for less Soeial Security benefits. retirees the choice of staying with traditional company pension. _____ ,_ .. __ ._,,_, ______,_,______... _____ , __ ,_,,.... , .... __ ,,_, ___ ,,,,_.,_,,_,_,,_,,,,,___ ,_,_,...... _.. __ ,,,,._,.. ____ ,,,...... _,_,__ .. __ ...... _,,__ ,_,,_,_,_,,_,_, ___ ,.,__ , ______, ______,_,,,___ ,,,.,,.. ______Signed exeeutive order in August 2001 limiting federal research Would reverse Bush's restrictions and put money into the money to embryonic stem-eelllines then in existence, to ensure gov- research, ensuring unspeeilicd ethieal standards are followed STEM CELL ernment does not support future produetion of embryos for research through "good will and good sensn." Aides say Kerry would not purposes. No controls on private embryonic stem-cell research. support creation of embryos spedfically for resnareh, but would RESEARCH finanee research letting sdentists study leftover embryos creatod for infertility treatment. ------·---·------· ------...... _.. _, Supports liberalized trade and is pursuing a variety of bilater­ Supported North American and world trade agreemenl<; and ele­ al trade deals as well as one for the Western Hemisphere. vated trade status with China. Would place all such trade agreements under 120-day review to see if they are fair, taking unspedfied "nec­ essary steps" if' they are not Would require companies moving jobs I. TRADE to other eountries to give the government and workers notiee. Says all trade deals should have labor and environmental standards, but United States cannot insL<;t in these deals that liJreign standards rise to the level of Ameriea's. New tax crndit for manufacturers that expand their U.S. work force, covering payroll taxes of new workers .

. ·. ·. ·.