except where otherwise noted, WebSite contents © 1999,2000,2003 Joseph M. Lenard
Page creation or last revision: 10/05/2000

WEB-ARTICLES

For an index of available Politically related articles, visit:
Political commentary, issues, and more...

This article is a brief review of the October 3rd 2000 Presidential debate, from a Republican perspective. What matters from this debate, for W, is that he connect with the undecided and/or independent (possibly, ticket splitting) voters.

While George 'W' Bush held his own, I believe there were some missed opportunities. In fairness, let me state, that as a candidate myself (-Elect Joseph M. Lenard WebSite click here-), in such circumstances it is difficult to work in all your points and/or to react/respond to all distortions your opponent may levy. I attended a forum just this past Monday, and I too missed opportunities to drive some points home. With that said, for what it's worth, and to whom it may concern, here are the missed opportunities as I saw them...

Republican Principles

W should THANK the Democrats. That's right, thank them for finally admitting to agreeing with what Republicans have been contending for some time. The Democrats have accepted, and in fact tried to co-opt as their own, Republican Principles and/or Ideals.
It's your money
Al Gore finally admitted that the monies forcibly taken from your hard worked for income was, and indeed is, your money. However, Gore's plan still shows that he is just trying to sound on the right side of the sore point with many voters, as his blueprint for America calls for a minimal return of your dollars to you and ever more government spending of your money by the government on your behalf.
Democrats still, by way of their policies, that they know how to spend your money better than you, you can't be trusted to do what's 'right' with your money (if returned to you), and that you would plainly be too stingy and greedy with your money. You would 'waste' it all on yourself while leaving your family, friends, and neighbors, to starve in the streets. Are you not offended by that?
That is not a Republicans belief. Conservatives (Libertarian,Reform,Republican), more to the point, understand that this is the greatest and most generous Nation of people on the planet. If given a portion of the monies you've been having extorted from your paycheck returned to you (and in the future not even collected) you will spend some on yourself, for certain, but also 'save' some money (as all agree needs to happen) and use some of those monies to help Charitable causes which are more likely to be truly concerned about ending poverty and homelessness as opposed to government bureaucrats (remember here to that fabricated rats ad issue) who are out to protect their own interests.
Private charities, on average, spend 90 cents of every dollar collected on the issue at hand, contrasted to government which keeps 40 cents of every dollar, leaving only 60 cents to help feed and cloth those in need.
Medicare reform
Republicans have been calling for common sense reforms of Welfare for many years, and the Democrats had continually demagogued the issue, calling Republicans 'mean spirited' and the like. Republican Governors have for years been 'compassionately' reforming the Welfare system, all across the United States. The Democrats, losing ground, joined the debate and today attempt to claim credit for the success, as well as ownership of the idea.

Reinventing Government

It's time for Republicans to stand up and proclaim that the Democrats have for years been reinventing government, and that reinvention (toward Soviet style Socialism) has been what brought us into this mess of a self-serving (rather than serving the best interests of the country) Government out of control. It is now a time to return to the fundamental values of Personal Freedom, Personal Responsibility, as well as other values of the Founding fathers of this Nation. PERIOD!

Judges

As W pointed out. Democratic appointed 'Liberal Activists' Judges subvert the Legislature. Republicans pledge to appoint Judges that will not subvert the will of the People's elected Representatives in the Legistlature. They must take it one step further, however, and promise to appoint Judges that will uphold the whole Constitution and stop the Legislature from subverting the Constitution.

Temple FundRaiser

I do not think it unfair to point out the hypocrisy of a man (Gore) who claimed there was "no controlling legal authority" by which to prosecute (hey Al, it's called the Attorney General's office) such a violation of the current Campaign Finance Law who now claims he is concerned about Campaign Finance Laws. Please!!
It must be done carefully so as to not appear as a negative personal attack, but rather a legitimate concern that voters should have/consider. I think Bush did OK in this area, but I would further add...
At least - it is like putting a kid in charge of the Cookie jar who has, countless times before, been caught with his hand in that same Cookie jar when it wasn't supposed to be!
At worst (attack perception wise) - it is like putting the head of the Columbian Drug Cartel as the Drug Czar for this country. Or, why not just appoint the head of the Mafia as Attorney General? etc....

Environment policy

While Al was speaking of his Environmental policy, I would have made sure to add in that "I'm curious to see the fine print of his plan and know when he plans to outlaw the internal combustion engine" as Al Gore calls for in his "Earth in the Balance" book we have all heard so much about. This is, of course, a critical point for the 18 Electoral votes up for grabs in Michigan

the Wealthy

I lost track of the number of times Gore tried to pin W's "Tax cut for EVERYONE" plan as a 'plan benefiting the wealthy' in America. This is the standard Democratic Class Warfare and attempt to scare (and mislead) the poor they've always fed the public. It is amazing to me how this can still sell in America today!
Simply put, I would have responded by stating how the repeated comment hardly is worth wasting my precious debate minutes responding to, but it is, pure and simple, just like the Medi-scare tactic, and just the same ole Democratic Party song-and-dance. 'nough said, time to move on.

Tax cuts (in addition)

It is important to remind, and connect with the Voters, on 2 of the countries foremost Tax cutting, and beloved, Presidents - Kennedy and Reagan. Gore would look foolish repeating Benson's, I knew Kennedy and you're no Kennedy line, while Gore would remind America whose steps in walks in. Further, he should remind Voters how the Kennedy and Reagan Tax cuts spurred the Economy and how his (Bush's) cuts would further ensure the continued prosperity that controlled spending and Balanced budgets, as put forth by the Republican held Congress, has brought us.
Bush did very well in reminding the Public how Clinton/Gore raised their Taxes and that they've had many years to return some of that back, but did not.

Bill Clinton in a positive sense!

It would be easy to connect with Independent Voters by proclaiming the time of belaboring the Clinton mis-steps and improprieties end. It is time for the country to move on. Those wronged by Bill Clinton will have Civil remedies available for them to privately pursue, but the Nation cannot afford to be distracted by those past activities, except for which are directly related to Al Gore as he is running for President, and that is valid topic for discussion as he seeks our trust, but we must focus on the future and who is best to lead us in a new direction, with truly the "most ethical administration in America" which would be a Bush administration.

Again, for what it's worth! I hope that W will take some of this to heart, and work it into the next debate(s).

The remaining debates...

October 5, 2000 - Vice Presidential Candidates debate
October 11, 2000 - Presidential Candidates debate
October 17, 2000 - Presidential Candidates debate

On an aside, remember Watergate? Watergate was that break in which occurred in order to obtain secrets from the Democrats. There were 2 main issues created by the actual break in. The crime of the burglary itself and the moral and ethical question of stealing internal information and secrets of/from your opponent.
Why do I mention it? George W Bush's debate notes (TIME magazine, 10/2/2000 page 29, Campaign 2000 Tapegate) and a tape of his practice sessions landed up in the Gore Campaign offices. That's right! Did you even know? How did they get there? Who knew? Is the President and/or Vice President knowledgeable of the event and therefore potentially obstructing justice (yet again) and helping to cover up the event and protect the innocent? Like I said, remember Watergate?