Extra! Bush, Gore Back Golden Rule

Regardless of whom they decide to vote for in November, millions of Americans could sleep peacefully Wednesday night, serenely secure in their knowledge that both presidential candidates believe in the Golden Rule.

The joint affirmation came midway through the second face-to-face encounter - known in some circles as a debate - between Vice President Al Gore and Texas Gov. George W. Bush.

During a typically tepid exchange over whether gun control legislation should be strengthened, Bush solemnly asserted that there is a "larger law," and went on to declare that "you should love your neighbor as yourself."

To which Gore piously replied: "I also believe in the Golden Rule."

Even more reassuring to those who claim to be offended when political opponents are rude and mean to each other, the two candidates went out of their way to put the Golden Rule into practice.

This was especially evident during the early phase of the debate when all the focus was on foreign policy. Time and time again, Bush and Gore stressed the common ground they shared rather than the issues that divided them. And even when they disagreed, they did so in polite and measured tones.

Gore's behavior, in particular, was in contrast to the disdainful and derisive reactions that he displayed so frequently in their initial clash last week. This time he took care to adopt a pose of respect - verging on choir-boy innocence - when the governor was expounding his positions.

The exchange of views did become more edgy and spirited when the discussion moved on to such domestic issues as gay rights, taxes, health care, the environment and hate-crimes legislation. And it was during the skirmish over the last topic that Bush committed the evening's most glaring factual error.

In an effort to show how tough he was on hate crimes, the governor brought up the notorious dragging-death murder of James Byrd, Jr., in Jasper, Texas, and claimed that the three young men convicted of that crime were sentenced to death.

And to embellish the point, he added: "It's going to be hard to punish them any more after they've been put to death."

The only problem was that only two of the defendants were given the death penalty. The third was sentenced to life in prison.

But for the most part, Bush was on top of his game. He obviously did enough homework on foreign policy to avoid any serious gaffes in an area where he has long been suspected of being weak and ill informed.

And he appeared to be more relaxed in this second round, which allowed more of his affable nature to come into play. On more than one occasion, Bush resorted to the quips and easy banter that is known to be his most formidable political asset.

Gore also went in for the light touch, which is not his natural strength. There were moments when he reverted to form and worked Bush over with a few sharp jabs.

The most telling came when Gore pressed Bush to acknowledge or dey the various reports that among all states, Texas ranks 49th in health care for children and 50th in family health care.

Bush declined to do either and was plainly discomfited by the vice president's line of attack on that issue.

But most of the time, Gore kept his aggressive instincts on a tight leash, as though he were fearful that if he hit Bush too hard and too often, he would antagonize all those voters who, for some reason, have become squeamish and fastidious this year.

And of course - as we know from Wednesday night's avowals - both candidates were guided by their shared belief in the Golden Rule. Which is all very noble and edifying.

Still, I can't help but ask: Whatever happened to the high-spirited, bare-knuckle style of combat that, through most of our history, has defined campaigns for the White House?