Gore Bops Bush On Tax Cuts, Schools

Al Gore said Thursday that education issues provide "one of the biggest differences in this election" as he capped a week of drawing contrasts with rival George W. Bush.

"I want to speak very concretely about the choices we face for education," said Gore. "We stand at a decisive moment. Will we raise our sights and broaden our vision?"

The Democratic vice president has argued repeatedly that Bush would use up too much of a projected federal surplus on tax cuts, leaving no money for bolstering schools.

"We can't reform education with half an agenda," Gore said. "We can't make education our top priority if huge tax cuts for the wealthy are already the first, second and third priority."

Gore spoke at a Manchester middle school, continuing his weeklong focus on education.

Some candidates avoid long discussions of policy detail, preferring to talk about the big picture. But Gore, who revels in detailed policy talk, has focused on a specific aspect of his education policy each day this week and he presented the entire package here.

In addition, Gore argued anew for controls on violence in the media but said parents bear ultimate responsibility.

"Laws and programs by themselves will never be enough," said Gore.

As for his education commitment, aide Sarah Bianchi said Gore's proposed "substantial investment" of $170 billion over 10 years makes the case. "The most significant in-school factor is the quality of teachers," she said.

Policy wonk Gore relishes nothing like a good discussion of the issues, aides say, and he was going out of his way to make that point. Critics said there's far less than meets the eye in what Gore is arguing.

Gore joined running mate Joseph Lieberman on Wednesday at a noisy bayside rally in Boston, where Lieberman said the new focus is bringing results as voters tune in.

"The American people have taken a fresh look at Al Gore and they like what they see," Lieberman said.

Backers said they were enthusiastic, even if they were occasionally vague about what it was Gore was proposing.

"I think he's been much more substantive than Bush," said Pat Brown, of Cambridge. Asked for some differences, she shrugged and said: "I really need to hear more. I'm sure it will be closer to what I like."

Carol Fitzgerald didn't know much about Gore's education proposals, but was quick to get to the bottom line. "They are going to come up with the money," she said.

Gore is missing no chance to argue that he's a serious advocate. He meets privately with parents, teachers and students to declare "I want to listen to you."

On occasion, he takes to the classroom himself, helping one history class with a game where students answer questions about the Constitution, including one offbeat query about which public official Elvis Presley wrote to express his viewon patriotism.

The letter was to former President Nixon, and Gore helped Seth Morin, 16, log onto the National Archives Web site and track down that information.

"The issues, yeah, don't you love it," laughed Bianchi, as reporters rolled their eyes at the latest, lengthy discussion of issues which have all been presented before.

Critics were less cheerful.

Bush spokesman Dan Bartlett argued that there's considerable glossing over of weaknesses and flaws as Gore explains his various proposals.

"The more you look at Al Gore's plans, the less you see," said Bartlett. "His discussions are very misleading to voters. We would love to have a debate on the details."

There are other forces at work in Gore's weeklong focus on education. That's an issue that traditionally works for Democrats, but there's some polling evidence that suggests Bush may be scoring some points with voters on the issue.

In addition, Bartlett was quick to point out there are other events on Gore's campaign schedule outside of campaigning at schools.

In Camden, N.J., Gore raised $800,000 at a star-studded gala headlined by singing star Cher; he headed to Boston to raise $1 million at a concert headlined by singer James Taylor, and had an even bigger $5 million event at Radio City Music Hall in New York on Thursday.

That event was certain to generate more fire, in part because of some of the big givers attending. While Gore and Lieberman have criticized the entertainment industry for promoting adult material to youngsters, some big givers are in that industry.