Gore Reaches Out
Vice President Al Gore is appealing to Republican John McCain's backers and reaching out to top aides of Democrat Bill Bradley for support in November.
"To any who can hear the sound of my voice, whatever party you're in ... I'd like to ask for your support," said the vice president, who was in Illinois on the eve of Tuesday's now mostly irrelevant Democratic presidential primary.
After a campaign stop and fund-raising luncheon in New York, Gore headed to New Jersey, where Bradley's rival campaign for the Democratic nomination had been headquartered during the bitter primary fight.
At a North Jersey restaurant, Gore met with Bradley campaign chairman Doug Berman, former Gov. Brendan Byrne, state Senate Democratic Leader Richard Cody and other top New Jersey Bradley supporters.
"We've got to elect a Democratic president and he's our nominee," Berman said. "Between Al Gore and George W. Bush, there's no question who's better for working families."
In Illinois, Gore spoke to almost 1,000 people Monday on the Lincoln Land Community College campus.
Gore urged voters who backed McCain's bid for the GOP nomination to switch in the general election, saying he wants "to be a president who would reach out regardless of party and put our national best interest right at the top, always."
McCain, who had marshaled support among Democrats and independents, dropped from the Republican race earlier this month after devastating losses on Super Tuesday. Gore's only Democratic rival, former Sen. Bill Bradley, also dropped out.
On other topics, the vice president:
- Accused Republican rival George W. Bush of negative campaigning, citing a TV ad that contends the education policies of Gore and President Bill Clinton have failed.
- Urged elimination of all 30- and 60-second television and radio ads in favor of weekly presidential debates, asking: "Wouldn't that be a better way to honor our democracy?"
- Criticized Bush's five-year, $483 billion tax-reduction plan, contending it would consume projected federal budget surpluses. "I believe they're hoping that you won't add up the numbers," he said.