Iowa Democratic Debate Marks Final Days of Campaign

January 18, 2000 -- In their final debate before next week's Iowa Caucuses, Democratic presidential candidates Al Gore and Bill Bradley pointedly sparred over a variety of issues Monday night.

Racial issues were on the front burner in particular, as questioners brought up the NAACP march in South Carolina to protest the flying of the Confederate flag.

While the rivals did agree that the Confederate battle flag should no longer be allowed to fly above the capital, they differed over the issue of racial profiling, a police practice where some officers target minority group members for traffic stops.

Bradley has made increasing racial harmony a centerpiece of his campaign, and during the debate pressed Gore to demand that President Clinton issue an executive order immediately ending racial profiling.

"I want you to walk down his hallway, walk into his office and say 'sign this executive order today,"' Bradley said.

"I don't think President Bill Clinton needs a lecture from Bill Bradley on how to stand up and fight for African-Americans" and Hispanics, Gore responded, arguing that Clinton has set records in appointing minorities to key administration posts.

"It's one thing to talk the talk, it's another thing to walk the walk," added Gore.

Both also condemned Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker, who has been criticized for making controversial remarks about minorities in a recent interview.

"I would not be disappointed if they fired him," said Bradley. "Certainly suspension is in order."

Gore said Rocker's comments were reprehensible and disgusting. "And I condemn it without any reservation, of course," he said.

After the debate, Gore went to an African-American church jammed with about 700 people, declaring "I felt the spirit" as the choir sang.

He praised the debate, arguing that "these are issues that should be raised in every state in every city across the nation."

Polls indicate Gore has a 20-point lead over Bradley in Iowa and a comfortable lead nationally. Bradley, however, currently leads in New Hampshire, the primary following the caucuses.

Bradley headed for a post-debate party at the local painters union hall. With blue curtains hanging from the wall and lights glaring, the hall was transformed into a temporary TV studio as a campaign film crew gathered footage for the next round of ads.