PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE October 6, 1996 Transcript

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PRESIDENT CLINTON: Thank you, Jim, and thank you to the people of Hartford, our hosts. I want to begin by saying again how much I respect Senator Dole and his record of public service, and how hard I will try to make this campaign and this debate one of ideas, not insults.

Four years ago, I ran for president at a time of high unemployment and rising frustration. I wanted to turn this country around with a program of opportunity for all, responsibility from all, and an American community where everybody has a role to play.

I wanted a government that was smaller and less bureaucratic to help people have the tools to make the most of their own lives. Four years ago, you took me on faith. Now there's a record: 10-1/2 million more jobs, rising incomes, falling crime rates and welfare rolls, a strong America at peace.

We are better off than we were four years ago. Let's keep it going.

We cut the deficit by 60 percent. Now let's balance the budget and protect Medicare, Medicaid, education and the environment.

We cut taxes for 15 million working Americans. Now let's pass the tax cuts for education and child-rearing, help with medical emergencies and buying a home.

We passed Family and Medical Leave. Now let's expand it so more people can succeed as parents and in the workforce.

We passed the 100,000 police, the assault weapons ban, the Brady bill. Now let's keep going by finishing the work of putting the police on the street and tackling juvenile gangs.

We passed welfare reform. Now let's move a million people from welfare to work.

And, most important, let's make education our highest priority so that every eight-year-old will be able to read, every 12-year-old can log on to the Internet, every 18-year-old can go to college.

We can build that bridge to the 21st century, and I look forward to discussing exactly how we're going to do it.

JIM LEHRER: Senator Dole, two minutes.

MR. DOLE: Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. President for those kind words. And thank the people of Hartford, the Commission, and all those who out who may be listening or watching.

It's a great honor for me to be here, standing here as the Republican nominee. I'm very proud to be the Republican nominee, reaching out to Democrats and Independents. I have three very special people with me: my wife Elizabeth, my daughter Robin, who have never let me down; and a fellow named Frank Carrapa, from New York, along with Ollie Manenan, helped me out in the mountains of Italy a few years back. I've learned from them that people do have tough times, and sometimes you can't go it alone. And that's what America is all about.

I remember getting my future back from doctors and nurses, and a doctor in Chicago named Dr. Khalikian. And ever since that time, I've tried to give something back to my country, to the people who are watching us tonight.

America is the greatest place on the face of the earth. Now I know millions of you still have anxieties. You work harder and harder to make ends meet and put food on the table. You worry about the quality and the safety of your children -- the quality of education. But even more importantly, you worry about the future, and will they have the same opportunities that you and I have had.

And Jack Kemp and I want to share with you some ideas tonight. Jack Kemp is my running mate -- doing an outstanding job.

Now, I'm a plain-speaking man, and I learned long ago that your word was your bond. And I promise you tonight that I'll try to address your concerns and not try to exploit them. It's a tall order, but I've been running against the odds for a long time. And again, I'm honored to be here this evening.

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