Gore Vs. Bush

Gore vs. Bush

Foreign Policy

Ø CHINA

Bush would like to redefine the relationship between China and the United States to become one of competitors, not partners. Both Bush and Gore feel that the free market will most likely produce more individual freedom in China and he also supports increased trade with them. They also agree on defending Taiwan against aggression from the mainland, supporting the One-China Policy that has defined our relationship with them for a number of years. Gore believes that china should be encouraged to be a prosperous society by inducting them into various international institutions. He also feels that the U.S. should be a mediator between China and Taiwan.

Ø RUSSIA

Bush opposes any further monetary assistance to Russia from the International Monetary Fund because he says he fears that government officials will pocket the money. Gore says he supports providing financial assistance to the Russian government so that they can become a free market democracy. He feels that both Russia’s and China’s threat to the U.S. is in their weaknesses, not their strength. Richard Nixon also argued this point.

Ø MIDDLE EAST / ISRAEL

Gore and Bush both agree that the Israeli-Palestinian peace process needs to be moved forward. Bush says that the U.S. embassy should be moved from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem and he wants to work at re-establishing weapons inspection in Iraq. Gore vows to keep working with U.S. allies so Saddam Hussein isolated and to eventually get him out of power. He also said he would use military forces against Iraq if it ever became necessary.

Ø AFRICA

Both Bush and Gore feel that free trade will aid in building democracy and economic development in struggling Third World Countries. Gore supports debt forgiveness to the poorest of these nations and Western aid to help in stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS in Central and Southern Africa.

Ø OTHER

Both Bush and Gore support the Good Friday Accord in Northern Ireland, which calls for both sides to lay down arms. Gore wants to assist dialogue between North Korea and South Korea, and India and Pakistan. Bush wants to increase trade and investment with India making it a secure force in Asia and aid Australia with its peacekeeping efforts in east Timor.

Military

Ø Both candidates are in favor of increasing the pay for military personal and also for increasing benefits. Gore wants to enhance military readiness by maintaining a strong force, which will result from increased training. Bush feels that morale is low in the military.