OT --
Addi --
The following site gives the results of an on-line vote. Since I accessed the ballot from George W's official site, the outcome isn't due to a biased audience:
affiliate.nbci.com
The other day it occurred to me how interesting it would be if all the rhetoric --- on both sides --- were silenced and the two candidates treated as if they were applying for a job in a Fortune 500 corporation.
Pretend for a moment you are the retiring CEO and you're choosing your replacement. You tell your staff you want nothing but the facts. In due time, two resumes make it to your desk and you have to decide which would be the better choice.
[All data taken from the respective candidate's official election sites.]
The first is George W Bush:
•Background Information
Military Service: Texas Air National Guard
Occupation: Oil business, 1975 - 1986; Texas Rangers, managing partner, 1989 - 1994
Education: BS, Yale; MBA Harvard Business School
Birthplace: New Haven, CT
Hometown: Austin, TX
Birthday: Jul 06, 1946
Marital Status: Married
Spouse: Laura
Religion: Methodist
Bio:
George W. Bush is the 46th Governor of the State of Texas. Governor Bush has earned a reputation as a principled conservative who shapes policy based on his beliefs in limited government, personal responsibility, strong families and local control.Before taking office in January 1995, Governor Bush served as managing general partner of the Texas Rangers baseball organization. In April of 1989, Bush led a group of partners in purchasing the Rangers. Bush was instrumental in bringing together the Rangers and the City of Arlington to build the Rangers' new home, The Ballpark in Arlington. In 1975, Bush founded and became CEO of Bush Exploration, a Midland, Texas based oil and gas company. He was involved in energy exploration throughout the 1980s. George W. Bush grew up in Midland and Houston. Bush is a former F-102 pilot in the Texas Air National Guard. He received a bachelor's degree from Yale University and a MBA from Harvard Business School. In 1978, Bush ran for Congress in West Texas and was narrowly defeated. He was elected Governor on November 8, 1994, with 53.5 percent of the vote. His large margin of victory after a positive, issue-specific campaign was viewed as a mandate for constructive reforms. Most of those reforms were enacted during the 74th Legislative Session. He was reelected in 1998 by a huge margin. Bush and his wife, the former Laura Welch, now reside in the historic Governor's Mansion in Austin with their 15 year-old twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna. Bush has been an active member of the Methodist Church and has served on the boards of various business, charitable, and civic organizations.
The second is Al Gore:
6.12.69 -- graduates with honors from Harvard University.
8.25.69 -- enlists in the U.S. Army.
10.31.69 -- reports to Fort Rucker, Alabama for assignment as information officer for the U.S. Army Aviation School.
April 1970 -- receives recognition as the post soldier of the month while serving at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
5.19.70 -- marries Mary Elizabeth "Tipper" Aitcheson.
January 1971 -- begins service in Vietnam as a military journalist.Gore is assigned to the 20th Engineer Brigade headquartered at Bien Hoa, an air base 20 miles northeast of Saigon. After the base was deactivated in April 1971, he is reassigned to the engineer command, headquartered at Long Binh, a large Army logistical base near Saigon.
May 1971 -- returns home from Vietnam. Gore is honorably discharged from the Army and returns home from Vietnam. He and Tipper settle in Nashville where he begins working as a reporter for the Nashville Tennessean newspaper and attends the Vanderbilt University Graduate School of Religion. He later attends Vanderbilt University law school.
3.1.76 --- announces his candidacy for Tennessee's Fourth Congressional district. Standing on the steps of the Smith County Courthouse in Carthage, Gore announces that he is a candidate for Tennessee's Fourth Congressional district. Gore later wins a competitive primary campaign with 32 percent of the vote.
11.2.76 -- is elected to Congress representing Tennessee's Fourth Congressional District.Gore handily wins the 1976 general election race with more than 90 percent of the vote.
11.8.76 -- begins a series of "open meetings."Shortly after his election to Congress, Rep.-elect Gore begins a lengthy series of "open meetings" in every county in his Congressional district. Within a month of his election to Congress, Gore holds 30 open meetings in the 25 counties that make up Tennessee's Fourth district. Gore continues to hold open meetings throughout his Congressional career and as Vice President.
6.5.77 -- Al and Tipper's second child, Kristin, is born.
8.16.78 -- helps lead Congressional hearings on price gouging by pharmaceutical industry. Al Gore leads Congressional hearings into allegations that drug companies have put name-brand labels on generic drugs — making needed medication less affordable and accessible to patients. Gore states, "We have reason to believe that large drug companies have been regularly making profits with up to 5,000 percent markups on generic drugs simply because they were put under their brand name." Gore later tells reporters "families who need these drugs are being ripped off by these deceptive practices."
10.30.78 -- chairs some of the first Congressional hearings on toxic waste clean up.Al Gore chairs the first oversight hearing by the House Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). This hearing initiates a lengthy series of hearings examining hazardous waste sites, helping to lay the groundwork for passage of the Superfund Act in 1980. In addition to examining EPA's delay in promulgating RCRA regulations, the Subcommittee looks at the dangers of hazardous wastes at Love Canal in upstate New York, and Toone, Tennessee.
1.7.79 -- third child, Sarah, is born.
3.19.79 -- delivers the first televised speech on the House floor.Al Gore becomes the first Member to deliver a live, televised speech on the floor of the House of Representatives. During his speech, Gore states that opening House proceedings to the American public will "revitalize representative democracy." He further states that "[t]elevision will change this institution, Mr. Speaker, just as it has changed the executive branch, but the good will far outweigh the bad."
2.27.79 -- cosponsors legislation creating the Department of Education. Al Gore cosponsors the Department of Education Organization Act, which will create a separate federal department focused on education. Nearly two years before cosponsoring this bill, Gore called for a creation of the Department of Education: "We all know why there is a need for a separate Department of Education in the federal government. It is important to insure that education gets the attention and the support it deserves at the highest levels of government."
3.22.82 -- introduces a comprehensive arms control plan to reduce the threat of nuclear war. Gore introduces a comprehensive arms control proposal to help reduce nuclear arms and the threat of nuclear war. The Washington Post notes that "No policy game in this town is harder to break into than nuclear strategy…. Starting from scratch, in a brief time, through personal exertion, Gore can fairly claim to have had a major role in … moving a central set of ideas from the perimeter of the debate to the center." Washington Monthly describes a visit to Moscow by Minneapolis Mayor Donald Fraser where "all the Soviets wanted to talk about was this 'Gore Plan.'… At the age of 34, Al Gore had cracked the hardest policy game in Washington."
10.19.82 -- fourth child, Al Gore, III is born.
5.3.84 -- introduces the National Organ Transplant Act.After learning of the plight of families awaiting life-saving organs, Al Gore introduces the National Organ Transplant Act. This Act established - for the first time - a computerized network to match donated organs with the patients who need them.
1984 -- helps forge an agreement to strengthen warning labels on cigarettes.Al Gore plays a major role in forging an agreement with the tobacco companies and health advocates strengthening warning labels on cigarette packages. The stronger labels warn smokers about the risks of cancer, heart disease and emphysema and the dangers of fetal injury. Scott Ballin, Vice President of the American Heart Association, later praised Gore's efforts stating that he "stood his ground" and was "very forceful with the [tobacco] industry.
10.6.84 -- is elected to the United States Senate.Al Gore is elected to the United States Senate with more than 60 percent of the vote.
10.17.86 -- introduces the Campaign Limitation and Public Financing Act.Al Gore introduces the Campaign Limitation and Public Financing Act to place limits on campaign expenditures in exchange for public financing of U.S. Senate general election campaigns — similar to the current presidential system. In January of 1987, Gore re-introduces the legislation.
6.24.86 -- introduces the Supercomputer Network Act of 1986.Al Gore introduces the Supercomputer Network Act to develop and study communication methods for universities and federal research facilities to advance future options for on-line computer network capabilities. This legislation, later enacted, results in a report that urged the Reagan Administration to create a high-speed computer network allowing greater access to U.S. supercomputing centers.
1988 -- wins more than 3 million votes in the 1988 presidential campaign.As a candidate for the 1988 Democratic nomination for President, Al Gore receives 3,134,516 votes, and wins primary campaigns in Arkansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. Gore also wins caucuses in Nevada and Wyoming.
6.20.89 -- introduces legislation creating the 1990 Earth Day.Al Gore introduces legislation to re-establish Earth Day on April 22, 1990. The first Earth Day was originally held in 1970.
7.27.89 --- Gore and Senator John McCain introduce legislation to stop the proliferation of missile technology.Gore partners with Sen. John McCain to sponsor legislation to stop the proliferation of ballistic missile technology. Their legislation will seek to punish firms that export missile technology and grant the President the authority to deny export licenses to companies engaged in illegal technology transfers.
1.12.91 -- supports the Persian Gulf War.Al Gore is one of 10 Democrats — including Senator Joe Liberman — who votes in favor of a Senate resolution authorizing the use of force to remove Saddam Hussein from Kuwait.
5.7.91 -- introduces the Working Families Tax Relief Act.Al Gore introduces the Working Families Tax Relief Act of 1991 to provide tax relief for middle-class families. The Gore proposal focuses on providing relief to 135 million lower- and middle-income Americans by cutting taxes for some families by more than $900 a year. Gore also supports passage of the Tax Fairness and Economic Growth Acceleration Act of 1992, which included a $300 per-child tax credit for middle-income families.
1.22.92 -- groundbreaking book on the Environment, "Earth in the Balance," is published.Al Gore's book "Earth in the Balance: Ecology and the Human Spirit" is published, and debuts in 13th place on the New York Times best sellers list. This groundbreaking book focusing on the need to address growing environmental threats in our nation and abroad. Gore's book is described as "powerful," "remarkable," "a magnificent, eloquent book," "thoughtful and practical."
11.3.92 -- is elected as the 45th Vice President of the United States.
2.5.93 -- The administration signs the Family and Medical Leave Act into law.The Clinton-Gore Administration signs the Family and Medical Leave Act into law to give millions of workers up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a new baby or sick relative. This is the very first act signed into law by the Administration. As a member of the U.S. Senate, Gore had cosponsored an earlier version of this Act, which was vetoed by then-President George Bush.
8.6.93 -- casts the deciding vote for the administration's 1993 Economic Plan.Al Gore casts the deciding vote to pass the Administration's 1993 Economic Plan. This plan will provide tax relief for 15 million working families, help eliminate a record budget deficit, provide targeted capital gains tax cuts for more than 90% of all small businesses, and fuel the longest economic expansion in U.S. history.
9.29.93 -- helps launch partnership with auto makers to develop fuel-efficient vehicles.Al Gore helps launch the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV) — a joint effort between the Big Three automakers and the federal government with the goal of developing more fuel-efficient vehicles within one decade. This partnership later unveils three concept cars capable of getting 80 miles to the gallon.
1.11.94 -- sets goal of connecting every classroom to the Internet.Al Gore sets the goal of connecting every classroom in the country to the Internet. In 1996, when only 3% of classrooms were connected to the Internet, Gore will launch a national program to meet this goal by helping schools get computers, online connections, teacher training, and learning content. More than 62,000 school districts and libraries will apply for funds in this program and as a result, 63% of classrooms, and 95% of schools will be connected to the Internet.
7.11.94 -- Al and Tipper Gore lead a conference focusing on the role of fathers in the family.Al and Tipper Gore lead a conference in Nashville to promoting and encouraging a strong role for fathers in American families. This conference is one of the "Family Reunion" meetings that the Gores have led each year since 1992.
9.13.94 -- The administration signs the landmark 1994 Crime Bill into law.The Clinton-Gore Administration signs the 1994 Crime Bill into law, banning 19 types of deadly assault weapons, strengthening criminal penalties, expanding the death penalty, and helping to put 100,000 community police officers on the streets. Following the passage of this bill, the overall crime rate will drop to its lowest level in 25 years, the murder rate will drop to its lowest rate since 1967, and violent crime will drop to its lowest level on record.
10.20.94 -- unveils the White House Internet Service.
1995 -- works to defeat Republican efforts to cut Medicare. Throughout 1995, Al Gore works to defeat Republican efforts to slash funding for Medicare, education, and environmental protection — while at the same time providing a tax cut for the wealthiest Americans. The Clinton-Gore Administration later protects these key investments by vetoing the Republican agenda.
7.10.95 -- Al and Tipper Gore lead a conference focusing on families and the media.Al and Tipper Gore lead a Family Reunion conference on families and the media that bring together nearly 800 leaders from entertainment, advertising, and religious organizations. Gore draws attention to the prevalence of sex and violence in the media, and promotes the use of the "V-Chip."
6.30.96 -- speaks directly to the entertainment industry about violence in the media.Gore speaks about violence in the media during a speech to nearly 500 entertainment industry leaders at the Variety ShowBiz Expo in Los Angeles. "Too much violent programming continues to reach our children," Gore states at the conference. "And I believe we should speak out against it."
8.20.96 -- The administration increases the minimum wage.The Clinton-Gore Administration approves legislation to raise the minimum wage from $4.25 an hour to $5.15 an hour. Ten million Americans will see their wages rise as a result of this received increase.
11.5.96 -- is reelected as the 45th Vice President of the United States.
7.16.97 -- The administration strengthens clean air protections.Gore announces that the Administration is issuing stronger clean air standards for soot and smog that could will prevent up to 15,000 premature deaths a year and improve the lives of millions of Americans who suffer from respiratory illnesses. The Administration will later be forced to defend the standards against legal assaults by polluters.
5.29.97 -- announces the Welfare-to-Work Coalition.Gore announces the creation of the Welfare-to-Work Coalition to Sustain - a national, nonpartisan partnership effort to enlist the American business community in the effort to help move recipients into private sector jobs. The Partnership will grow from 105 participating businesses to more than 15,000 businesses, and hire nearly 650,000 welfare recipients. Gore will also lead the federal government's effort to do its part by hiring welfare recipients. By April 2000, the federal government will have hired 28,634 welfare recipients - nearly triple the goal of hiring 10,000 recipients by the year 2000.
8.5.97 -- The Clinton-Gore Administration signs the first balanced budget in a generation.The Clinton-Gore Administration signs the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, the first balanced budget since the late 1960s. Passage of this act, coupled with fiscal discipline established by the Administration's 1993 economic plan, helps to eliminate a record budget deficit.
8.5.97 -- The administration signs into law the largest investment in children's health care since 1965.The Clinton-Gore Administration signs the Children's Health Insurance Program into law. This program represents the largest investment in children's health care since 1965 and will help provide coverage for up to 5 million uninsured children.
9.17.97 -- The administration releases its anti-tobacco plan.Al Gore and the Administration call for some of the toughest tobacco legislation in history. Their proposal calls for tough stiff penalties to ensure that the tobacco industry stops targeting children and calls for broad disclosure of tobacco industry documents, especially those containing scientific or other health information or relating to the industry's attempts to market tobacco to children.
6.5.98 -- Gore calls on Congress to fight youth smoking.Gore hosts a Youth Tobacco Roundtable that includes 40 children and calls on Congress to pass comprehensive tobacco legislation to reduce youth smoking. In 1997, the Administration had adopted federal regulations making sales of tobacco products to minors a federal crime.
7.23.98 -- presides over a meeting of the U.S.-Ukraine Binational Commission.Gore and Ukraine President Leonid Kuchma preside over a meeting of the U.S.-Ukraine Binational Commission. The meeting includes discussion of non-proliferation issues, democratization and economic reform in Ukraine, efforts to reduce organized crime, corruption, drug trafficking, money laundering, and the trafficking of women and children.
8.27.98 -- holds town hall meeting to discuss ways to make our schools safer.Al and Tipper Gore hold a town hall meeting in San Francisco to hear from students, parents, teachers and law enforcement officials about successful local efforts to reduce youth violence and create safe schools.
9.2.98 --- calls for more livable communities.In a major speech to the Brookings Institution, Gore calls for stronger national efforts to build livable American communities to help ensure continued economic competitiveness and strength in the 21st Century.
4.25.99 -- speaks at the Columbine High School Memorial Service.Gore attends a memorial service to honor the students who died in the tragedy at Columbine High School: "To the families of all those who died here, I say: You are not alone: the heart of America aches with yours. We hold your agony in the center of our prayers. The entire nation is a community of shock, of love, and of grief. May you feel the embrace of the hundreds of millions who weep with you."
5.20.99 -- casts the tie-breaking vote to close the gun show loophole.Gore casts the tie-breaking vote to pass Senate legislation to close the loophole in existing law that has allowed gun shows to be exempt from the Brady Handgun Act. Following Gore's dramatic vote, Sarah Brady of Handgun Control Inc. writes to Gore thanking him for his "continued leadership," stating "… once again you have come through at a crucial time for the cause of gun violence protection."
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Simply looking at the facts, who would you hire?
Pat |
