Bush links Gore to Clinton scandals in debate

Reuters, 10/03/00

BOSTON -- Republican George W. Bush accused Democrat Al Gore Tuesday of being part of the Clinton administration's history of scandals near the end of the first presidential debate in the U.S. election.

Attacking Vice President Gore for his appearance at a Buddhist temple for an illegal political fund-raiser, the Texas governor also cited the Clinton administration's use of the Lincoln bedroom at the White House for the Democratic Party cause.

"I believe they've moved that sign 'the buck stops here' in the Oval office to the buck stops here in the Lincoln bedroom," Bush said. Gore's image was damaged after he attended the illegal fund-raiser in 1996. No charges were brought but Gore admitted he had erred by going to the event at the temple without first determining that money was being raised there.

"We need to have a new look about how we conduct ourselves in office. There is a huge trust ... we can do better than the past administration has done. It's time for a fresh start. It's time for a new look," Bush said.

"I don't know the man (Gore) well, but I have been disappointed about how he and his administration have conducted their fund-raising affairs." Gore replied: "I think we ought to attack our country's problems, not attack each other."

He later told Bush, "You have attacked my character and credibility and I am not going to respond in kind."