Candidate Notes on 00-DLC0

00-DLC0 on Aug 1, 2000

As New Democrats, we believe in a Third Way that rejects the old left-right debate and affirms America’s basic bargain: opportunity for all, responsibility from all, and community of all.

We believe:
• that government’s proper role in the New Economy is to equip working Americans with new tools for economic success and security.
• in expanding trade and investment because we must be a party of economic progress, not economic reaction.
• that fiscal discipline is fundamental to sustained economic growth as well as responsible government.
• that a progressive tax system is the only fair way to pay for government.
• the Democratic Party’s mission is to expand opportunity, not government.
• that education must be America’s great equalizer, and we will not abandon our public schools or tolerate their failure.
• that all Americans must have access to health insurance.
• in preventing crime and punishing criminals.
• in a new social compact that requires and

rewards work in exchange for public assistance and that ensures that no family with a full-time worker will live in poverty.

that public policies should reinforce marriage, promote family, demand parental responsibility, and discourage out-of-wedlock births.

in enhancing the role that civic entrepreneurs, voluntary groups, and religious institutions play in tackling America’s social ills.

in strengthening environmental protection by giving communities the flexibility to tackle new challenges that cannot be solved with top-down mandates.

government must combat discrimination on the basis of race, creed, gender, or sexual orientation; defend civil liberties; and stay out of our private lives.

that abortion should be safe, legal, and rare.

in progressive internationalism -- the bold exercise of US leadership to foster peace, prosperity, and democracy.

that the US must maintain a strong, technologically superior defense to protect our interests and values.