But some of the most important differences between the two candidates boil down to their approach to the role of government in the economy. Young voters should think about how this impacts the candidates positions on subjects like education and health, as well as on more obvious areas like taxation. Because of this difference, the outcome of the election will have a huge impact on the young people who will be concerned both about helping their aging parents and about raising and educating their own children.
Health care illustrates the candidates different philosophies.
Bush and Gore agree change is needed to provide better access to health care for all Americans. But Gore favors expanding existing government programs, while Bush would use a private market solution. Specifically, Bush favors a refundable tax credit to allow people who do not receive health insurance at work to purchase their own. Bush also supports giving people the opportunity to manage their own health spending. Both Bush and Gore favor giving drug insurance to senior citizens, but Bush favors a fundamental reform that would allow seniors to choose from a variety of health plans that include prescription drugs.