Civility reigns in second debate

'Civility' was the key word this time around as presidential nominees George W. Bush and Al Gore turned in the sighs and angry expressions for a more subdued form of discussion. The debate docused primarily on issues that have had less media exposure than others during the campaign. \n"Both men did well. Gore did what everyone said he needed to do," said John Mark Summers, associate instructor for the Election 2000 course in the political science department. "He cut out the sighing and was less distracting."\nModerator Jim Lehrer pressed the two candidates on issues in foreign policy, gun control and law enforcement.\n"(Last) night was much closer to a draw," said IU-Purdue University at Indianapolis political science professor Patrick McGeever.\nIn contrast to the first debate, Gore and Bush found themselves agreeing on many issues, particularly in the area of foreign affairs.\nGore said America has the greatest national strength, which stems from the value of freedom in the country. \n"Our power comes from our values ... (other countries) see in us a reflection of what they could be," he said.\nAlthough Bush agreed with this, he said the United States "has to be humbled" when it comes to foreign relations. Bush also said he wants to make sure the funds designated for foreign aid are used correctly by the citizens of the receiving country.\n"We cannot be all things for all people," he said.\nBoth candidates agreed on what needs to be done to resolve the conflict in the Middle East.\nDifferences became more apparent as the topic shifted from foreign relations to gun control and racial profiling.\nBush pushed for local control of these issues, whereas Gore advocated federal legislation to set standards.\n"I will not do anything to affect the rights of hunters or sportsmen," Gore said, "but too many guns are getting into the hands of children and criminals."\nBush said he supports the waiting period for the purchase of guns, and believes this issue needs to be handled locally. He then addressed the issue of children's access to guns as a social issue.\n"This is an issue of culture," he said. "Gun laws are important, and so is loving children."\nParty lines were drawn more deeply as the two addressed their health care plans. \nGore referred to the failing health care statistics in Texas, which were countered by Bush's reference to the inverse relationship between the increasing amount of people that are uninsured throughout America, and the decreasing amount who are uninsured in Texas.\nDuring the second half, candidates continued to address key election issues including the environment and healthcare. Toward the end, Gore apologized for his exaggerations during the first debate and became upset after the issue of his character arose. Bush responded with a similar tone.\n"If elected, I can't promise that I will never get a detail wrong, but I can do my best to get the big things right for the American people," Gore said. \nMcGeever said he's not expecting to see much movement in the opinion polls. Still, he said it's a natural tendency that people are going to decide how to vote closer to the election. He doesn't expect an increase in undecided votes.\nThe final debate will be Tuesday in St. Louis.