Dole Says He Can Cut Taxes, Balance Budget

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AllPolitics, Aug. 20) -- Joined by retired general Colin Powell, GOP nominee Bob Dole told a veterans group that any suggestions that he would balance the budget on the backs of veterans or Social Security and Medicare recipients are, quite simply, "nuts." (416K WAV sound)

Dole, addressing 5,000 people at a Veterans of Foreign Wars meeting, dismissed criticisms that his 15 percent across-the-board tax proposal would increase the federal deficit.

"It is simply a matter of presidential will," he said, reprising what has become a staple line in his stump speech. "If you've got it, you can do it. I've got it, and I will do it."

After remarks by running mate Jack Kemp, the Kansan was introduced by Powell, who praised Dole as having an "indomitable spirit" and a vision of a growing and "inclusive" America.

"I know the man from Kansas, and I know that he means it," Powell said. Earlier today, Powell contradicted comments made by House Speaker Newt Gingrich that the general had agreed to be Dole's Secretary of State.

Dole, wearing his VFW cap, first lavishly praised the gathering of veterans for their willingness to "do anything for this country" to preserve its values and freedoms. Then he launched into a far-reaching policy speech.

He called figures released today showing a 78 percent rise in illegal drug use among teenagers "nothing short of a national tragedy." He promised to assemble a non-partisan task force to address drug abuse, and to make the drug war "priority number one." It's "one war we cannot lose," he said.

Though he made few direct references to President Bill Clinton, Dole said America's armed forces had "paid a very personal price" from lower defense spending, reductions he put at 11 percent. He noted 17,000 army personnel now rely on food stamps, and that military leaders have expressed concern that much army equipment needs to be modernized.

"Too much has been squandered in U.N. (United Nations) missions that have precious little to do with U.S. security," Dole declared. "Day one of my adminstration I will place American security and American interests first."

Dole's biggest applause line came after he promised never to put U.S. troops under the command of the U.N.'s secretary general. He also said a missile defense system is needed, called for a constitutional amendment to "protect the American flag," and said a "full accounting" is still needed of Americans taken prisoner or missing in Vietnam.

More tough talk came on terrorism. "I will put terrorists and their sponsors on notice," he said. "If you harm one American, you harm all Americans, and America will pursue you to the ends of the earth. In short, don't mess with us if you're not prepared to suffer the consequences." (384K WAV sound)

The VFW's political action committee endorsed Dole on Monday, though Vice President Al Gore and Reform Party nominee Ross Perot will address the group Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

Dole Says He Can Cut Taxes, Balance Budget

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