Clinton's Campaign Train Rolls On

WYANDOTTE, Mich. (AllPolitics, Aug. 27) -- President Bill Clinton, rolling into Michigan on his "21st Century Express" campaign train, today called for a new literacy effort to make sure every child can read on their own by the third grade.

Clinton acknowledged that U.S. reading scores have remained flat, and said it may be because parents have too little time to read to their children or because for many children, English is not their first language.

The answer, Clinton told a crowd in front of a library, is to enlist reading specialists and volunteer tutors for a new "America's Reading Corps." (160K WAV sound)

"Unless we can read, we will not be able to take advantage of the future or understand the past," Clinton said. "All America's children should be able to read on their own by the third grade, every single one of them."

The president was introduced by two school children, who first read from "The Little Engine That Could." Clinton said it was one of his daughter Chelsea's favorite books when she was younger and carries a good message about the nation's ability to improve its public schools.

Clinton defended his administration's attempts to set quality standards for schools, and said he appreciates the efforts of teachers. He took issue, without mentioning rival Bob Dole by name, with the Republican nominee's attack on teacher unions in his acceptance speech Aug. 15.

"I will say again, I am grateful for the people who give their lives to education," Clinton said. "And I don't think it serves the cause of education to attack the people who are educating our children and carrying out our future." (96K WAV sound)

Education was Clinton's theme of the day as he slowly moved toward the Democratic convention in Chicago and his Thursday night acceptance speech. The president defended what he described as his administration's attempts to give teachers, principals and parents the ability to shape their schools and curriculum.

He reiterated his goal to have every classroom connected to the information superhighway by the year 2000, and said he wants the nation to help rebuild dilapidated schools for the growing number of children entering classes.

Clinton also lobbied for some previously announced initiatives, including a $1,500-a-year tax credit to help make two years of community college education as universal as high school education.

But the message of the day was getting young children off to the best start possible, by making sure they can read. (288K WAV sound)

"The most important thing we have to do is to make sure our children are ready for the 21st century, and I want you to join with me in saying, one way we're going to do that is to make sure every single boy and girl in America can read on his or her own by the time they're in the third grade," Clinton said.

Earlier in the day, Clinton took a short ride in the 2 millionth Jeep Cherokee produced in a Toledo, Ohio plant. Clinton praised the health of the American auto industry and noted increased exports of right-hand drive Jeeps to Japan.

"This is the role of the government -- to create the conditions and give you the tools to make the most of your own lives," Clinton told about 500 factory workers. "Not a guarantee, but a chance. There are no guarantees."

Approximately 78,000 Jeep Cherokees have been built at the Toldeo plant with right-hand drive for sale in Japan. During last year's state visit to Japan, the president visited a Jeep dealership where the right hand drive vehicles are sold.

Clinton's Campaign Train Rolls On

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