Moderator: Senator Kerry, you have said many times in your speeches that the Bush tax cuts have ruined the economy and that they should be repealed. What do you say to people who call that a tax hike?
Kerry: Well Jim, the fact of the matter is I supporter President Bush's tax cuts in 2001 because at the time we had a surplus and I felt the American people deserved one. But after the events of Sept. 11th it became clear that at least part of those tax cuts would have to be repealed to pay for the War on Terror. I want to repeal the upper end of those tax cuts, the top 1% and put that money toward fighting terrorism.
Moderator: President Bush?
GwBush: What we're really talking about here is a tax hike. Senator Kerry wants to raise your taxes. We're funding the War on Terror now. We successfully broke up Al-Quadia we removed Saddam Hussein, a madman from power in Iraq. If Senator Kerry is trying to say our military is inadequate. I'm appalled, just appalled. I mean what he's talking about is picking and choosing who gets a tax cut and who doesn't. He's not planning to spend it on Terrorism or paying down the national debt he wants to fund big government programs.
Kerry: (Shakes his head in disagreement.)
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Moderator: Governor Dean, you have said many times in your speeches that the Bush tax cuts have ruined the economy and that they should be repealed. What do you say to people who call that a tax hike?
Dean: I'd say if you want to pass $7 trillion dollars in debt on to the shoulders of your children you should vote for President Bush. Republicans haven't had a balanced budget in over 30 years. As Governor I balanced our states budget 11 years in a row while providing Health Care to every man woman and child. 60% of Americans didn't even qualify for this Presidents tax cut. And those who did have seen what little they got back offset by their property taxes going up and their college tuition going up. When you ask most Americans if they'd rather have Healthcare that can never be taken away or the Presidents Tax Cuts they're going to choose Healthcare.
Moderator: President Bush.
GwBush: What we're really talking about here is a tax hike. Gov Dean wants to raise your taxes. He's willing to tax hard working Americans to fund his big government programs. We cannot afford any more big government. I'm talking about fiscal responsibility and I'm talking about living within our means. Healthcare for all might have worked in Vermont but I think you're out of your league.
Dean: Its funny you would mention big government when your administration is one of the most Orwellian institutions this countries ever seen. As far as fiscal responsibility goes you have yet to veto one spending bill or even attempt to balance the budget since taking office.
