Second Debate Transcript: Page 6

ByABC News
October 11, 2000, 1:52 PM

Oct. 11 --

LEHRER: So what would you say, Governor, to somebody who wouldsay, Hey, wait a minute. Why not Africa? I mean, why the MiddleEast? Why the Balkans, but not Africa when 600,000 peoples lives areat risk?

BUSH: Well, I understand. And Africas important, and weve got to do a lot of work in Africa to promote democracy and trade. Andtheres some the vice president mentioned Nigeria. Its a fledgling democracy. Weve got to work with Nigeria. Thats animportant continent.

But theres got to be priorities. And the Middle East is apriority for a lot of reasons, as is Europe and the Far East and ourown hemisphere. And those are my four top priorities should I be thepresident. Its not to say we wont be engaged nor trying nor should we you know, work hard to get other nations to come together to prevent atrocity.

I thought the best example of a way to handle the situation isEast Timor when we provided logistical support to the Australians,support that only we can provide. I thought that was a good model.

But we cant be all things to all people in the world, Jim. AndI think thats where maybe the vice president and I begin to have somedifferences. I am worried about over-committing our military aroundthe world. I want to be judicious in its use.

You mentioned Haiti. I wouldnt have sent troops to Haiti. Ididnt think it was a mission worthwhile. It was a nation-buildingmission. And it was not very successful. It cost us billions, acouple of billions of dollars, and Im not so sure democracy is anybetter off in Haiti than it was before.

LEHRER: Vice President Gore, do you agree with the governorsviews on nation-building, the use of military, our military to fornation-building, as he described it and defined it?

GORE: I dont think we agree on that. I would certainly also bejudicious in evaluating any potential use of American troops overseas.I think we have to be very reticent about that.