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The Fear Factor; Kerry Speaks in Ohio; Bush Speaks in Pennsylvania

Aired October 21, 2004 - 01:30 ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: News around the world now for you. OK, maybe it's not nice to laugh when a head of state takes a tumble, but there's just something funny about a pratfall, isn't there? In this case, it happened to Fidel Castro. Now slo-mo version. Take a look at it. Ouch! The 78-year-old Cuban president insists he's all in one piece after suffering a broken knee, a hairline fracture in his arm, and a red face, suitable for communists.
Meanwhile, in the U.K., Prince Harry put the pop in paparazzi, so to speak. The queen's younger grandson took a pugilistic shot at someone who was trying to get a shot of him outside a London nightclub. During the fracas, the prince got bonked on his nose. The shutterbug left with a split lip.

And finally, when in Rome, don't do as Paris Hilton. The principaled principal in the Italian capital wants a crackdown on low- rise jeans. He sent a letter to his high school students, asking them to leave their belly-baring styles at home. So far, the students have declined to raise their slack standards, so to speak.

(STOCK MARKET UPDATE)

PHILLIPS: All right, we're inside two weeks, of course, to the big election, and we are busy here, folks. Lots of live events coming to us all day long. There you see, Columbus, Ohio, American hero, first American to orbit the planet. John Glenn, he's warming up the crowd for John Kerry, who's going to be speaking to that crowd there. We're going to give you a little sampling of that in just a little bit.

Meanwhile, this is Downingtown, Pennsylvania, and there you see the president of the United States being introduced by somebody in the crowd there, a young lady. And we're going to give you a little dose of that in just a little bit as well.

A little bit of a news traffic jam here, as we cover the political campaigns. So bear with us, as we try to get all of this on throughout the afternoon.

John Kerry's early morning hunting trip today has already gotten a little reaction he probably might have expected. Vice President Dick Cheney warmed up his audience in Sylvania, Ohio just a few minutes ago with some of this material.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) DICK CHENEY, VICE PRES. OF THE UNITED STATES: I understand Senator John Kerry's in Ohio today, too. The senator, who gets a grade of 'F' from the National Rifle Association, went hunting this morning. I understand he bought a new camouflage jacket for the occasion, which did make me wonder how regularly he does go goose hunting.

(LAUGHTER)

My personal opinion is that his new camo jacket is an October disguise, an effort he's making to hide the fact that he votes against gun owner rights at every turn. But, my fellow sportsmen, this coverup isn't going to work, because you and I know the Second Amendment is more than just a photo opportunity.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

O'BRIEN: All right. A few elections back, you'll recall, it was the vision thing. After that, it was the economy, stupid. Today, it is the fear factor. We're not talking reality TV here. If you believe the speeches, everything from your money to your life is on the line. Is the world really that scary?

CNN senior analyst Jeff Greenfield takes a look.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

JEFF GREENFIELD, CNN SR. ANALYST (voice-over): It's one of the most famous lines from any American president, FDR, speaking at the depths of the Depression. Today...

BUSH: My opponent has a...

KERRY: Those are his words.

GREENFIELD: Well, if you believe the candidates and the campaigns the only thing we have to fear is a terrorist attack, a military draft, sick and hungry old folks or crushing big government taxes and regulations.

(on camera): Now, fear has always been a great political motivator but what is so striking about this latest round of scare tactics is that both sides are charging their opponents with positions they simply haven't taken.

KERRY: You know what his January surprise is for next year? He said -- he said, and I quote him, "We're going to move quickly to privatize Social Security."

GREENFIELD (voice-over): Now, Bush says he's never used that word but more to the point he says his idea would apply only to younger workers not to seniors at or near retirement. Now, listen to Kerry describe its impact on seniors.

KERRY: Except at $500 a month less for food, for clothing, for the occasional gift for a grandchild.

GREENFIELD: Or take the question of a military draft. Here's what the president said in the St. Louis debate.

BUSH: We're not going to have a draft so long as I'm the president.

GREENFIELD: But last week Kerry warned at a newspaper interview that there was great potential for the draft because the American military was over extended. And some of his supporters have been less than shy in raising the same question. Now, as for the president's campaign its number one charge is that Senator Kerry is weak on security. Here's what Senator Kerry said in the St. Louis debate.

KERRY: I will never cede the authority of our country or our security to any other nation. I'll never give a veto over American security to any other entity.

GREENFIELD: And here's what the president said on Monday in New Jersey.

BUSH: As far as I can tell it comes down to this. Before we act to defend ourselves he thinks we need permission from foreign capitals.

GREENFIELD: And this campaign ad makes the argument explicit. You may want a change but the idea of change is just too scary.

ANNOUNCER: John Kerry and his liberal allies are they a risk we can afford to take today?

GREENFIELD: In fact, the appeal to fear has even caught the attention of the late night comics.

DAVID LETTERMAN: Both candidates now are using fear tactics and, you know, my fear, honest to God my fear is that one of them will get elected.

GREENFIELD (on camera): Why is this tactic so prevalent? Maybe it's just more proof that both campaigns think their best shot is to keep the focus on the other guy. Of course, Halloween is less than two weeks away.

Jeff Greenfield, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

O'BRIEN: We're going to talk a little bit more about that in just a moment. But now, let's turn to a subject and a person who was fearless -- Christopher Reeve, of course. This is his widow, Dana, in Columbus, Ohio, preparing to introduce John Kerry. The subject there, of course, stem-cell research. Let's listen for a moment.

(JOINED IN PROGRESS)

DANA REEVE, WIFE OF CHRISTOPHER REEVE: Today, as an advocate, and also as a wife, mother, and caregiver, I stand here with John Kerry to do my part to help advance this country's commitment to medical research.

(APPLAUSE)

One -- one of the last calls that Chris made on the phone was to John Kerry. I think actually he was going to give you a little advice. He was responding to the debate, saying, oh, you should have said this and you should have said that. He's forever the director, to the very end.

Eleven days ago, Chris died. And when he died, a light went out in my life. And when Chris died, the world lost a truly inspirational leader. I lost my best friend. I've been grieving privately the past week-and-a-half. I've been surrounded by close friends and family, the way it should be. And thank God, I have plenty of them.

I've been trying to help the children start to piece together a life without their dad. And my inclination would be, frankly, to remain private for a good long while.

But I came here today in support of John Kerry, because this is so important.

(APPLAUSE)

Although our family feels Chris' loss so keenly right now, today is the right moment to transform our grief into hope. Chris is the beacon guiding me.

Almost a decade ago, Chris made a decision. He made a brave, selfless decision to choose life and to fight for every single day that he shared with us. He always fought for his beliefs. And that's what gives me so much personal strength today.

I don't think it's a secret that my husband was a strong advocate for medical research. He had every plan to walk again. And he never once slowed down in his pursuit to forward the most promising and cutting-edge science. He was tireless in his efforts to further understand each new scientific breakthrough.

Chris made it a point to speak with researchers almost every day. He challenged scientists to make the necessary leaps to translate basic science to therapies, to move from the lab to the patients. Chris was an extremely vocal proponent of embryonic cell research. Chris joined the National Academies of Science, the National Institutes of Health, over 80 Nobel laureates, every scientific mind he could ask. And most importantly, he joined the majority of Americans -- the majority of Americans...

(APPLAUSE)

... in believing...

(APPLAUSE)

He joined the majority of Americans in believing that the promise of embryonic stem-cell research is the key to unlock life-saving treatments and cures.

(APPLAUSE)

There are currently researchers working across the country, transplanting embryonic stem cells into rats. The rats, once paralyzed, are now walking. And I'll share with you something Chris used to say. He was very fond of saying, "Oh, to be a rat." He knew human studies were a long way from these animal studies, but they gave him and thousands more real genuine hope. And I'm here today because John Kerry, like Christopher Reeve, believes in keeping our hope alive.

(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)

Chris struggled for nine-and-a-half years, but it was essential to him that every day bring some kind of forward progress, either personally or globally. And despite the enormous challenges he faced each morning, he woke with focused determination and a remarkable zest for life.

Chris was able to keep going because he had the support of his loved ones and dedicated nursing staff, the belief of his fans, and members of the disabled community. And because he had hope, hope that one day science would restore some of his function.

Chris actively participated in clinical trials. He was on a strict exercise regiment and was recently in a clinical trial right here in Ohio to breathe on his own. Chris could breathe off his ventilator for hours at a time, thanks to science and scientists taking bold steps.

Chris understood that all journeys begin with a single step. And to take that first step, one needs hope. His vision of walking again, his belief that he would reach this goal for himself and others in his lifetime, was central to the way he conducted his life. Chris' unyielding support of stem-cell research transcended spinal cord injuries and paralysis. He believed learning more about disease and disease development, how the body works, how it can repair itself. He believed all of that would help all individuals suffering from a disease or a disorder.

He saw benefits in finding treatments and cures for people with cancer, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, cardiovascular disorders, autoimmune diseases, and a host of other medical conditions which rob people of the quality of life that we all deserve.

And while Chris led the crusade for research, I poured my energy into improving the quality of life for people living with disabilities -- inspired by individuals who can still benefit from research on the horizon, but need our help and attention in the here and now.

And right here in Ohio, the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation has funded a number of programs that keep people healthy and active, despite the challenges of living with a disability. You have Dancing Wheels, Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center, Assistance Dogs of America, The Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center -- all of which keep people hopeful about their lives and their future.

Chris's heart was as big as the ring around his finger, which I'm wearing now around my neck. It's an enormous ring, you can see.

(APPLAUSE)

And his heart was full of hope. And he imagined living in a world where politics would never get in the way of hope. So...

(APPLAUSE)

So, I'm here today to honor my husband, as I proudly introduce our friend and declare my vote for the next president of the United States, John Kerry.

(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Thank you, so much. Thank you.

(APPLAUSE)

AUDIENCE MEMBER: We've got your back!

KERRY: Thank you. We all -- I need that. And I'm going to cover your back too, I'll tell you that.

(APPLAUSE)

Ladies and gentlemen, I think you will share with me a sense that that was a sharing of a moment of extraordinary grace, eloquence, passion and love. It was a gift to all of us and to this country.

And Dana, Chris is here, and we thank you.

(APPLAUSE)

I think everybody was sitting there like I was, saying, "How is she doing this?"

You're pretty amazing. And I speak for everyone when I say that our prayers and our thoughts are with you and your family.

(APPLAUSE)

It's special to be here, particularly given what we just heard. Dana told me out back that she was, sort of, rambling around the house, doing things. I think she said she was in the kitchen near the refrigerator, putting out a casserole. And suddenly this inspiration came to her.

She said, "You know, this is what I've got to do. This is what I've got to be doing," is what she's doing here today.

Christopher, Chris, was my friend and one of the most hopeful people that I've ever met. He treated every single day before, and especially after, his accident like a gift.

KERRY: And his gift became the life that he led and the example that he gave to all of us. He not only showed us what it means never to give up, but he showed us what it means to believe, to seek, to find, not to yield. His spirit soared, even when he could hardly move.

His courage, his compassion, his determination were an inspiration to millions of Americans. And I am absolutely confident -- absolutely confident -- and particularly if we take advantage of these next 12 days --that someday soon millions of Americans will live, and live healthier lives, because of his leadership and example.

(APPLAUSE)

Chris once said, and I quote him, that, "So many of our dreams at first seem impossible; then they seem improbable; and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable."

Dana, your devotion, not just to Chris -- which is a passion that only a best friend and a wife can share the way you've just shared it with us -- but your passion for this cause remain an inspiration to all of us. And together -- together -- we will make his dream, the dream of so many millions of people, we're going to make it come true. That's my pledge.

O'BRIEN: John Kerry in Columbus, Ohio, as he continues his speech -- gave you a little sample of that -- let's move our attention now to Downingtown, Pennsylvania. The president of the United States happens to be talking about the subject of health care. Give you a little excerpt, a sampling of what he has to say at this location today as well.

Let's listen.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: And his heath care proposal proves my point.

In one of our debates, Senator Kerry looked into the television camera with a straight face and said, quote, "Government has nothing to do with it."

That was in reference to his health care plan. I could barely contain myself.

(LAUGHTER) (APPLAUSE)

In fact, government has a whole lot to do with his plan. And that's important for you to know. Senator Kerry's proposal would expand the government health care rolls by nearly 22 million Americans. That would be the largest expansion of government health care in American history.

BUSH: Eight out of 10 people who get health coverage under his plan would be placed on a government program. He would make Medicaid a program so large that employers would have the incentive to drop private coverage so the government would pick up the insurance tab for their employees.

Now think about that. When you make Medicaid more accessible, the small business will have the incentive to say, "Well the government will provide the insurance, so I don't have to." That's why I say that some 8 million Americans will go from private insurance to government-run insurance. And Medicaid is a government-run program.

The senator wants the federal government to pick up the tab for large medical bills that private-employer-sponsored plans now pay for. In other words, the federal government is going to become like an insurance government, a re-insurer, which sounds fine on the surface, except remember this: When the federal government writes the check, the federal government also writes the rules.

And when the federal government starts to write the rules, the government decides who's covered and who gets the coverage and how much care you get.

In addition, an independent study estimates that John Kerry's proposal plan would impose at least 225 new regulatory mandates on small businesses. One group looked at the plan and described it as an overpriced albatross. That's being kind.

(LAUGHTER)

This is a plan that will create burdens that our job creators cannot afford and do not deserve.

(APPLAUSE)

And the plan costs a lot: $1.2 trillion. That's with a "T."

BUSH: That's a lot.

(LAUGHTER)

And he says, "Oh, don't worry. I'm going to pay for it all by taxing the rich."

You can't raise enough money by taxing the rich to pay for a $1.2 trillion health care plan.

As a matter of fact, if you run up the top two brackets, he raises between $600 billion and $800 billion.

So there is a gap between what he promises and how he says he's going to pay for it. And guess who usually fills the gap?

You do.

There's also something else wrong with saying to tax the rich. The rich hire lawyer and accountants for a reason: to slip the tab to you. We're not going to let him tax you.

We're going to carry Pennsylvania on November the 2nd.

(APPLAUSE)

Thank you all.

When you're out there campaigning and rounding up the vote, remind people about the facts of his plan. The Kerry plan would move America down the road toward federal control of health care, which would lead to lower quality and health care rationing.

Other countries have tried to centralized health care, and it didn't work.

We have great quality health care in America because it is a private-centered system. And I intend to keep it that way. Health care decisions ought to be between doctors and patients, not by officials in Washington, D.C.

(APPLAUSE)

Third, we must fix our broken legal system.

(APPLAUSE)

Junk lawsuits -- junk lawsuits are expensive for doctors and hospitals to fight in court. They are expensive to settle out of court. They drive up the cost of liability insurance for every doctor. And they increase the cost of health care for all Americans.

(APPLAUSE)

To avoid junk lawsuit, many doctors practice defensive medicine. They order tests and write prescriptions that aren't really necessary just to protect themselves from lawsuits. That's what happens in a society that has too many lawsuits.

BUSH: The practice of defensive medicine raises costs for patients and small business and adds about $28 billion a year to the federal budget. Remember, the federal budget takes care of Medicare and Medicaid and veterans.

And the practice of defensive medicine runs up the cost to the federal government, which really runs up your tab. See, you pay for it. When we're talking about the government's money, we're really talking about your money. (APPLAUSE)

We want our doctors focused on fighting illness, not on having to fight lawsuits.

(APPLAUSE)

The effects of the litigation culture are real in the state of Pennsylvania. They are hurting the quality of life in this state. Medical liability premiums are skyrocketing in this state, as they are in other states. For specialists in high-risk fields, like OB/GYN, those premiums have doubled or tripled in some counties since 2000.

And guess what happens? Docs leave the practice of medicine. In the past two years, Mercy and Methodist hospitals in Philadelphia both stopped delivering babies.

The quality of life is deteriorating because of these lawsuits. Brandywine's only trauma center was forced to close.

The quality of life is deteriorating because of these junk lawsuits. According to a recent poll, one in four people in Pennsylvania have been forced to change doctors in the last year because liability costs have forced their doctor to move, to stop practicing, or to discontinue procedures.

And every time a good doctor is forced out of a community by lawsuits or the fear of lawsuits, the quality of life deteriorates.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: Not long ago I met Mary Core (ph) from Homesdale. Her OB/GYN had to give up delivering babies because of liability concerns. When Mary (ph) was four months pregnant, she started driving 50 miles each way to see a different doctor.

When Mary's daughter arrived this summer, she was delivered by a doctor she had never met. When a mother's looking forward to having a baby, the last thing she needs is uncertainty about her health care. For the sake of women and families across this state and this country, we need medical liability reform.

(APPLAUSE)

The difference between my opponent's point of view and mine is very clear on this issue. He has voted 10 times against medical liability reform during his Senate career. This year when the Senate considered bills to protect OB/GYNs and trauma physicians, Senator Kerry opposed them.

Now, I know we're in a campaign and he's paying lip service to legal reform, but it's his votes and his actions, not his words, that really count.

(APPLAUSE)

He can run from his record, but he cannot hide.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: In a new term, we'll pass real caps on non-economic damages. This is a national problem requiring a national solution, and I will lead the United States Congress to pass medical liability reform.

(APPLAUSE)

Fourth, we'll reduce health care costs by applying modern information technology to our medical system. Many doctor's offices practice 21st century medicine. Many hospitals practice 21st century medicine, but still have 19th century filing systems.

And in hospitals, there's more risk of medical error when all the records are handwritten on paper instead of cross-checked on a computer. That makes sense; doctors don't write very well anyway.

(LAUGHTER)

They write about as well as I speak English.

(LAUGHTER)

(APPLAUSE)

The current system is costly and is wasteful and sometimes horrible -- sometimes harmful -- and we're on our way to fixing it. I've set a goal to make electronic medical records available for most Americans within the next decade. We're working with states and private hospitals to set standards for information storage and sharing. When the health care community fully maximizes the use of information technology, we will reduce medical costs by as much as 20 percent, we will cut medical errors, and we will save lives.

(APPLAUSE)

O'BRIEN: The president of the United States in Columbus, Ohio -- excuse me, hard to keep track, everybody, he is in Pennsylvania, Newingtown -- or Downingtown, yes, and he's in Pennsylvania.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com

Aired October 21, 2004 - 01:30 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MILES O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: News around the world now for you. OK, maybe it's not nice to laugh when a head of state takes a tumble, but there's just something funny about a pratfall, isn't there? In this case, it happened to Fidel Castro. Now slo-mo version. Take a look at it. Ouch! The 78-year-old Cuban president insists he's all in one piece after suffering a broken knee, a hairline fracture in his arm, and a red face, suitable for communists.
Meanwhile, in the U.K., Prince Harry put the pop in paparazzi, so to speak. The queen's younger grandson took a pugilistic shot at someone who was trying to get a shot of him outside a London nightclub. During the fracas, the prince got bonked on his nose. The shutterbug left with a split lip.

And finally, when in Rome, don't do as Paris Hilton. The principaled principal in the Italian capital wants a crackdown on low- rise jeans. He sent a letter to his high school students, asking them to leave their belly-baring styles at home. So far, the students have declined to raise their slack standards, so to speak.

(STOCK MARKET UPDATE)

PHILLIPS: All right, we're inside two weeks, of course, to the big election, and we are busy here, folks. Lots of live events coming to us all day long. There you see, Columbus, Ohio, American hero, first American to orbit the planet. John Glenn, he's warming up the crowd for John Kerry, who's going to be speaking to that crowd there. We're going to give you a little sampling of that in just a little bit.

Meanwhile, this is Downingtown, Pennsylvania, and there you see the president of the United States being introduced by somebody in the crowd there, a young lady. And we're going to give you a little dose of that in just a little bit as well.

A little bit of a news traffic jam here, as we cover the political campaigns. So bear with us, as we try to get all of this on throughout the afternoon.

John Kerry's early morning hunting trip today has already gotten a little reaction he probably might have expected. Vice President Dick Cheney warmed up his audience in Sylvania, Ohio just a few minutes ago with some of this material.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) DICK CHENEY, VICE PRES. OF THE UNITED STATES: I understand Senator John Kerry's in Ohio today, too. The senator, who gets a grade of 'F' from the National Rifle Association, went hunting this morning. I understand he bought a new camouflage jacket for the occasion, which did make me wonder how regularly he does go goose hunting.

(LAUGHTER)

My personal opinion is that his new camo jacket is an October disguise, an effort he's making to hide the fact that he votes against gun owner rights at every turn. But, my fellow sportsmen, this coverup isn't going to work, because you and I know the Second Amendment is more than just a photo opportunity.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

O'BRIEN: All right. A few elections back, you'll recall, it was the vision thing. After that, it was the economy, stupid. Today, it is the fear factor. We're not talking reality TV here. If you believe the speeches, everything from your money to your life is on the line. Is the world really that scary?

CNN senior analyst Jeff Greenfield takes a look.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

JEFF GREENFIELD, CNN SR. ANALYST (voice-over): It's one of the most famous lines from any American president, FDR, speaking at the depths of the Depression. Today...

BUSH: My opponent has a...

KERRY: Those are his words.

GREENFIELD: Well, if you believe the candidates and the campaigns the only thing we have to fear is a terrorist attack, a military draft, sick and hungry old folks or crushing big government taxes and regulations.

(on camera): Now, fear has always been a great political motivator but what is so striking about this latest round of scare tactics is that both sides are charging their opponents with positions they simply haven't taken.

KERRY: You know what his January surprise is for next year? He said -- he said, and I quote him, "We're going to move quickly to privatize Social Security."

GREENFIELD (voice-over): Now, Bush says he's never used that word but more to the point he says his idea would apply only to younger workers not to seniors at or near retirement. Now, listen to Kerry describe its impact on seniors.

KERRY: Except at $500 a month less for food, for clothing, for the occasional gift for a grandchild.

GREENFIELD: Or take the question of a military draft. Here's what the president said in the St. Louis debate.

BUSH: We're not going to have a draft so long as I'm the president.

GREENFIELD: But last week Kerry warned at a newspaper interview that there was great potential for the draft because the American military was over extended. And some of his supporters have been less than shy in raising the same question. Now, as for the president's campaign its number one charge is that Senator Kerry is weak on security. Here's what Senator Kerry said in the St. Louis debate.

KERRY: I will never cede the authority of our country or our security to any other nation. I'll never give a veto over American security to any other entity.

GREENFIELD: And here's what the president said on Monday in New Jersey.

BUSH: As far as I can tell it comes down to this. Before we act to defend ourselves he thinks we need permission from foreign capitals.

GREENFIELD: And this campaign ad makes the argument explicit. You may want a change but the idea of change is just too scary.

ANNOUNCER: John Kerry and his liberal allies are they a risk we can afford to take today?

GREENFIELD: In fact, the appeal to fear has even caught the attention of the late night comics.

DAVID LETTERMAN: Both candidates now are using fear tactics and, you know, my fear, honest to God my fear is that one of them will get elected.

GREENFIELD (on camera): Why is this tactic so prevalent? Maybe it's just more proof that both campaigns think their best shot is to keep the focus on the other guy. Of course, Halloween is less than two weeks away.

Jeff Greenfield, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

O'BRIEN: We're going to talk a little bit more about that in just a moment. But now, let's turn to a subject and a person who was fearless -- Christopher Reeve, of course. This is his widow, Dana, in Columbus, Ohio, preparing to introduce John Kerry. The subject there, of course, stem-cell research. Let's listen for a moment.

(JOINED IN PROGRESS)

DANA REEVE, WIFE OF CHRISTOPHER REEVE: Today, as an advocate, and also as a wife, mother, and caregiver, I stand here with John Kerry to do my part to help advance this country's commitment to medical research.

(APPLAUSE)

One -- one of the last calls that Chris made on the phone was to John Kerry. I think actually he was going to give you a little advice. He was responding to the debate, saying, oh, you should have said this and you should have said that. He's forever the director, to the very end.

Eleven days ago, Chris died. And when he died, a light went out in my life. And when Chris died, the world lost a truly inspirational leader. I lost my best friend. I've been grieving privately the past week-and-a-half. I've been surrounded by close friends and family, the way it should be. And thank God, I have plenty of them.

I've been trying to help the children start to piece together a life without their dad. And my inclination would be, frankly, to remain private for a good long while.

But I came here today in support of John Kerry, because this is so important.

(APPLAUSE)

Although our family feels Chris' loss so keenly right now, today is the right moment to transform our grief into hope. Chris is the beacon guiding me.

Almost a decade ago, Chris made a decision. He made a brave, selfless decision to choose life and to fight for every single day that he shared with us. He always fought for his beliefs. And that's what gives me so much personal strength today.

I don't think it's a secret that my husband was a strong advocate for medical research. He had every plan to walk again. And he never once slowed down in his pursuit to forward the most promising and cutting-edge science. He was tireless in his efforts to further understand each new scientific breakthrough.

Chris made it a point to speak with researchers almost every day. He challenged scientists to make the necessary leaps to translate basic science to therapies, to move from the lab to the patients. Chris was an extremely vocal proponent of embryonic cell research. Chris joined the National Academies of Science, the National Institutes of Health, over 80 Nobel laureates, every scientific mind he could ask. And most importantly, he joined the majority of Americans -- the majority of Americans...

(APPLAUSE)

... in believing...

(APPLAUSE)

He joined the majority of Americans in believing that the promise of embryonic stem-cell research is the key to unlock life-saving treatments and cures.

(APPLAUSE)

There are currently researchers working across the country, transplanting embryonic stem cells into rats. The rats, once paralyzed, are now walking. And I'll share with you something Chris used to say. He was very fond of saying, "Oh, to be a rat." He knew human studies were a long way from these animal studies, but they gave him and thousands more real genuine hope. And I'm here today because John Kerry, like Christopher Reeve, believes in keeping our hope alive.

(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)

Chris struggled for nine-and-a-half years, but it was essential to him that every day bring some kind of forward progress, either personally or globally. And despite the enormous challenges he faced each morning, he woke with focused determination and a remarkable zest for life.

Chris was able to keep going because he had the support of his loved ones and dedicated nursing staff, the belief of his fans, and members of the disabled community. And because he had hope, hope that one day science would restore some of his function.

Chris actively participated in clinical trials. He was on a strict exercise regiment and was recently in a clinical trial right here in Ohio to breathe on his own. Chris could breathe off his ventilator for hours at a time, thanks to science and scientists taking bold steps.

Chris understood that all journeys begin with a single step. And to take that first step, one needs hope. His vision of walking again, his belief that he would reach this goal for himself and others in his lifetime, was central to the way he conducted his life. Chris' unyielding support of stem-cell research transcended spinal cord injuries and paralysis. He believed learning more about disease and disease development, how the body works, how it can repair itself. He believed all of that would help all individuals suffering from a disease or a disorder.

He saw benefits in finding treatments and cures for people with cancer, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, cardiovascular disorders, autoimmune diseases, and a host of other medical conditions which rob people of the quality of life that we all deserve.

And while Chris led the crusade for research, I poured my energy into improving the quality of life for people living with disabilities -- inspired by individuals who can still benefit from research on the horizon, but need our help and attention in the here and now.

And right here in Ohio, the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation has funded a number of programs that keep people healthy and active, despite the challenges of living with a disability. You have Dancing Wheels, Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center, Assistance Dogs of America, The Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center -- all of which keep people hopeful about their lives and their future.

Chris's heart was as big as the ring around his finger, which I'm wearing now around my neck. It's an enormous ring, you can see.

(APPLAUSE)

And his heart was full of hope. And he imagined living in a world where politics would never get in the way of hope. So...

(APPLAUSE)

So, I'm here today to honor my husband, as I proudly introduce our friend and declare my vote for the next president of the United States, John Kerry.

(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)

SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Thank you, so much. Thank you.

(APPLAUSE)

AUDIENCE MEMBER: We've got your back!

KERRY: Thank you. We all -- I need that. And I'm going to cover your back too, I'll tell you that.

(APPLAUSE)

Ladies and gentlemen, I think you will share with me a sense that that was a sharing of a moment of extraordinary grace, eloquence, passion and love. It was a gift to all of us and to this country.

And Dana, Chris is here, and we thank you.

(APPLAUSE)

I think everybody was sitting there like I was, saying, "How is she doing this?"

You're pretty amazing. And I speak for everyone when I say that our prayers and our thoughts are with you and your family.

(APPLAUSE)

It's special to be here, particularly given what we just heard. Dana told me out back that she was, sort of, rambling around the house, doing things. I think she said she was in the kitchen near the refrigerator, putting out a casserole. And suddenly this inspiration came to her.

She said, "You know, this is what I've got to do. This is what I've got to be doing," is what she's doing here today.

Christopher, Chris, was my friend and one of the most hopeful people that I've ever met. He treated every single day before, and especially after, his accident like a gift.

KERRY: And his gift became the life that he led and the example that he gave to all of us. He not only showed us what it means never to give up, but he showed us what it means to believe, to seek, to find, not to yield. His spirit soared, even when he could hardly move.

His courage, his compassion, his determination were an inspiration to millions of Americans. And I am absolutely confident -- absolutely confident -- and particularly if we take advantage of these next 12 days --that someday soon millions of Americans will live, and live healthier lives, because of his leadership and example.

(APPLAUSE)

Chris once said, and I quote him, that, "So many of our dreams at first seem impossible; then they seem improbable; and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable."

Dana, your devotion, not just to Chris -- which is a passion that only a best friend and a wife can share the way you've just shared it with us -- but your passion for this cause remain an inspiration to all of us. And together -- together -- we will make his dream, the dream of so many millions of people, we're going to make it come true. That's my pledge.

O'BRIEN: John Kerry in Columbus, Ohio, as he continues his speech -- gave you a little sample of that -- let's move our attention now to Downingtown, Pennsylvania. The president of the United States happens to be talking about the subject of health care. Give you a little excerpt, a sampling of what he has to say at this location today as well.

Let's listen.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: And his heath care proposal proves my point.

In one of our debates, Senator Kerry looked into the television camera with a straight face and said, quote, "Government has nothing to do with it."

That was in reference to his health care plan. I could barely contain myself.

(LAUGHTER) (APPLAUSE)

In fact, government has a whole lot to do with his plan. And that's important for you to know. Senator Kerry's proposal would expand the government health care rolls by nearly 22 million Americans. That would be the largest expansion of government health care in American history.

BUSH: Eight out of 10 people who get health coverage under his plan would be placed on a government program. He would make Medicaid a program so large that employers would have the incentive to drop private coverage so the government would pick up the insurance tab for their employees.

Now think about that. When you make Medicaid more accessible, the small business will have the incentive to say, "Well the government will provide the insurance, so I don't have to." That's why I say that some 8 million Americans will go from private insurance to government-run insurance. And Medicaid is a government-run program.

The senator wants the federal government to pick up the tab for large medical bills that private-employer-sponsored plans now pay for. In other words, the federal government is going to become like an insurance government, a re-insurer, which sounds fine on the surface, except remember this: When the federal government writes the check, the federal government also writes the rules.

And when the federal government starts to write the rules, the government decides who's covered and who gets the coverage and how much care you get.

In addition, an independent study estimates that John Kerry's proposal plan would impose at least 225 new regulatory mandates on small businesses. One group looked at the plan and described it as an overpriced albatross. That's being kind.

(LAUGHTER)

This is a plan that will create burdens that our job creators cannot afford and do not deserve.

(APPLAUSE)

And the plan costs a lot: $1.2 trillion. That's with a "T."

BUSH: That's a lot.

(LAUGHTER)

And he says, "Oh, don't worry. I'm going to pay for it all by taxing the rich."

You can't raise enough money by taxing the rich to pay for a $1.2 trillion health care plan.

As a matter of fact, if you run up the top two brackets, he raises between $600 billion and $800 billion.

So there is a gap between what he promises and how he says he's going to pay for it. And guess who usually fills the gap?

You do.

There's also something else wrong with saying to tax the rich. The rich hire lawyer and accountants for a reason: to slip the tab to you. We're not going to let him tax you.

We're going to carry Pennsylvania on November the 2nd.

(APPLAUSE)

Thank you all.

When you're out there campaigning and rounding up the vote, remind people about the facts of his plan. The Kerry plan would move America down the road toward federal control of health care, which would lead to lower quality and health care rationing.

Other countries have tried to centralized health care, and it didn't work.

We have great quality health care in America because it is a private-centered system. And I intend to keep it that way. Health care decisions ought to be between doctors and patients, not by officials in Washington, D.C.

(APPLAUSE)

Third, we must fix our broken legal system.

(APPLAUSE)

Junk lawsuits -- junk lawsuits are expensive for doctors and hospitals to fight in court. They are expensive to settle out of court. They drive up the cost of liability insurance for every doctor. And they increase the cost of health care for all Americans.

(APPLAUSE)

To avoid junk lawsuit, many doctors practice defensive medicine. They order tests and write prescriptions that aren't really necessary just to protect themselves from lawsuits. That's what happens in a society that has too many lawsuits.

BUSH: The practice of defensive medicine raises costs for patients and small business and adds about $28 billion a year to the federal budget. Remember, the federal budget takes care of Medicare and Medicaid and veterans.

And the practice of defensive medicine runs up the cost to the federal government, which really runs up your tab. See, you pay for it. When we're talking about the government's money, we're really talking about your money. (APPLAUSE)

We want our doctors focused on fighting illness, not on having to fight lawsuits.

(APPLAUSE)

The effects of the litigation culture are real in the state of Pennsylvania. They are hurting the quality of life in this state. Medical liability premiums are skyrocketing in this state, as they are in other states. For specialists in high-risk fields, like OB/GYN, those premiums have doubled or tripled in some counties since 2000.

And guess what happens? Docs leave the practice of medicine. In the past two years, Mercy and Methodist hospitals in Philadelphia both stopped delivering babies.

The quality of life is deteriorating because of these lawsuits. Brandywine's only trauma center was forced to close.

The quality of life is deteriorating because of these junk lawsuits. According to a recent poll, one in four people in Pennsylvania have been forced to change doctors in the last year because liability costs have forced their doctor to move, to stop practicing, or to discontinue procedures.

And every time a good doctor is forced out of a community by lawsuits or the fear of lawsuits, the quality of life deteriorates.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: Not long ago I met Mary Core (ph) from Homesdale. Her OB/GYN had to give up delivering babies because of liability concerns. When Mary (ph) was four months pregnant, she started driving 50 miles each way to see a different doctor.

When Mary's daughter arrived this summer, she was delivered by a doctor she had never met. When a mother's looking forward to having a baby, the last thing she needs is uncertainty about her health care. For the sake of women and families across this state and this country, we need medical liability reform.

(APPLAUSE)

The difference between my opponent's point of view and mine is very clear on this issue. He has voted 10 times against medical liability reform during his Senate career. This year when the Senate considered bills to protect OB/GYNs and trauma physicians, Senator Kerry opposed them.

Now, I know we're in a campaign and he's paying lip service to legal reform, but it's his votes and his actions, not his words, that really count.

(APPLAUSE)

He can run from his record, but he cannot hide.

(APPLAUSE)

BUSH: In a new term, we'll pass real caps on non-economic damages. This is a national problem requiring a national solution, and I will lead the United States Congress to pass medical liability reform.

(APPLAUSE)

Fourth, we'll reduce health care costs by applying modern information technology to our medical system. Many doctor's offices practice 21st century medicine. Many hospitals practice 21st century medicine, but still have 19th century filing systems.

And in hospitals, there's more risk of medical error when all the records are handwritten on paper instead of cross-checked on a computer. That makes sense; doctors don't write very well anyway.

(LAUGHTER)

They write about as well as I speak English.

(LAUGHTER)

(APPLAUSE)

The current system is costly and is wasteful and sometimes horrible -- sometimes harmful -- and we're on our way to fixing it. I've set a goal to make electronic medical records available for most Americans within the next decade. We're working with states and private hospitals to set standards for information storage and sharing. When the health care community fully maximizes the use of information technology, we will reduce medical costs by as much as 20 percent, we will cut medical errors, and we will save lives.

(APPLAUSE)

O'BRIEN: The president of the United States in Columbus, Ohio -- excuse me, hard to keep track, everybody, he is in Pennsylvania, Newingtown -- or Downingtown, yes, and he's in Pennsylvania.

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