Democrat Presidential Candidate Al Gore held a campaign rally in Cedar Rapids over the noon-hour. Gore briefly addressed the crisis in the Middle East at the start of his speech — saying the U-S must lead by example and stand together as a nation. Gore’s primary focus, though, was on the economy and health care. He says the election is about the future, not based on the economy of the past.Gore says there are some stark differences between his plan and that of his Republican challenger, George W. Bush. If elected, he says he’ll make sure every child has high quality health care within the four years.Gore also targeted his Iowa audience by promising to help farmers. He says he’s not satisfied when farming communities are still hurting.Gore’s comments on health care were briefly interrupted when a young boy who was standing behind him on the podium fainted. The boy was okay and ushered off the stage. Gore was to return to Washington, D.C. following his appearance in Iowa for White House briefings on the Mid-East crisis.
