NPR : Election 2004 : Contesting the Issues

As the Election Day nears, NPR examines the candidates' claims on key issues of the 2004 presidential campaign.

Fact-Checking the Candidates' Stump Speeches

Oct. 26, 2004 · NPR's Steve Inskeep examines recent stump speeches by President George Bush and Sen. John Kerry. He checks their facts with experts -- and points out what the candidates aren't saying.

Candidates Debate Iraq, But Offer Similar Plans

Sept. 23, 2004 · Despite heated campaign rhetoric, proposals on Iraq from the presidential candidates are similar and unlikely to change things soon. President Bush says the United States will exit when the Iraqis can secure their own country. Sen. John Kerry proposes returning troops within four years. NPR's Eric Westervelt reports.

Military Force vs. Intelligence in Terrorism Battle

Sept. 10, 2004 · One issue is whether the war in Iraq has bred more terrorism, or whether terrorism would have expanded anyway. And is conventional military force an effective weapon against terrorism, or should the United States and its allies rely more heavily on intelligence aimed at breaking up terrorist networks? NPR's Tom Gjelten reports.

Candidates Wrestle with Health Care Fix

Oct. 22, 2004 · President Bush and Sen. John Kerry focus on health care -- and the small percentage of undecided voters who say the issue could affect how they cast their ballot. Some experts believe neither candidate's plan will bring down medical costs. NPR's Julie Rovner reports.

Bush, Kerry Debate Medicare Price Hike

Sept. 13, 2004 · An increase in Medicare premiums is raising the issue's profile on the 2004 campaign trail. NPR's Julie Rovner assesses both major party presidential candidates' claims about Medicare.

Kerry's Plan to Pay for 'Catastrophic' Illness

Sept. 29, 2004 · John Kerry's health plan would have the federal government take over the costs of patients with "catastrophic" illnesses. Kerry and some analysts say it would reduce premiums and help shore up the employer insurance system. Critics say it would just get the government even more involved in health care. NPR's Julie Rovner reports.

Bush's Health Plan, Quietly Controversial

Sept. 22, 2004 · President Bush often gets a big round of applause when he says small businesses should be able to band together to buy insurance. But fewer people realize his plan to let them do that is opposed by the nation's governors, the insurance industry, and half the Senate's Republicans. NPR's Julie Rovner reports.

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