Republican Convention: Do They Mean What They Say?

Bush uses such slogans as "Prosperity with a Purpose" and "Compassionate Conservative" to distance his campaign from the hard edge of Bob Dole and the anger of Pat Buchanan. But do his and Cheney's records match the kinder, gentler rhetoric?

THE COMPASSION

CIVIL RIGHTS

It's hard to find a Bush photo shot without minorities in the background. Last month Bush said apologetically to the N.A.A.C.P., "The party of Lincoln has not always carried the mantle of Lincoln."

HEALTH CARE

"Every low-income working family in America must have access to basic health insurance--for themselves and for their children," says Bush. He boasts that Texas was first to let patients sue HMOs.

EDUCATION

It's America's "solemn pledge to educate every child," says Bush. Citing the 51% increase in kids' passing Texas' test during his tenure, Bush says he has the record to start an education "crusade."

ECONOMY

Bush says a goal of his $1.3 trillion tax cut is to "ensure the American dream touches every willing heart...the greatest help for those most in need." And he says he can do it using only 25% of the surplus.

SOCIAL SECURITY

"This President will save Social Security," says Bush about himself. Future payouts will increase, he claims, by letting people invest part of their payroll taxes, so "even low-income workers" can "build wealth."

GAY RIGHTS

In April, Bush became the first presumptive Republican nominee to meet with a group of gay Republicans. He said it made him a "better person." He later added, "I welcome gay Americans into my campaign."

ENVIRONMENT

Bush speaks of "our calling as stewards of the earth" and believes "prosperity is meaningless without a healthy environment." He boasts that Texas is No. 1 in the U.S. in reducing toxic pollution.

GUN CONTROL

Bush points out that he is willing to buck the N.R.A. He supports background checks at gun shows, the ban on automatic weapons and increasing the minimum age for owning a handgun from 18 to 21.

THEIR CONSERVATISM

CIVIL RIGHTS

BUSH He pledges "strong civil rights enforcement" but studiously avoids issues that matter most to minorities--police brutality, racial profiling, affirmative action, the death penalty.

CHENEY In Congress he voted against the Equal Rights Amendment, and he opposed sanctions against South Africa, using federal funds to pay for busing and strengthening fair-housing laws.

HEALTH CARE

BUSH In Texas he opposed expanding the Children's Health Insurance Program. He fought the Patients' Bill of Rights. His federal plan will cover less than half the insurance costs for most poor families.

CHENEY In Congress he voted to cut Medicare spending, and he opposed grants to states to fund insurance for the unemployed. He says he is considering supporting Medicare drug benefits.

EDUCATION

BUSH The Texas test scores are Bush's best claim to results. His federal plan is tough on standards (schools that fail lose funds to vouchers) but limited on resources: only $13.5 billion over five years.