AL GORE II: New Ad Defends Prescription Drug Plan

      To counter attack ads released by Texas Gov. George W. Bush (R) and the Republican National Committee, Vice President Al Gore Wednesday released an ad defending his Medicare prescription drug proposals. Titled "Cover," the ad responds to a recent Bush ad that states: "Gore's prescription drug plan forces seniors into a government-run HMO." In the new Gore spot, the ad announcer states: "Newspapers say George Bush's prescription drug ad misrepresents the facts. In fact, Al Gore's plan covers all seniors through Medicare, not an HMO. Under Gore, seniors choose their own doctor, and doctors decide what drugs to prescribe." The ad continues: "George Bush forces seniors to go to HMOs and insurance companies for prescription drugs. They have no choice. And Bush leaves millions of middle-class seniors with no coverage." The ad concludes: "Al Gore -- the only prescription plan that gives all seniors coverage and choice." The Gore campaign did not specify where the new ad is running, but previous ads have aired in 17 battleground states (Braverman, NationalJournal.com, 9/21). To view the ad, please click here. Note: You will need RealPlayer G2 to view the ad.