This Issue:

Table of Contents

Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

Mini-Lesson

Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

Kids Ask the Candidates

Presidential candidates George W. Bush and Al Gore will debate face to face for the first time on October 3 in Boston, Massachusetts. They will answer questions and argue about ideas. Both will do their best to make a good impression on Americans who watch on TV.

A few weeks ago, TFK helped the candidates practice for the first big debate. We sent questions from TFK readers to Bush and Gore. Here are the questions and answers:

Q I understand that you are in favor of giving more tax money to schools with better test scores. How can you ensure that all children have equal education rights if more money goes to the better schools? - Brittney Sovik, 12, Columbus Georgia

BUSH I plan to give all schools the resources to improve. The U.S. government must be humble enough to stay out of the day-to-day operations of local schools, wise enough to give states and school districts more authority, and strong enough to require proven performance.

Q How can you stop tobacco from getting into kids' hands? - Nakayla Chan, 9, Milton, Washington

BUSH As Governor of Texas, I signed some of the strongest antitobacco laws in the country. Now kids under 18 who are caught with tobacco must attend a tobacco-education course or pay a fine up to $250. The laws also place tougher restrictions on tobacco advertising and sales.

Q On which policies do you take a different stand from you father, former President George Bush, and why? - Ben Goldberg-Morse, 13, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvannia

BUSH I'm focused on outlining my vision and agenda for the future, not comparing my policies to those of my father.

Q What are you going to do about Internet safety? - Sarah Jackson, 11, Civero, New York

GORE I'll fight to toughen penalties on those who misuse the Internet to harm children or violate our privacy. When you go online, you should be careful not to surf into dangerous waters. Always tell your parents if you are worried about what you see.

Q How do you feel about violence on TV and in the movies, and what will your Administration do to curb it? - Austin Schwartz, 11, Tampa, Florida

GORE I want to work with the broadcast industry to encourage TV stations to air quality programs and help parents get the ratings and information they need. Children and parents should decide together which TV shows are appropriate.

Q How can you help stop teen gun violence? - Kristina Hardwick, 12, Chicago, Illinois

GORE I would raise the minimum age for gun possession to 18 and require a photo-license ID for all new handgun purchasers. Kids have a responsibility too. You must be brave enough to inform a parent or teacher if you think a classmate may pose a threat to safety.

Next: A Place of Their Own