So what did y'all think about the second debate? Who won?

I thought Bush looked better than he did in the first debate, but I still have to give the nod to Kerry. I think Bush's "I'm just a simple guy from Texas" schtick is starting to wear thin.

Re: Debate, Round II

I'd call the 2nd debate a draw. Bush stepped up his performance and Kerry pretty much sounded the same as the 1st debate which he did really well in.

I liked this format better because I like the questions that the crowd were asking.

I'd have to call this one a draw as well.

One thing that did stand out at me was the question about abortion (Can you assure that no tax dollars will be used to fund abortions?) Kerry in so many words said he can't assure that. Bush however said that no tax dollars would be used for abortion funding. I thought DSHS or planned parenthood currently does pay for abortions, and isn't that tax payer dollars?

neoee, planned parenthood DOES NOT use tax payers dollars to fund abortions. The recipient of the abortion is required to foot the bill, which generally runs about 400 plus depending how late in the pregnancy. Planned parenthood also relies heavily on community and faith based volunteer funding.

[quote=";p="63569] neoee, planned parenthood DOES NOT use tax payers dollars to fund abortions. The recipient of the abortion is required to foot the bill, which generally runs about 400 plus depending how late in the pregnancy. Planned parenthood also relies heavily on community and faith based volunteer funding. [/quote]

Maybe planned parenthood does not but I do know as a fact that (in WA) the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) does, and that money comes from tax dollars.

The following was taken from a clinic: [url]http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/esa/EAZManual/Sections/PREGmedicalprogs.htm[/url] [quote]We accept: DSHS, Visa, MasterCard, debit card, cash, and most insurance. We are contracted with many major insurance companies; our staff will verify coverage. Your actual payment depends on your income, insurance coverage, individual circumstances, and length of pregnancy. For clients from Alaska, we accept Alaska Medicaid.

Applying for DSHS: If you are a Washington resident and have proof of pregnancy from a clinic or doctor's office, you can apply for "emergency medical assistance" to give you complete coverage of all pregnancy-related options and care through DSHS. You can call DSHS from your home or from our clinic. They will verify pregnancy over the phone and mail you your medical coupon. Meanwhile the clinic can serve you as soon as you are in the computer system which is often within 2 days. DSHS does not discriminate betwen pregnancy options; you may use your coverage for abortion or prenatal care and delivery. The local phone number for Renton is at 206-341-7434. You can apply online at [url]www.onlinecso.dshs.wa.gov[/url] or call toll free 877-980-9131. Ask the clinic should you need any help with this process. [/quote]

Note the section which talks about the DSHS "medical coupon". I'm sure other states have programs under different names but it doesen't change the fact that it is done with tax dollars.