Does Al Gore advocate single-payer health care?

[LBJDemocrat]

I just saw the clip of Michael Moore on CNN. Moore said that Al Gore is right on health care while the Democratic frontrunners aren't. Does this mean Al Gore is for single-payer?

[Mabus]

1. Yes. In 2002 he advocated a single-payer program

Gore had been against during the 2000 cycle. It was something that Bradley had advocated in 2000 and it was a campaign issue in the primaries.

Published on Friday, November 15, 2002 by the Associated Press
In Surprising Shift, Gore Says He Favors Single-Payer Health Care System
by Will Lester


WASHINGTON – Noting that 40 million Americans now have no health insurance, Al Gore says he now favors "single-payer" national health coverage, a proposal that would require a massive change in the health insurance system.

With single-payer coverage, money to pay for health care – such as insurance premiums and tax dollars – would be collected by a single agency, which would then pay for comprehensive coverage for all citizens.

Gore, the 2000 Democratic presidential nominee and a potential candidate in 2004, offered his views in response to a question at a synagogue in New York during a tour promoting his book "Joined at the Heart," written with his wife, Tipper.

"I was planning to wait and make a major speech on this and I probably should, but I'll just answer your question candidly," Gore told the moderator.

rest of the article at: http://www.commondreams.org/headlines02/1115-07.htm