Democrats squabble over health care, tax cuts (today's debate)

DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct 15 (Reuters) - Democratic presidential candidates on Wednesday squabbled over health care and taxes in front of seniors in Iowa who will be a potent force in the state that hosts the first key contest of the 2004 White House race.

Howard Dean, the former governor of Vermont running as a Washington outsider and leading in some early nominating states, took the brunt of the attacks from Missouri Rep. Richard Gephardt and Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry at a forum for 700 older voters.

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The bickering gave way on occasion to better-natured bantering, particularly between Kerry and Dean. When an audience member asked about a middle-aged workers' crisis, Kerry quipped: "I am 59, and I am looking for work folks."

"Actually, Sen. Kerry already has a job and I think's he's very good at it and should keep it," Dean shot back.

Kerry raised his successful battle against prostate cancer and used it to take a shot at Bush, saying, "Some have asked how a man without a prostate can be president and I want to make it clear that we've had Republican presidents without a heart." Dean, a doctor, chimed in:

"John was very nervous when he had his prostate exam that I would be doing the test," he said.

"No, I was worried you were going to do the anesthesia," Kerry replied.

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N15331659.htm

Maybe they'll let this one hang out. Don's is in GD.

I don't care about quips. I want to know who proposed what.