WASHINGTON, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- President Bush, reiterating his conservative stance Saturday, outlined domestic policy differences he has with his Democratic Party challenger John Kerry.
"All Americans know where I stand. I'm a compassionate conservative," Bush said in his weekly radio address. "I believe in policies that empower people to improve their lives, not try to run their lives. ... I have worked to help all Americans build a future of dignity and independence."
Bush Saturday went over many of the points covered in last Wednesday's debate with Kerry, touching on taxes, education, healthcare and the appointment of judges.
He began by touting his tax-cutting economic policies, which he said has allowed the U.S. economy to grow at a faster rate than any other major industrialized nation. Bush said Kerry's plans for the economy would demand "tax increases on small business and the middle class."
Bush also commented he "stands for the appointment of federal judges who know the difference between personal opinion and the strict interpretation of the law." Kerry has said his judicial nominations would be made on the basis of upholding the law and Constitution. Bush contends this is a "litmus test" regarding abortion rights.
