From: CNN
In: Los Angeles
Posted 10-16-97

Subject: Gore Praises Hollywood For Imagination, Ethics

Vice President Al Gore heaped praise on the Hollywood-based U.S. entertainment industry today in a speech that also called for campaign finance reform.

Gore said movies and television produced in Hollywood have a positive impact on the U.S., referring specifically to the episode of "Ellen" in which the TV show's main character admitted she was gay.

"When the character Ellen came out, millions of Americans were forced to look at the issue of sexual orientation in a more open way," Gore said.

In contrast to an anti-Hollywood speech made by Dan Quayle when he was vice president, Gore lauded Hollywood for its creativity and morals.

"No nation in the world can hold a candle to the imagination of Hollywood," Gore said.

"Few communities in this nation care as deeply about ethical and moral issues," he said.

In his speech to the Hollywood Radio and Television Society, Gore made a pitch for campaign finance reform, referring to the classic Jimmy Stewart movie "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington."

Gore said in that film, political bosses were able to control what messages reached the American public, but today it is the ability to raise money that controls politics.

"Today it is the ability to purchase campaign commercials that determines who is heard," Gore said.

He said that the race for campaign dollars is subverting American democracy.

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E-mail From Washington:
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