My house, about two weeks after Katrina:

That black shiny stuff is about three feet of standing water. My husband had to canoe to the house.

The fam:

One of my favorite videos; it still brings tears to my eyes (Octoboer 2001): first pitch

An interview that demonstrates the difference between liberals and conservatives. Here on Free Republic:

This article appears in the 2000 Official Major League Baseball World Series Program.

In the spirit of the 2000 election and the first World Series of the new century, we decided to invite presidential candidates Al Gore and George W. Bush -- who was the managing general partner of the Texas Rangers from 1989 to '94 -- to talk some baseball. They may not see eye to eye on taxes, social security or health care, but who says that Gore and Bush can't agree on anything? They both say that games should be played on grass, Pedro Martinez is one of baseball's best pitchers, and that a play at home plate would be the most exciting way for a World Series game to end. Here are their wide-ranging platforms on the national pastime.

THE ENVIRONMENT

Issue: Discuss the pros and cons of artificial turf and natural grass.

Gore: Artificial turf may have some positives -- it's easy to maintain (domed stadium or otherwise), allows for extra bounce (for Ozzie Smith's signature back flip), and doesn't stain the uniform. But you don't need to be an environmentalist to realize that the game should be played on grass. I clearly remember my first visit to a Major League Baseball park -- the crack of the bat, the smell of the hot dogs, and of course, the beautiful green grass on the field. The smell of freshly cut grass and the beautiful patterns cut into the lush lawn surrounding the rich, dark brown dirt infield have been part of the game since its beginnings and always should be.

Bush: Baseball should always be played on grass. First, grass is better to look at. Secondly, grass is kinder to the players' legs. Finally, a triple on grass is more legitimate than one on artificial turf.

Issue: What do you think of domed stadiums?

Bush: I like to go to baseball games outdoors.

Gore: The design and construction of domed stadiums -- in Seattle (the Kingdome was the first freestanding cement dome ever built), Houston (the Astrodome was the first stadium to use Astroturf) and Minnesota (the Metrodome is the only stadium in the U.S. whose roof is suspended without beams or rods -- it's supported by air pressure), for example, have been feats of architectural and engineering excellence. But the real measure of any stadium, domed or otherwise, is how much fun you have inside.

THE ARMS RACE

Issue: What current pitcher would you like to have on your team and why?

Gore: There are so many great pitchers today -- Greg Maddux, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, Mariano Rivera -- it's impossible to choose. Like choosing a running mate, I want a pitcher who I can trust to give the ball to every time, and one who, in clutch situations, can lead my team to victory.

Bush: Pedro Martinez because he doesn't give up many earned runs.

Issue: What would be the most exciting way for a World Series game to end -- with a game-ending strikeout or a great throw from the outfield to nail a runner at home?

Bush: The most exciting way for a World Series game to end would be with a great throw from the outfield to nail a runner at home. The play would require three players (the outfielder, an infielder and the catcher) to make a good play.

Gore: I watched in person as Bob Gibson and Denny McLain dueled in Game 1 of the 1968 World Series. I remember watching the thrilling 1991 World Series as the Braves and Twins battled through seven games. But for all of the excitement of a pitcher's duel, I still think a play at the plate is the most fitting finish to a Fall Classic.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Issue: Major League Baseball has increasingly expanded the game on a global scale. Discuss how exciting a "true World Series" between international teams would be.

Gore: The possibility of a truly global World Series is an intriguing one, and I commend Major League Baseball's efforts to further expand the game to every corner of the planet. The game has only benefited from the influx of talented players from Cuba, Japan, the Dominican Republic and elsewhere, and I hope that the sport will continue to grow and prosper around the globe.

Bush: It's hard for me to envision a true World Series at this point in time. More likely, American teams will attract more foreign talent, like they've done in the Caribbean.

Issue: More than 20 percent of current Major Leaguers are foreign-born. What has that added to the game and to society?

Bush: The fact that foreign-born players play in our Major Leagues is positive. Any time that you can add new blood and competition to the game, it makes it better, and it also helps our society understand people with different cultures.

Gore: The game will only continue to grow in popularity as players from around the world like Sammy Sosa, Hideo Nomo and Andres Galarraga are invited to showcase their talents. I think it benefits America for today's children to see our nation's great diversity reflected on the field of play. Of course, my favorite foreign-born player is the old workhorse, Dennis Martinez. In his home, Nicaragua, they called him El Presidente.

LEADERSHIP

Issue: If you could swap one of your committee members for any Major League player, who would be in the trade?

Gore: I think that Joe Lieberman would make a great baseball manager, and the game would benefit tremendously from his wisdom, experience and dedication, as I have over the course of our 15-year friendship and most recently, in his role as my running mate. Of course, I'm not willing to part with him that easily, so Major League Baseball will have to wait until his service to the nation is complete.

Bush: None of my committee members are up for trade. Our team is clicking on all cylinders, and I know how trades can turn out. I'm the one who traded Sammy Sosa to the Chicago White Sox.

Issue: What leadership qualities are most important for a baseball manager? Discuss and relate to the qualities that make a good president.

Bush: The most important qualities for a manager are to plan for the season and foster a team spirit that encourages hard work and the desire to win. A good president must set clear goals, recruit the best, build a spirit of teamwork, and be willing to share credit and take the blame.

Gore: Baseball managers must have sound judgement, experience and knowledge of the game. They need to put together a solid team -- and then lead the team to victory. They need to be unfazed by adversity, and can never be complacent, even when they're ahead. These are some of the same qualities needed in the presidency. The difference is that you need them every day, all the time, not just 162 games a year.

THE ECONOMY

Issue: Talk about which players you feel are most worth paying to watch, and why.

Gore: The best players to watch are the ones who love the game, work hard and bring their energy and efforts to the ballpark every day. Cal Ripken is one of those players, and I was so lucky to be at Camden Yards to see him break Lou Gehrig's record for consecutive games played.

Bush: I think the players that are worth paying to watch are those who play hard, hustle and are respectful to the fans.

Issue: What do you see as a possible solution to the disparity between big and small market clubs in Major League Baseball?

Bush: More revenue sharing.

Gore: The most complicated parts of baseball are no longer the hit-and-run or the double steal. The increased influence of television and electronic media has added a new dimension to the game. This allows more people around the world to enjoy the game, but also adds pressure for small market teams to compete fairly. The most important thing is to realize that competition among teams -- of all sizes, in all cities -- is important, and whatever it takes to preserve that fundamental part of the game should be considered.

NATIONAL TREASURES

Issue: Which baseball icon was better, and why: Joe DiMaggio or Ted Williams?

Gore: This may be the toughest question that I have been asked during the campaign. Both players brought great excitement to the game, and both will always be remembered as two of the greatest hitters -- and players -- of all time. DiMaggio's record of 56 consecutive games with a hit still stands today, and Williams' season batting average of .406 is still the standard for every player. It's hard to say who is better, but I can tell you that they were both the best.

Bush: They were both great.

CURRENT AFFAIRS

Issue: Cast your vote for the most exciting player in baseball today.

Bush: Ivan Rodriguez. Unfortunately, he was hurt for the second half of the season, but that's my choice because he's a great catcher with a strong arm, and he's beginning to show that he's also a powerful offensive threat.

Gore: Every time the highlights roll, a new exciting player emerges -- whether it's Jim Edmonds diving to make an acrobatic catch, a towering home run by Ken Griffey Jr. or Randy Johnson throwing a blinding fastball past an unsuspecting hitter. But to me, the most exciting baseball player is still someone who excites fans with what he does every day, Cal Ripken. I continue to find it exciting, and inspiring, every time he dons a uniform and takes the field.

Mike McCormick is editor of publications for Major League Baseball Properties. Faith Matorin contributed to this article.