Vice President Al Gore '69 and Texas Gov. George W. Bush dropped their conciliatory tone last night in their third and final presidential debate, as they clashed on the major issues that will decide the Nov. 7 election.

The candidates argued over a variety of issues including health care, education, foreign affairs and affirmative action during the 90 minute town-hall format debate at Washington University in St. Louis.

Gore stated support for a Patient's Bill of Rights, saying the situation has "gotten completely out of hand."

Bush responded by saying that to pass the legislation requires uniting Democrats and Republicans, which Gore is unable to do.

"The difference is I can get it done--that I can get something positive done on behalf of the people. That's what the question in this campaign is about," he said.

Gore renewed a populist theme that was successful for him at the Democratic Convention this summer, repeating his support for senior prescription drug benefits.

"If you want someone who will fight for you and who will fight for the middle-class families and working men and women who are sick and tired of having their parents and grandparents...then I want to fight for you," he said.

But while Bush supported prescription drug benefits as well, his philosophy on federal government clashed with Gore.