Candidates Prepare for First Debate

Presidential rivals George Bush and Michael Dukakis plunged into preparations yesterday for their first debate, pouring over fat briefing books and getting tips from media and political advisers. Dukakis took out time to propose a "Healthy Start" program guaranteeing basic medical care for poor women and children.

"When children and their families have needed a helping hand, Mr. Bush's administration has given them a cold shoulder," Dukakis said during a visit to Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston, where he met with two new mothers and their babies.

"When the time came to stand up for our children's health care needs, George Bush was nowhere to be found," the Democratic nominee said.

Republican Bush, with his schedule cleared of public appearances, spent the day in Washington meeting at the vice presidential mansion with advisers in preparation for the nationally televised debate Sunday night. The 90-minute encounter at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., will begin at 8 p.m. EDT.