Welcome to the Wednesday edition of the Edwards evening news Roundup! Here's what we have for you tonight:
- Debate recap - "What's wrong with America and how will you change it?".
- Iowa News - Jeff Link joins the campaign and Hogs for Edwards debuts tomorrow.
- Edwards responds to Bush veto threat of Hate Crimes legislation
- Edwards statement on Utah miners.
- Coming events - lots going on!
Follow me over the fold
1. What's wrong with America and what will you do to change it?
That was the question retired electrician Steve Skvar asked John Edwards during the most riveting moment of the debate:
John Edwards - AFL-CIO Debate - Health Care
Hard not to choke up watching that, no matter how many times you see it. As Edwards said to him,"You're a perfect example of exactly what's wrong with America both on pension protection and on health care". To learn more about Steve Skvara, check out the Chicago Tribune article, they've been following his heartbreaking story for a while.
I just saw Mr. Skvar on Hardball (transcript not up yet) and he made a couple of great points. First, Medicare is great for him, he had no problem at all with what it covered. The problem is who it doesn't cover: his wife isn't eligible for it yet and won't be for 9 more years. And with his pension being cut, they can't afford any other health care options. One thing I hope he knows is that under Edwards universal health care plan, everyone will be eligible to get the same great care. With Edwards, EVERYONE will be eligible for Medicare.
Mr. Skvar liked what Edwards had to say and also made a great point about how we go about getting universal health care. He said that one candidate (not Edwards!) said that in order to find solutions we need to bring everyone to the table. Mr. Skvar pointed out that that isn't the solution; that's the problem! Refering to the insurance companies and big pharma presumably, he laid it out plain and simple:
"They've been at the table for the last 35 years and they are eating our lunch."
Isn't that the God's honest truth? And that's exactly what John Edwards has been saying. No more free lunches for corporate welfare, no more half a loaf, no more negotiation and triangulation. Its time for real bold change - its time for affordable universal health care.
More on the debate
Along with participating in the debate, every candidate was also asked to answer some questions that union members are concerned about and submit a video that represented the candidate's message. Check out John Edwards' answers and the video:
Probably one of the best John Edwards videos I've ever seen. I hope a lot of union members get to watch it too. John Edwards has had their back and will continue to speak and act for them in the White House.
2. Iowa news!
Jeff Link Endorses Edwards, Joins Campaign To Change America
Jeff Link, a long time veteran Iowa democratic strategist, has endorsed John Edwards and joined his campaign today. Mr. Link said this about Edwards:
"Not only does John Edwards have the boldest agenda of change and taking on special interests, but he is the strongest candidate to carry our party to victory next November," Link said. "He is the only candidate who has won in a solidly red state and in poll after poll he is the best Democratic candidate against whomever the Republicans nominate. I’m honored to be a part of his team."
Feel free to read a little more about him.
In other Iowa news, "Hogs for Edwards", a unique float with 8 Berkshire hogs, was unvieled at today's Iowa State Fair - highlighting Edwards' commitment to supporting family farms, rather than agribusiness, and a moratorium on environmentally harmful concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs).
"The State Fair Parade is a great Iowa tradition and the campaign is looking forward to participating and having some fun," said John Edwards for President Iowa Communications Director Dan Leistikow. "It’s also a chance to call attention to a serious issue. As president, John Edwards will stand up for the family farm by passing a moratorium on these huge hog operations that do so much damage to the environment and to the tradition of family farming."
Edwards strong support for rebuilding family-based farming is just one part of his Rural Recovery plan aimed at helping rural areas and farmers around the country.
3. Edwards Statement on President Bush's Threat to Veto Hate Crimes Legislation
John Edwards responded to our "compassionate conservative" president threatening to veto hate crimes legislation recently passed by the House.
"Every American is entitled to live in dignity without fear of violence. No community should feel that they can be targeted with impunity. But until law enforcement has the tools to aggressively investigate and prosecute all hate crimes, some Americans will doubt that the government is on their side. President Bush’s threat to veto hate crime legislation sends just that message.
"With 25 hate crimes committed every day by the FBI’s count – one every hour – it is embarrassing that the White House says stronger law enforcement tools are ‘unnecessary’. Nine years after the heinous murders of Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., I know these tools are more necessary than ever. As president, I will sign the hate crimes law and make sure law enforcement has all the resources it needs to protect every community in America"
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4. Edwards statement on Utah Miners
John Edwards sent his prayers to the miners trapped in Huntington, Utah:
"Elizabeth and I are very concerned about what is happening in Huntington, Utah, and continue to hope and pray for the safe return of the trapped miners. This tragedy highlights the need for increased workplace safety for all American workers, particularly those in mining and manufacturing jobs.
"The law Congress passed last year – the MINER Act -- took important steps to address the health and safety of America’s mine workers, but we all know there is more work to do. That’s why Congress needs to pass the new Supplemental MINER (S-MINER) Act. We need to prevent tragedies like those at occurred at Sago, West Virginia and Aracoma, West Virginia and create a deterrent for mine operators that try to cut corners, while dealing with the long-term health concerns caused by respirable dust. We cannot rest until the laws that protect America’s miners make their work as safe as possible."
"This collapse and rescue effort is a reminder that we must do more to ensure that workers are not risking injury or worse just trying to do their job."
5. Coming events - lots going on!
A lot of things coming up tomorrow and later this week. Check it out:
Economic Speech at the Aspen Institute
Small Change for Big Change - Los Angeles
Human Rights Campaign Presidential Candidates Forum - starts at 9pm ET, 6pm PST, and you can watch it live online.
Edwards 2007 "Fighting For One America" Iowa Bus Tour To Launch This Monday, August 13th - check it out! Edwards will be spending a week and meeting with 31 communities throughout Iowa.
And thats the news! Hope you enjoyed it!