When John Edwards launched his Presidential campaign he asserted that we could not wait until 2008 for change, and that his campaign would not just be about changing presidents but would take real action to change America starting now. "Tomorrow Begins Today" he said. In the most effective combination of issues and inspiration in a long time, he has proved he knows how to walk the walk. A new effort launched today to combat climate change shows that unique ability.
Edwards has just launched a new site in which the campaign gives concrete suggestions for every American to reduce their carbon footprint and thus reduce their contribution to global warming. The dynamic site gives specific actions every individual can take to fight climate change, starting at home by changing your light bulbs, weatherizing your home, lowering your thermostat, and on the road by reducing your driving, keeping your tired inflated, and cleaning your air filter. It tells you just how much you will reduce your impact in real time and shows how easy it is to make a difference.
This is just the latest in a serious of actions, including his active OneCorps chapters which engage in community AND political service not just to help the campaign but to change America in the process. He is the first major candidate to make his own campaign carbon neutral, taking action to reduce the impact of their emissions at their campaign HQ and purchasing carbon offsets.
What is really interesting about the approach of this campaign is that they are aggressively tackling ISSUES in a way that is exciting, dynamic, and most importantly makes the connection between community service and political involvement- the best way to activate the next generation to get involved in the political process. He has laid out the most comprehensive, detailed plans on every major issue. Edwards is running the most progressive campaign of the major candidates and more importantly, combining an issues-based campaign with the inspirational rhetoric that motivates Americans to action.
I have been on board with none of the campaigns so far, but Edwards gets more impressive every day. Check out the new Reduce Your Carbon site and then his campaign.