Dem Presidential Candidates Discuss Health Care Lapses
Democratic presidential candidates on Wednesday promised to improve health care for veterans and criticized the care they have received under the Bush administration amid recent reports of problems at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the AP/Houston Chronicle reports.
At a Washington, D.C., forum sponsored by the International Association of Fire Fighters, Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), said, "Our veterans deserve the very best medical care this country can provide. That ought to be something that everyone in America can come to terms with -- that that couldn't happen here in the United States."
Former Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.) said Walter Reed is an indication of problems throughout the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system that he would address as president, adding, "We have got to stand by the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States of America."
Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) said, "When our veterans come home, I don't want them forgotten in run-down buildings" and provided with inadequate health care.
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D) said the problems at Walter Reed made him "ashamed as an American," adding, "Supporting our troops is not just saying it; it's doing something."
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) also raised concerns about the problems at Walter Reed, as well as about inadequate health care for firefighters and police officers in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. She said, "It's great for photo ops, but how about taking care of the people who have taken care of us across the country" (Pickler, AP/Houston Chronicle, 3/14).
Meanwhile, Republican presidential candidate and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) on Wednesday said that the U.S. health care system should focus more on disease prevention, the AP/Manchester Union Leader reports.
In a speech to employees at the New Hampshire headquarters of Northeast Delta Dental, Huckabee said, "I'll ... suggest to you that today, chronic disease will take over 2,500 Americans' lives." He added, "And here's the real sad thing, that many people will die tomorrow and the next day and the next day after that, and the next day after that. Anyone who does not talk about this issue and put it front and center is going to be neglecting one of the most important issues not only of our culture ... but clearly for our time" (Wang, AP/Manchester Union Leader, 3/14).