Edwards Pitches Universal Health Care on Poverty Tour
Democratic presidential candidate former Sen. John Edwards (N.C.) on Wednesday wrapped up a three-day, eight-state "poverty tour" that included discussions about issues such as health care, wages and education, the New York Times reports.
According to the Times, Edwards on the tour "sought to broaden" his focus on poverty, although "some have questioned" whether that focus "will resonate politically" (Saulny, New York Times, 7/19).
Edwards said his plan to end poverty in the U.S. within 30 years includes creating a universal health care system, strengthening unions' rights to organize workers, ensuring all children have an opportunity to attend college without being faced with large debt upon graduation and raising the minimum wage (Kirby, Lexington Herald-Leader, 7/19).
In Kentucky, Edwards said that the "two Americas are the very rich and everybody else" -- including workers who lack adequate benefits and wages.
At another stop in Kentucky, young adults called for a higher minimum wage, universal health care and environmental action. Edwards also spoke with volunteers in Virginia who provide no-cost mobile medical care to uninsured people living in remote areas (New York Times, 7/19).