AFL-CIO Presidential Forum: Emotional Question From Audience Member On Health Care
By Logan Murphy Monday Aug 06, 2007 8:15pm
If this man's genuine passion and anguish doesn't move you, you're not human. Steve Skvara, a disabled, retired steel worker from Indiana tells the story of how he lost his family's health insurance after the company he worked for, for 34 years closed two years after they forced him to retire. Skvara received a standing ovation, and rightfully so. He represents millions of hard working Americans who have lost their jobs and benefits and face the humiliation of not being able to provide for themselves or their families. Can you imagine a Republican fielding a question like this?
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The question was directed toward John Edwards and his answer was passionate and on the money. Edwards vowed to stand up with the American people, calling for Universal health care for all.
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that guy was really moving. and edwards answered his question very well.
much better then when biden blew off the sago mine widow. that was pathetic.
Yeah as I said in the other thread I was heart broken for him and his family. He's worked hard all his life and he deserves better than what this country has given to him.
I think it's safe to say that had this been a GOP debate he would have been arrested before he was allowed to speak.
Chris from Maine @ 1:
Good call. Biden was a real asshole on that one.
That's it! I'm supporting Edwards.
[deleted - You're nuts if you think we're going to let that stand.]
Biden disgusted me with his flippant attitude towards the Sago mine widow. He can say goodbye to any thin chance he had of getting the nomination after tonight.
This is George W. Bush's Amerika. Live with it or do something about it. Maybe support someone who's bound and determined to change things.
Instead of the same old bullshit or....
Joey the Liarmann's 'boy'.
Terrible @ 3:
I think the Republicans should be forced to answer his question, whether live or taped, in their next debate. If they refuse, GE should refuse to air their debate.
[refers to deleted post]
Most people want some form of universal health care. Insurance backed, for profit healthcare is not the way to go.
Good for you for saving money. Lots of people can't.
NO UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE -
ABOLISH THE FEDERAL RESERVE
BRING ALL AMERICAN COMPANIES AND JOBS BACK HOME
BRING BACK THE REAL FREE AMERICA
There wouldn't be a "Healthcare crisis" if we had REAL CURRENCY And GOOD ECONOMIC POLICY.
[Jeremy is posting from a pharmaceutical company]
Edwards had a great opportunity presented to him here, gave the man a decent response then switched to praising himself (for his, Edward's, support of unions). This was a moving moment, one that ALL politicians, right and left should open their eyes to. But Edwards only barely respected this man then went on to "look at me".
Jeremy @ 11:
Yes there would be a crisis as long as the insurance and big pharma are in the mix.
[Jeremy is posting from a pharmaceutical company]
[...] CrooksandLiars.com, one more reason to support John Edwards… you gotta check out his passionate response to an [...]
This is heartbreaking. Again though, it's important to realize that Dennis Kucinich is the only candidate actually willing to give not-for-profit Universal Healthcare to the American people. Every other candidate says they're for Universal Healthcare, but none are willing to cut out the middleman other than Dennis. I agree Mr. Edwards. Talk is cheap. Please endorse HR 676 if you're serious about Universal Healthcare.
Jo @ 13:
Have fun dying while you wait for a transplant or surgery from a government hospital.
America is about freedom. True freedom is not letting the federal government decide for you what your health care choices should be.
By that logic, why don't we also set up some forced labor brigades and compulsory national service?
A Big government that gives you EVERYTHING and all the welfare you need CAN ALSO TAKE IT AWAY.
[Jeremy is posting from a pharmaceutical company]
[deleted - refers to deleted post]
"Can you imagine a Republican fielding a question like this?"
Why, yes. I've heard more than one of them say that all we need to do is discontinue our cable tv and sell the big screen. Problem solved.
The republican mindset is psychopathological.
guys like mitt romney profit from cutting the benefits of workers like this gentleman.
Edwards just got my vote. Finally, someone I can support!
I agree Edwards only hit a ground-ruled double with this. What a shame. He could and SHOULD have done better... Hillary is the only candidate who has actually ever even tried to do something about this issue... Sorry John, you should of knocked it out of the park... another lost opportunity...
Jeremy @ 17:
Go see the film Sicko by Michael Moore and then come back and debate sense.
[Jeremy is posting from a pharmaceutical company]
maybe its just me,, or maybe not. But back in the early 80s before power switched from carter to reagan, the health care in the states was good. i am from the northeast ny area, upstate.
since reagan took office it seemed to be ok, then came GEORGE BUSH THE FIRST! and since then,, health care slid into a sink hole. there was no way or where to get out of debt unless one delcared bankruptcy. Now , thanks to his son, thats impossible today unless you have a good lawyer.
Do not ppl see a trend here? every time the repigs come into power, they are not working for the ppl but are working the ppl to work for them.
taxes,, disasters, disease, old, young, health care, its all not on the current adgenda anymore for the repigs and for some that includes the dems!
with a hike in insurance rates in the states,, id like to ask the canidates,,just what the hell are you prepared to do to make sure the folks are coverd? no dont give me a blahhhhhhh,, but what are you prepared to do?
take a cut to your own health care? take a cut in pay? take a cut in the many lunches that are paid by the tax payers?
just tell me , where are you going to cut back your spending , so the ppl who voted for you can get out from under?
betcha,, only dennis would have a answer for that one.
Manila Ryce @ 15:
Edwards has said from the very beginning that he would offer a "single payer" opition as part of his plan. Having said that, I do respect Kucinich for HR 676.
Jo @ 23:
Why do people avoid realizing that free-market is not the answer to everything. Free market is wonderful in many, many, many ways, but it is also what led to that man working his ass off for 34 years, and getting screwed .
It is as simple as this, you have to protect your citizens first, and your corporations second. This argument that if we regulate anything we are reverting to communism, is false. Would you let someone get away with shooting a man because you do not want the gunmans rights infringed upon??? What then, the difference between that , and the long death? The one where the victim makes the gun, loads the bullet, and presents it to his employer??
[Jeremy is posting from a pharmaceutical company]
HAVE PITY FOR THOSE OF US ON DIAL-UP!!!!!! Provide a quote or transcript or something!
Has anyone noticed that Fox News is advertising more on MSNBC lately? They must really be afraid since MSNBC has overtaken CNN and the average age of falafel factor's audience is 800.
Republican Answer: Get a shovel ,if you can afford one and start digging. Sooner or later you will be in China where the jobs are!
Edwards did go off on the Union rant. However his point was right on. That is one of the things that destroyed the unions was barganing for health care. If you had Universal Health Care System, that would save the company alot more money and give the Union more barganing power.
The point i think he is making here is they go hand in hand. Health care expense is one of the biggest reasons the Corporations have been trying and succeeding in busting Unions. Not he only reason but one of them.
I am not sure that I trust him 100% but Edwards says exactly what I want him to say(except on gay marriage) and the rest of the pack don't have the campaign that's centered on the essential issue in America: The growing difficulty to make things work economically. Edwards is the guy and without the phony haircut nonsense, he'd be the top candidate in Iowa and New Hampshire.
I listened to Newt on Minnesota Public Radio today at lunch. He was talking about the Presidential Primary process. He gave some ridiculous answers(his solution: let anyone pay any candidate as much as he wanted!)(He called McCain-Feingold a censorship law)but he did say that he felt that the average voter doesn't pay any attention to the nonsense of the election until much later in the process. His example was with Howard Dean and Iowa. I have no idea if he was accurate, but the average Iowa voter needs to hear speeches like that from Edwards before he/she makes up their mind.
Thanks, Logan Murphy and thank you John Amato for this video. This man's tearful, heartfelt plea moved me to tears. This is the kind of America these heartless bastard Republicans have created. I hope that in the near future, the Republican party will be lost in the wilderness for many years.
I was listening to the debate on the radio.
Biden totally ignoring the widows question was quite noticeable and I think will turn out to be a major blunder for his campaign. In fact, there seemed to be a lot of anger in every answer he gave. I didn't quite understand that.........it's almost as if he viewed this as a last ditch effort to save his campaign and he was going to get his point across come hell or high water.
Obama came across well, as did Edwards. Hillary is too cautious when answering questions, which I assume is intentional in that she doesn't want to screw up and say something stupid.
Edwards seems genuine, and might be our best bet at this time.
this guy almost brought tears to my eyes......Edwards did very well with this one...
Gravel was right when he said what we hear from these candidates, is what we heard four years ago, and eight years ago, and twelve years ago. And what we'll hear four years from now, eight years from now, and forever.
As much as Edwards and Obama, Hill and the rest talk a very nice talk, there isn't a cell in my body that believes any of them. And for very good reason.
This may have been the pivotal debate in modern US history.
There is no possible way any of the right-wing presidential wanna bes could ever come off as giving a damn about the average American after this.
This debate was the first debate for the general election next year; everyone contending for the republic nomination is wasting their time, they don't stand a chance against any of the American candidates.
Edwards' response was typical politico-speak.
His applause seemed disingenuous and forced, not moved by genuine emotion.
His saying "Bless you", is empty and meaningless and overly pandering to religious Americans.
He praised himself and presented only sweeping generalities, AND he still won't commit to immediate Iraq withdrawal.
The only Dems who truly care about average citizens are Kucinich and Gravel, but I'VE HAD IT with the namby-pamby, wishy-washy, sniveling, four-flushing Democrats.
[Deleted. This is not a Ron Paul thread]
Mike @ 31:
Watching KO and the AFL/CIO debate alone at home - I too gave this man a standing ovation. His plight and passion were obvious to anybody listening.
I also find myself as concerned about the early primary process as KO is. We don't need perpetual politics and campaigning - we need permanent answers...and Universal not-for-profit Healcare is just a start.
edwards earned my respect with that answer. i don't see a problem with him stating his record, only because it's a reflection of what he wants to do for people. actions speak louder than words in otherwords. i hope he wins the nomination.
Edwards is the real deal and he should be the next President of the United States.
He scares the shit out of the gop because he's a southern man who has the backs of the middle class. He's lived through tragedy and he's driven to make America better for the people who have been getting less and less.
Obama and Clinton can not get enough votes from Americans because we've been polarized by race, religion, and gender.
President Edwards...Sounds good to me.
BoilThemInTheirOil @ 12:
My thoughts also.
dan @ 35:
I want to agree with you; but do not underestimate the power of fear. Republicans are masters at scaring the public into voting for them. Plus they have proven that they will say and do anything to retain power. Democrats MUST stay on the offensive.
JR @ 32:
He'll say anything to get your vote, just like 99.99% of politicians.
His congressional record, which is what matters, is not distinguished.
HE VOTED FOR BUSH'S WAR and won't commit to withdrawal!
That was a moving exchange.Being a member of IBEW local 520,the future of union viability concerns me.Edwards response may have been "look at me!" but it boils down to his support of labor unions and he should toot his own horn about that.Good on him.And good on him for his including the money grubbing CEOs in any change regarding pensions and benefits.
He scored major points with me tonight...even with that poofty high dollar hair cut :) .HA!
33 years of work..forced into retirement.....just to get screwed by his employers.Meanwhile the CEO gets his golden parachute and laughs all the way to the bank......sad
I agree. Free market doesn't work for necessities, like health care.
I find it odd that people who don't want universal health care have no problem with universal police protection and universal fire protection. Why should I pay because my neighbor didn't take care of his health better? Well, why should I pay because my neighbor burned his house down? Because it's in the best interest of the community to take care of each other. That's why. Sure, my neighbor could have taken better care of himself, but instead of just saying "oh well, tough shit pops", fix him up so he can return to his job at the fire department to go put your house out when it catches on fire!
This man's question was very moving and emotional, and certainly should be one of the many questions of this presidential race. Whether or not Edwards can make good on his claims remains to be seen. But I do know one thing: citizens like Steve Skvara should be on the minds of EVERY candidate, Republican and Democrat. America has had enough of ridiculous claims that are never followed through, but perhaps only time will tell who will take action. But God Bless Steve Skvara, and every American who is in the same situation.
The Champ is out.
Also, don't underestimate the stupidity of the American public when it comes to an election.
I hope Edwards momentum builds in Iowa because I think he will win there.. I really want him to take this thing because he is on the side of working people. Screw Clinton and her corporate masters.
"Can you imagine a Republican fielding a question like this?"
Of course no republican would have to face a question like this... they get prepared questions in advance so there are no surprises and nobody is made uncomfortable. Its preaching to the choir raised to an art form.
Besides - this guy has a beard, and would never be allowed within 500' of a republican candidate. Everybody knows only communists and hippies have beards.
The most prosperous times this country have happened when government was helping people.
Now with the age of trying to privatize everything from health care to scocial security to the nations infrastructure the quality of life in this country for the overwhelming majority is going down at a rapid pace. Capitolism unregulated at the federal level can have a diverse effect on the economy of a nation.
Clinton and Obama are not the front runners for ME .Kucinich and Edwards have that spot now...for ME.Richardson needs to come out more.I liked his "Vets should get health care anywhere, anytime" comment.
I've been on the Edwards wagon for a little while now and every time he gets a chance to speak, he cements my support that much further.
If only I my growing support for his campaign wasn't a bit tainted by my disappointment with the Dems in general this week...
Edwards said absolututely NOTHING as to WHY this disabled man is in his current plight, along with so many other Americans.
The pursuit of greed has yet to be blamed by name.
"Tax the rich, feed the poor, 'til there are, poor no more." - Ten Years After
Maybe it's just me, but I get the feeling that this country has reached a tipping point and people are not so oblivious to how they have been screwed for so long by the ultra-rich who own everything (including the media) and are conducting class warfare on the middle class and poor.
Rucka @ 21:
Hillary tried, but she gave up. Hmm, I wonder why ?
crazy train @ 56:
Must be the big payoffs she got and still gets from the Disease Care Industry.
Jeremy @ 16:
Too bad you don't know anything about health care or the single payer system model that runs in Canada.
1. Canada doesn't have government run healthcare... it has socialized healthcare insurance.
The docs work for themselves and the docs set their own prices with physician peer review boards. America has has government run hospitals... the VA and no one wants that kind of fiasco!
You choose your own doctor and the treatment is decided upon between you and your doc. America has HMOs telling the doctor what diagnosis he can make, what tests he's allowed to prescribe, so you must like having someone in a cubicle a thousand miles away tell your doctor how to treat you? That doesn't sound very free to me!
2. Canadians don't wait longer than Americans when it comes to primary care. The waits occur in elective procedures (knee replacement etc.) and only effects 2.5% of the cases handled in the system.
The idea that Americans don't wait is a myth spread by the insurance lobby. You might try reading this article from Businessweek on the American healthcare system:
3. It ain't welfare! You pay in your taxes for your health care coverage, but Canadian pay $3000 per capita for their health care and Americans pay over $7,000 per capita. Despite the half as much as Americans, Canadians live on average three to five years longer than Americans.
Here in America a substantial amount of health care is already paid for by the government with your tax dollars, but here in America we also pay huge health care insurance premiums that have doubled in the last six years and are projected to double again in the next ten years!
While the American premiums keep going up, so have co-pays and the ever growing list of procedures that insurance companies won't cover. Every year there are 400,000 middle class families that, 75% of them with health care insurance, who are driven into bankruptcy by a health care crisis in the family.
[Jeremy is posting from a pharmaceutical company]
What? No mock questions about abortion?
But Seriously, this was the most moving moment.
Anonymal @ 57:
How much did she get/getting from that ?
crazy train @ 60:
I don't know the figures, but Michael Moore documented in Sicko that she is one of the industry's top lobbying recipients.
What I thought was the most moving aspect of this man's question was when he asked "what's wrong with this country?"
Not what's wrong with health care or the candiates or congress.
But what is wrong with us that we allow this misery and injustic in America? There is something very wrong with what we have been taught for a long time, and we had better start looking into it. Before Diebold puts Giuliani in the White House.
Around $700,000.
From the movie Sicko, she raked in the 2nd highest amount in congress.
And she won't promise not to take lobby money?
And she hasn't released her health care plan?
This guy was right on the mark with most all well thinking Americans and I hope his message was clear to all of the candidates, that we want and need a good health care bill that will provide coverage for all Americans and it should be federally controlled and out of the hands of private corporations as we now have that is causing this guy and his family everything.
Keith Oberman did a great job with this event, I just wish he was not on that vile media station surrounded by fools and freaks like Mr. Pie face Chris Mathews.
We should have real problems with the Chris Mathews, Shaun Hannity, Bill O'Riley and the whole gang of right wing political thugs that are attempting to choose our Democratic candidate by pen-ting them against one and other with these disgusting, lying ass, misleading points of view, that simply distort the issues our candidates are trying to project and the very dishonest misleading polls they are giving us.
Not one of these bastards are going to support any of the Democrats so you have to wounder why they are F-ing up our political process with this consistent crap they are feeding us.
It is shameful and certainly not in the best interest of American voters and we need to attack them at every turn and demand free and fair polling right along with our election, without right wing attacks and trick questions, directed at what ever .
answer they need to serve their ever failing agenda that is sinking down the great big toilet we have waiting for their asses come 2008.
We need to refuse to allow the jealous hearted ass holes to destroy all the work we are each putting into the people we consider to be the best for the job and defend them against this ever controlling nasty disgusting Rupert Murdock generated, power grabbing media empire we are up against. They clearly see their are some Democrats that will not tip toe through the tulips for them and refuse to take the filthy money
Never allow any of them to fool you folks, you can't take that money and not expect the BIG PAY DAY to surface, as soon as they hit the front steps of the white house, just as this sick bastard we now have in office is indebted to the same greedy ass freeks. We have one opportunity to finely get rid of this garbage and we need to make sure that the person we send to that office is indebted to ONLY, the American people, no question about it in the words of the great Ray Tal of KGO Radio.
If you notice they are not spending any time with the idiots on the right that are running for President, because they know that NONE of them stand a snow ball chance in hell to even smell the office.
We need to demand that the democratic party select independent pollsters to conduct free and fair polling data that is going to give us true data and not the bogus bull shit they are handing us because they do not like the candidates that are not collecting corporate money.
I could tell that Keith Oberman was pleased with his performance as he was disappointed in the after reaction of the very ignorant Chris Mathews, his so called jealous counter part who as he usually does, screwed up his own opportunity to do the same job, but he is so indebted to right wing policy thugs, he failed as they all do and had American people complaining the next day of his lousy performance.
I hope it is clear to all of the candidates, that CNN, Fox News and other then MSNBC's Keith Oberman, who is the only man on Political talk TV, with any kind of common sense and oh what a shame for this country, after all that we have endured in the last six years they are setting us up for this shit.
It seems this hell will never end, but we all have to just keep the faith and hang in their with one and other and I know we can distroy these criminals and get this corporate money out of our political system.
Transcript
Steve Skvara, retired steel worker: "After 34 years with LTV steel, I was forced to retire because of a disability. Two years later, LTV filed bankruptcy. (voice breaking) I lost a third of my pension, and my family lost their health care. Every day of my life I sit at the kitchen table, across from the woman who devoted 36 years of her life to my family, and I can't afford to pay for her health care. (pause) What's wrong with America and what will you do to change it?"
(standing ovation)
John Edwards: "Bless you first of all for what you've been through, you're a perfect example of exactly what's wrong with America both on pension protection and on health care, and we've unfortunately not been able to do the things that need to be done in this country. I've a very simple view about this, my view is that we ought to treat the pensions and retirement of the chairman and CEOs of companies exactly the way treat every other worker in the company. (Applause) And we ought to have universal health care in this country, we need it in the worst kind of way, so that when you're bargaining, you're not bargaining about health care costs.
But I want to say one other thing, I intend to be the president of the United States who walks on to the White House lawn and explains to Americans how important unions and organized labor is to the future and the economic security of this country. It is fine to come up on this stage and give a nice talk. The question is, who's been with you in the crunch. In the last few years, two hundred times, I have walked picket lines, I have helped organize thousands of workers with 23 national unions, I have worked with employers. Here's what you need to ask yourself, [...] it's great to give a talk, but who will stand with you, when it really matters?"
Anonymal @ 61:
I saw the movie, but I'm not good with numbers, so I could be wrong. The number 900,000, and change comes to mind though.
Here is a sort of interesting clip with MM.
http://election2008.politicalfury.com/hillaryclinton/2007/06/21/michael-...
He addressed the mans question right on. What's wrong with america and what will you do to change it?
Fight to protect your pension through bankruptcy just like that CEO's was.
Universal health care for his family.
And fight for The middle class laborer and Unions.
He was very passionate in his answers and explained the work he has been doing in the areas.
Could you hear a republican answer that question. " UUHHH.....(crickets)...... TERRORISTS....BOMB IRAN.....uuhhhh...GAYS IN THE MILITARY.....DID YOU KNOW THE COUNTRY WAS FOUNDED BY CHRISTIANS.... SO,... I PRAY YOU DON'T GET SICK.... HEA, HEA,HEA...(crickets)..."
One thing about the employer-payer health care system in the U.S. It's great motivation to show up for those corporate jobs.
Unfortunately the way the system works now, this man's story serves the corporate strategy; if you leave or make waves, and you're a little to old for the tight job market, you had better have a look at this guy and shut up. Because it could be you next.
dems talk a good game THEN VOTE WITH GOP ON JOBS OVERSEAS,NO PAPER BALLOTS,NO HEALTH CARE,NO NEED TO GET A WARRANT TO SEARCH. in other words they validate GOP on everything. dems are weak and impotent and do not fight for the people who vote them in. dems are the gop's junior partner in screwing the nation
God Bless that poor man. :cry:
May we elect somone who wants change.
Anyone that thinks Edwards hasn't addressed this man's concerns hasn't been paying attention to what Edwards has been doing for the past several years. Edwards has repeatedly spoken directly to all the points raised by this man's question. This 30-second reply format the media has been shoving down our throats does not allow the candidates to express their ideas and leadership - or to reveal when they are lacking the same.
Hunt up some of Edwards' videos on YouTube and you'll see how long Edwards has been engaged in the plight of workers and the common man. In my opinion, he, Kucinich and Dodd are the three most vocal worker's rights advocates vying for the Dem nomination right now. Out of those three, Edwards is the one I think could head a strong ticket in '08.
---
Energy
The energy in the room was unmistakably Democratic and reflective of the power lead the Democrats have over Republicans. The Republicans can not and will not generate this kind of genuine empathy. This was truly a bonding moment.
Maybe the door open slightly more for the possibility of a universal health care plan for our county. Its time we look at how this can be done and detox from the current ill system we have that is not working.
Maybe the whole burden does not have to come down on the government. We could take the incomplete system we have and complement it. The end result should be no one will be turned down for any needed treatment.
It's not about who has the better plan. It is who will help work toward a problem we should not have. That should be the next evolution to this issue. Instead of a debate formate, maybe they should put a table in the middle of the room and then ask the candidates to participate in a exercise that would formulate a health care plan for all Americans.
When you think of all the money Bush is demanding to fight this war, we could afford health care for everyone twice over. Why is the destruction of life more important than the construction of life? Is this America we live in or is this a militaristic society bent on a false sense of protecting ourselves?
Joseph
Jeremy @ 16:
yah jeremy,well here in Canada. my dad had a heart attack in 2004. he was stabilized and within 7 days he had a quadruple bypass. nothing was rationed no pre-exsisting conditions. he's a type 1 diabetic by the way(since 1936) they got him in and he went straight to the head of the line. our system in Canada may not be perfect but it does work and you don't go broke cause you can't afford healthcare. until such time as you come to canada and look for yourself i think your comments are very short sighted
[Jeremy is posting from a pharmaceutical company]
Jeremy @ 16:
Do you understand the difference between public goods/services and private goods/services?
/no, you don't
//your jingoism and ideology is pointless
///learn economics
[Jeremy is posting from a pharmaceutical company]
Death is better for business. We ain't a Plutocracy for nothin'! (Pluto was the ancient Greek god of death and the underworld.)
oh and by the way jeremy, I seem to reacall george bush has run up a debt that will never be paid off. please explain how that has not been done by big goverment. and yes i know your country is in the middle of 2 wars,afganistan(remember that one) and iraq
[Jeremy is posting from a pharmaceutical company]
The only Democratic candidate who is for real universal health care is Kucinich. Everyone else is lying through their teeth, and are only interested in getting every American under the insurance companies' thumbs. You need only compare platforms to recognize that fact.
I think it’s safe to say that had this been a GOP debate he would have been arrested before he was allowed to speak.
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So true. This man had me upset.
Edwards then had me upset with the hope of what could be.
He commented on the problem that the gentleman and his family have been dealing with and the cause for his hardship.
That would be the chairmen and CEO's of the companies pulling this sh*t.
Then he said what he'd reccommend for them as head of the federal government.
He also offered the extent to which he has been in support of this major issue in the past and the level he assures he will support the man's concern in the future if elected.
Was it something like that? I think so.
A very heartfelt exchange.
[...] Clark Contact the Webmaster Link to Article john edwards AFL-CIO Presidential Forum: Emotional Question From Audience Member On [...]
Edwards speaks of the poor and the vanishing middle class, and swears to attack their enemies.
Meanwhile, all (but one) of the other candidates are fixated on who can perform the best Dick Cheney-in-sheep's- clothing impersonation. They fear monger, and by so doing embrace the politics that led to the disaster of last weekend's FISA capitulation.
(My apology to Dennis Kucinich. But pal, you do not stand a chance in hell to gain the nomination).
This man put a human face on some very real problems; what a shame to work hard all your life and lose everything at the end because of health care. i agree w/folks posting that Edwards hit it on the head as far as health care but went too much off on a union rant, which will alienate far more people than it will attract. he was thinking primary, of course, because he has to, but that aint gonna sell at the big dance.
The only Democratic candidate who is for real universal health care is Kucinich. Everyone else is lying through their teeth, and are only interested in getting every American under the insurance companies’ thumbs. You need only compare platforms to recognize that fact.
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Read up again. Edwards wants insurance companies to have nothing to do with our health care.
Home, fire and auto maybe, but not your health.
Hey, I've loved Dennis since the seventies, but don't disregard the Edwards position on universal health care for Americans. His whole point is that we need to seperate the word "health" from "insurance".
Correct me if I'm wrong.
That was his point about health care not being a part of any labor negotiation.
We want health care and prescriptions as a result of the taxes we pay.
Sorta like our socialized military and defense.
Hearing stories like his has to touch some part of every person. What happened to him could happen to anyone. It is unconscionable that people would deny this man, or any other American, universal health care. We are guaranteed the pursuit of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Without health care, we may be denied our access to life.
I think it’s safe to say that had this been a GOP debate he would have been arrested before he was allowed to speak.
...Mitt Romney was asked a similar question in the first R debate. So let's look at his hypothetical response to Steve Skvara:
Steve Skvara, retired steel worker: “After 34 years with LTV steel, I was forced to retire because of a disability. Two years later, LTV filed bankruptcy. (voice breaking) I lost a third of my pension, and my family lost their health care. Every day of my life I sit at the kitchen table, across from the woman who devoted 36 years of her life to my family, and I can’t afford to pay for her health care. (pause) What’s wrong with America and what will you do to change it?”
Mitt Romney: Gosh. I love America. I'm afraid I'm going to be at a loss for words because America for me is not just our rolling mountains and hills and streams and great cities. It's the American people.
And the American people are the greatest people in the world. What makes America the greatest nation in the world is the heart of the American people: hardworking, innovative, risk-taking, God- loving, family-oriented American people.
It's that optimism we thank Ronald Reagan for. Thank you, Mrs. Reagan, for opening up this place in his memory for us. It is that optimism about this great people that makes this the greatest nation on earth.
after that touching man's story, I thought Edward's did a convincing job regarding health care and the disregard for the American worker. The only mention of John Edwards on CNN.com is a quote from Elizabeth Edwards taken out of context. Thank God for the internet and C&L!
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/
I watched this clip again.
Is there any wonder why FOX and the right fears this man Edwards?
Can you imagine him whithout the time contraints of a debate and merely out there
arguing on behalf of working Americans?
I never held him in high regard as a candidate in 2004, or second on the ticket.
But he really resonates.
At the same time time I think Clinton,Obama,Kucinich and Dodd are all strong too.
But Edwards has some kind of vibe.
Hey, just ask Fox News.
crazy train @ 56:
crazy train @ 56:
Did anybody notice how many health care corporations had ads on this debate?
I've always been moved by Edwards. The ultimate ticket would be Obama/Edwards or
Edwards/Obama. Imagine those two working together.
americahatesearth @ 91:
should it be runny or solid?
Andy K @ 4:
Biden is a real asshole on alot of ones alot of the time!
RON PAUL
JOHN EDWARDS
DENNIS KUCINICH
MIKE GRAVEL
The only people I can support.
Would Edwards want to be second on the ticket a second time?
I doubt it. And he is stronger than ever.
I've often thought an Edwards/Clinton ticket would be hard to beat.
But I'm not sure an Obama/Kucinich ticket could be beat next year either.
Obviously there is tons of great talent that will have to wait in 2008.
John @ 93:
Good question! -- I say eat spicy, so it burns the eyes.
crazy train @ 56:
She's been bought and paid for...she's a sell out.
Edwards has my vote. And I like his hair, but that's neither here nor there....
Ground rule doubles often bring in the winning run.
And the crowd cheers just as loud as they do with a solo homer.
But I think the GOP is going to walk in the winning run.
Or throw a wild pitch.
Volum @ 34:
Hmm. Maybe it doesn't change much because it's SANE and we've had 40+ of virtually unbroken, sheer insanity.
Plus, there are many debates here that were not around in the past. A serious discussion of climate, immigration, war, universal healthcare. This election, early as it has started, is far more substantive than past ones with all their wedge issues like flag-burning and lock-boxes and minutiae.
I'll glad take "Return to Sanity" for $1000, Alex.
Transcript @ 86:
Awesome post. Awesome juxtaposition. This is exactly why if the Dems can't win this time they should be permanently retired.
Edwards raised my esteem of him two fold. And I already thought he was good material for President. Now, I know he is. He didn't seem like he was speechifying. Nice.
25-54 are probably going to go to Edwards.
So who's the running mate?
The guy has labor right now.
Edwards/Clinton in 2008.
I've been on the Edwards band wagon for a couple of months now. I think that it is he that the right wing REALLY fears. He has not expressly said so, and I can understand this in playing politics....but he has intimated that in charge, he will go and GET THE MONEY BACK, from the exploitative upper upper class scum that have been screwing us with no kiss.....how about say a 58% marginal tax rate over 350K and among other things, a federal program beefing up the pension guarantee funds to replace lost retirement income........same thing with the military industrial complex. The magic word is "disgorgement. I would even go so far as to tax 100% of gains and dividends from military industrial stock for people who make over say 250K per year.
They took it from us.
It is ours.
We need it.
It's time to go and get it back.
And populist trial lawyer John Edwards is the best probability of making this happen.
[...] More blog reaction to Skvara’s question at CrooksandLiars.com and [...]
Has Edwards not just jumped streets ahead of the other Democrats the past couple weeks?
I was never a huge backer in 2004 though I understood his selection for VP.
But I mean, what claims he makes on behalf of our base while Bill O'Reilly (the tory) wants to suggest the Democratic base are far left.
He knows we may as well take back our country in no uncertain terms. And do so for the interests of working people.
Kinda bold.
I randomly turn on Fox and have noticed how frequently they attack Edwards. It makes you wonder if they are more afraid of him then the other candidates. I think the Repubs would like Clinton to win the nomination because it would mobilize their base to vote. It would be nice to get biden, richardson, and dodd out of the debates, so there would be more time for clinton-edwards-obama-kucinich. How about Wes Clark for a VP on a ticket with any of the above?
Great debate!
Chad @ 107:
Very likely! The real interesting point is that the national polls keep making it a three way race with Hillary in the lead, then Obama, Then Edwards.
This is the exact opposite of the internet website polls that I've seen on the progressive bloggs.
What is really interesting is the last poll of the Iowa Caucuses had Edwards at in the lead, then Obama, and Hillary a distant last.
They fear Edwards like they fear truth and the Constitution of the U.S.
The Steve Skvara segment with Edwards reminds me of Hugh Long and the
fear he struck in the hearts of the robber barons and the Republican party.
A few weeks ago polls showed Edwards beat the major GOP candidates by wider margins than any of the other Dems.
I don't trust polls a year out but that might explain the invective for Edwards from Fox and the right.
And did you see the cheers he garnered with his response?
I continue to support Edwards and this situation is why -- can you IMAGINE Bush giving that speech? Even compared to the other candidates, Edwards has something so so rare in politics these days -- COMPASSION. I truly believe that he wants to do something to help people, and that his passion is so strong that all the other side can do is bring up his WIFE'S CANCER. She truly believes that he has an opportunity to make a difference for millions and millions of people who have been neglected by their leaders, and she's willing to support him through her challenging times. The Edwards are NOT the Clintons -- his wife is not the power seeking type. Edwards has BEEN THERE, whether with his son, his upbringing, or now his wife... YOU CAN'T RELATE IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN THERE.
A wise man once told me that there can be no growth without suffering...
When he talks about crossing picket lines he is interrupted by Keith.
And then continues with his comment.
GD. There's a candidate for president.
[...] Check out this video of a question from last night’s AFL-CIO Presidential Forum. [...]
And people favor Hillary for what possible reason?
I would love to hear her response to this. Lots of hemming and hawing; lots of equivocating; lots of faint-hearted mumbling about universal health care some day. Wake up Hillary supporters. We need someone with a lot more conviction, a lot more courage, and a lot more integrity.
Hillary is ideal for the Scaredy-crats. America needs someone much, much better.
My God. He talks on behalf of organized labor.
Refreshing. N'est-ce pas?
Regaring Edwards.
When he spoke on behalf of organized labor there on televisision, I think he won the nomination.
If it was a republican, he never would have gotten to ask the question. GOP debates are scripted.
I can't get enough of this segment.
The poor devil who got pluked like me at his job.
Then Edwards telling us how different it should have been and
why he would make it different.
You get another 20 bucks from me Handsome Johnny.
The wingnuts and Limbaugh complain about trial lawyers.
Wait till we hire the best trial lawyer ever to be the president of this nation and our working people.
Run for the mountains of Bush.
I have a college degree and made super money for a corporation (Clear Channel).
I have no pension or health care and I have cancer.
I was too old (47) and made too much money (ya think? I earned it for them in sales - billed over a millon in 2002 - using talent and market knowledge).
They split up lists and brought in blonde dizbuckets and retard males.
And they still insist The Monkees didn't deserve their success.
Jeremy @ 16:
My son didn't have fun in a wheel chair for two yearswaiting for our insurance company to appove treatment that could have prevented some of the crippling effects of his diesease nor was it fun paying $600 a month for a drug that was invented in the 50's. as long as it is profit driven the sick will driven to death.
[Jeremy is posting from a pharmaceutical company]
This man brought me to tears. He honestly did.
I can understand his pain so well.
I was in the Arabian Gulf for the onset of the war.
I came back with some real mental issues but the command I worked for in the Navy considered me a malingerer.
I did get mental health care while I was in but I was basically driven from the Navy I served for 14 years.
Because I was prescribed zoloft while on active duty, I can't find any insurance company willing to cover me.
I live now with no health insurance. If my wife wasn't Japanese and able to her and the kids on Japanese government health care, my whole family would be assed out.
This is how America cares for it's veterans.
I tuned in late and did not get all of the debate, did KEITH ask what they would do about giving BUSH AND HIS CRIME FAMILY more power with this FISA law that he SCARD the DEMS into giving him. I like Edwards, H. CLINTON is in the pocket of BIG CORP:, and is a sock-puppet to LIE-berman.
this was the moment the real america turned up in presidential politics. this is a moment you have never seen with bush co. promotions. this is a moment that should be replayed at the next repube dog and pony debate.
and aside from this moment, to actually get in front of a real crowd of americans and actually let them ask unscripted questions, have the crowd boo the candidate for not answering a question (see senator biden's nonanswer to the widow of a minor) , this is the america i remember .
watch for the attacks from the wingnuts to come, directed at mr. skvara. to me the question is how many hows will it take for the first smear to come.
I watched Mr. Skvara ask his question and was moved. IMO, Edwards answer was far too measured, given with the idea that he didn't want to offend the Jeremys of this country. IMO, what he should have told Mr. Skvara is that the reason we don't have universal health care like the rest of the "first" world, the reason we rank 37th in access to healthcare is that our healthcare is rationed by greed. A few a the top must make millions or it won't fly - sadly they are supported by the tiny-brained who believe they are John Wayne standing alone on the prairie with his Winchester Model 74.
We need someone with Gravel's mouth and Hillary's brain who's not afraid to tell Phrma and the health insurance industry that their ride is over - the people are taking control.
As Good as Edwards was (and he was damn good, hands down!) I'm personally still not convinced because of one specific point...his stand on Iraq. Being a vet this one point matters to me personally. So long as he keeps his stand regarding Iraq I'm certain he won't get my vote. He's a good man, I think, but this matters to me.
The Repub establishment is very very afraid of an Edwards presidency. You can tell by the endless trivial attacks on his appearance or his wife. They never bring up his policies or social commentaries. They don't what to let their base on the "big secret" -- that most Repub voters are screwing themselves. Repubs know that "guns, god, and gays" are wearing thin in light of reality. Edwards is the populism that Gore in 2000 and Kerry in 2004 should have been campaigning on. Instead both campaigns fell into the false narrative supplied by the Repubs themselves. Edwards is not falling for that b.s. and (along with Kucinich) is holding the other candidates to the issues. Most of the issues thus far in the Demo primary has been initiated by Edwards. Edwards has taken the lead on health care, labor, poverty, and civil liberties. Remember, Edwards was the first candidate to pull out of the sandbag setup FOX debates.
I like Obama, but he's starting show the overly cautious influence of his campaign advisors. He's starting to look like an empty suit that talks like John Kennedy. Obama please show us your real self.
Hillary Clinton appears to me to be have a corporate ball and chain around her ankle. She'll be the best Republican president this country will ever have. Heavy on the social programs, heavy on the Wall Street, and heavy on the American empire. Something's gotta give. Guess what wins. She's got to show me that she's not paying lip service to Progressive ideals. (Also, FOX doesn't rag her like they used to since Murdock is hedging his bets on a Hillary presidency.)
Edwards answered well, but the beaming smile on his face as he listened to the man seemed out of place.
Personally, I'd like to see Edwards as president of the United States. I saw several of his speeches during the '04 campaign and was deeply impressed when most people didn't seem to notice. I thought then that he was a better candidate than Herman Munster... er... John Kerry.
I think Edwards has the most integrity and is likely to do the best job for the average citizen. You can't say that about any of the other candidates.
Wouldn't mind Obama as his V.P. I hope Obama wouldn't see this as degrading to settle for the second slot. It would put him in an excellent position to run for president later on.
P.S. I don't give a fuck about Edwards' hair.
Weren't we told in 2005 that Social Security (SS) could pay out 70% of benefits so why bother reforming the system? Mr. Skarva isn't very happy about the slash of his benefits, could Speaker Pelosi tell him he should be grateful. Like LTV's problems, that it what we face in SS. His Union is just as culpable for his problems. Rather than face the reality of a necessary pension defined benefit restructure in the late 1980's, to protect "future" LTV retirees, they sold their workers a false sense of security. Mr. Skarva would have been much better off if his pension were converted to a defined contribution 401-k in 1988 with a hefty portion of wealth for 22 years of work, and the next 12 years of all his efforts would not be at the mercy of the company.
Don't you wish Edwards was about 10-15 years older, and had a bit more gravitas and a bit less hair, so he'd have a shot at the nomination?
As he is, he'd make a much better candidate than Clinton or Obama, as a sure shot against any of the republicans, but how to get nominated?
I think Edwards biggest hurdle in getting the Democratic nomination is that he is so obviously, well, a Democrat. I'm torn between him and Kucinich.
Hillary is just a Republican, and not even a very moderate one at that.
edward is one of the few on the dem side who actually appears to have truth and sincerity on his side. his wife is one bright light as well. i like him.
Fritz @ 130:
Yea, let me give you an insider's view on the 401K. It is the greatest tool ever invented to transfer money from the middle class to the upper. I'm sure that you right now are looking at your account statements smugly patting yourself on the back....but the reality of the situation is that your average American, like Mr. Skarva isn't equipped to act as his own portfolio manager. In all probability you, he (theoretically), and most everyone else will do the exact WRONG thing at the wrong time. Right now, with the market at or near it's top, you can't get enough stock. Conversely, when we go plunging into the next bear market (they are inevitable), you are going to panic at or near the bottom, and sell out, maybe shifting into overpriced bonds....which you are going to lose your ass on when the market picks back up...and after you miss half of your chance to get a gain in equities, you decide that "things look OK again" and are going to start buying those again, just in time for the next peak....and the cycle repeats again. This pattern describes the investment behavior of 80% of the populace. The "little guy" (and this class includes doctors, lawyers, and engineers-I'm not being elitist) never makes any money...and the beneficiary of their lack of skill in this area is the upper class. The onus of retirement income needs to go back on the employer, and they need to PAY enough out (not run projections with unrealistic rates of return) to actually fund the accounts.
V V
Can you imagine a Republican fielding a question like this?
Here's How the Republicans would answer:
Rudy: "Don't you understand, I was mayor of NY on 9/11. You look like a terrist to me"
Tancredo: "Blame it on the Mexicans"
Brownback: "It's God's will, Steve"
Huckabee: "Tell your fat cow of a wife to lose weight like I did, Steve"
Ron Paul: "Getting rid of the Federal Reserve will fix everything!"
Romney: "You think you've got it rough. Imagine a Morman with 4 wives"
Tommy Thompson: "Sorry to hear about your problems, Steve. You should be more like the Jews. Now those are people who really know how to make a buck"
Special guest response by Fred Thompson: Ah'll have ta get back to yuh on that one. Rat now, ah'm busy in mah red pickup truck, playin' with mah wifes titties
New York Magazine:A Generation Uninsured: Living Without Health Insurance
http://nymag.com/news/features/29723/
Young adults lead in lacking healthcare: report
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070808/us_nm/young_uninsured_dc;_ylt=AnvHW....
Sigh @ 132:
I agree about Hillary - she's useless. Obama's only slightly better. No, for me it's Kucinich or Edwards (assuming Gore holds his position and stays out of the race)
dman @ 128:
edwards was smiling only to hold back the tears just as the rest of us. that beaming smile comment was below the belt.
134# You caught that too! That grin was scary. Like the uncaring Bush. No one was smiling except Edwards in hearing this tragic story.
Biden hit the nail on the head. John, you weren't walking the line, when it counted, during your six years in the Senate. You can't be trusted when you only walk the line as a PR stunt to become President.
I had to miss the debate last night . . . does any one know if it is being re-televised? I want to see it
Steve Skvara brought me to tears, we need more answers as Edwards has given.
There is nothing genuine about John Edwards. I mean, no politician is exactly genuine, but Edwards....there's just something about that guy that I just don't trust.
Jeremy @ 16:
Yes, leave your heatlh care choices or non-choices to big business and to the insurance agencies . . . that has worked out soooo well.
You just jumped the fence with a nonsegitor and you talk about "logic."
As opposed to big business and big pharma who give nothing, rape and plunder companies/pensions and health plans, rakes in $$$$$$$, and leave employees with nothing to show for a life time of work.
Your statement could also be applied to the 4th ammendment (or any part of the consitution) ... oh wait, you're right, it's already bee taking away.
Have you been screaming about that?
[Jeremy is posting from a pharmaceutical company]
NYT: Doctors’ Ties to Drug Makers Are Put on Close View
excerpt: “It’s at a wonderful restaurant, the atmosphere is very conducive to a positive attitude toward the drug, and everyone is having a good time,” said Dr. Realmuto, who compared the experience to that of buying a car in a glitzy showroom. He earned at least $20,000 between 2002 and 2004 from drug makers.
Doctors said that lectures were highly educational, and that drug makers hired them for their medical expertise and speaking skills. But former drug company sales representatives said they hired doctors as speakers mostly in hope of influencing that doctor’s prescribing habits.
“The vast majority of the time that we did any sort of paid relationship with a physician, they increased the use of our drug,” said Kathleen Slattery-Moschkau, a former sales representative for Bristol-Myers Squibb and Johnson & Johnson who left the industry in 2002. “I hate to say it out loud, but it all comes down to ways to manipulate the doctors.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/21/us/21drug.html?ex=1332129600&en=8ab21d...
And remember, this is just one of countless other casualties.
Granted that Universal Health Care is an inevitability of any (even moderately) developed nation, the question that will dog the US after it's implemented will be: What took us so long?
How long before the Right-Wing slime machine (Ann Coulter, Michelle Malkin, and others) starts smearing this gentleman. I wouldn't put it pass them.
I cried! I think Edwards answered his question well, and I think if Edwards is elected we will get a workable solution to health care and corporations raiding pension funds.
Cosmo Vivanco @ 145:
Beat me to it. I'm sure there will be some nastiness about how the guy is a pussy for crying.
He almost moved me to tears myself. And Edwards' answer makes me like him even more.
Clinton's becoming more and more of a neocon. It's actually quite scary.
I like Edwards, but get real. I was let down by his response to the guy who was so sincere.
Maybe I expect too much, but that wasn't what I was hoping for.
Hillary did well...you may not like her, but she's Presidential material.
You people calling Hillary a republican is disgusting.
LOOK at her voting record...god*amn..to be a politican, means to be a politician...anyone complaining of triagulation and attributing it to one politician is ignorant..Triangulation goes on between ALL politicans; only some are much better at it than others, and actually manage to salvage part of the good they were trying to accomplish.
Anyone thinking Hillary would take away freedoms, and spy on Americans without court oversight, or do ANY of the things bush has done must be crazy.
1)Look at the political environment
2)People say they don't care she's a woman, but if she were holding tea parties, and talking about fashion, would you vote for her? No. She has to take into account that she's a woman, because it's a built-in fact/liability when running for President.
Biden would probably make an excellent President...he's the real deal. But do you "like" him? Would you have "a beer with him?"
Admit it. We're as guilty as the rest of Americans when it comes to that likeability crap.
With that said, Hillary Clinton is the best choice AMONG THE CURRENT Dems running.
The more they publicize that exchange, the better off we are going to be. The kind of people who will sling mud at this are reality challenged wingnuts, and we aren't going to win them over anyways.
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