Biden: History is going to judge Bush harshly not just for the mistakes he’s made but for the opportunities he’s squandered. It will judge us the same way. He goes on to say that he called a meeting of the world’s major powers to meet in Europe this fall to discuss ways that the United States can be freed from the “axis of oil.” Closes with a quote from Irish poet Seamus Heaney.
Dodd: We’ll decide what kind of century we’ll live in. The issues we discuss today transcend any community. When I joined the Peace Corps, people asked me why. I said because my American president[(Kennedy] asked me to be a part of something larger than life. That’s what I offer you, together, let’s create one nation.
Obama: I do think it’s important to remind ourselves that words alone are not enough. Every two or four years politicians come to the NAACP and drive through impoverished neighborhoods, visit churches. But then, when they get elected, they fade and the promises are forgotten. They’re forgotten because poor people don’t make big contributions in Washington. Don’t look at sound bytes, but sound works. Who has devoted their lives to lifting people up out of poverty? If we do it together, we won’t just win an election, but transform a nation.
Richardson: I’m running for president to bring our country together again. We have momentous challenges: get healthcare to every American, make our schools better, end the war, tackle energy and environmental challenges. He lists his posts: worked at the UN and has experience dealing with international leaders. Closes with: We need to make the future better for our kids and fight to give America’s middle class, who has been forgotten a voice in the next administration.
Gravel: Would his colleagues support ending the war on drugs, a war on African Americans? It’s time to end it. On the war in Iraq, many of the people on the stage voted to start the war in Iraq. Finishes up by talking about ending the war in Iraq. References New York Times bestseller Where Have All the Leaders Gone? by Lee Iacocca.
Kucinich: Talks about healthcare and his work with Rep. John Conyers (D-Michigan) to create a not-for-profit healthcare system. Much of what we’re charged for in this country is advertising and marketing, payment to Congress, political allies for support. Lift up the health of our people! HR676. Deliver healthcare to the American people.
Edwards: If you believe we need to end the war in Iraq; that we need universal healthcare; equal rights and civil rights…what are you willing to do? What we know as the great movements in American history didn’t start in the Oval Office. It started in towns and communities, universities and college campuses. You gotta be the change you believe in. If you wanna live in a moral and just America, we have to do this together. This is not just going to be a political campaign, this is going to be a movement to change America.
Clinton: Thanks the organist at the NAACP, which connects to black faith traditions. If we’re going to win, we need to have faith. Creating millions of new good jobs for people; pre-school education; affordable college. I know America is ready for change and I believe we can bring those changes around the world, starting with ending the war in Iraq. It’s not just about who we elect as president, but we have to get back to believing in each other again. There is so much that awaits us and if you’re ready for that change, Clinton hopes you’ll see her as someone who can usher in and lead that change.
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