Gov. Kathleen Sebelius announces themes for the DNC

"We have plans not only to include voices from across America, but also people from across America who have never had a chance to participate before", said Kansas Governor, and Democratic Vice Presidential hopeful, Kathleen Sebelius at a conference call discussing the nightly themes for the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. She went on to say, "We felt that the Democratic Convention was a great way to kick off the momentum for change."

Sebelius said that the overall theme for the convention will be "America's Townhall", and that each night would have a theme of its own marked with a keynote speaker. Monday's theme will be "America at a Crossroads", with the speaker being Sen. Barack Obama's wife Michelle. Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) is scheduled to speak on Tuesday night when the theme will be "Renewing America's Promise", which will deal with economic issues and access to health care. On Wednesday, Sebelius said the theme will center around the contributions of veterans, as well as those currently serving in the US military, with the speaker being Obama's Vice Presidential running mate, who will be selected before the convention. Sebelius also stated that the theme for Wednesday does not necessarily imply that Obama's Vice President will have a substantial background in veterans' affairs, though the selection will definitely be knowledgeable in the area.

When asked if she had been vetted by the Obama campaign for the Vice Presidential slot, Sebelius responded by saying, "I have made it clear since I enthusiastically endorsed Senator Obama that I would be enthusiastic about doing anything I can to help him be elected to the president of the United States [...]". She added that all information about Obama's selection for Vice President would have to be answered by his campaign.

Anita Dunn, Senior Campaign Advisor for Sen. Obama, responded to a question as to whether Elizabth Edwards, the wife of former Sen. John Edwards would be speaking in light of recent news regarding his extramarital affair by saying neither will be attending the convention.

Edwards’s new moral standard

The United States’s ability to fight global poverty was discussed by former Senator John Edwards (D-N.C.) at a conference held by the Center for U.S. Global Engagement. Edwards said that ending poverty is a non-partisan issue that must be seriously considered and that it is the responsibility of the next president to show Americans that their future is directly linked to the lives of people at home and abroad.

Edwards emphasized the need to improve educational standards in the developing world. He said that failed states, civil wars, and poverty cause developing countries to cut educational programs, allowing terrorism to thrive. He continued, saying children are indoctrinated to hate since the only educational options left for them are religious schools run by fundamentalists. Edwards also said the United States must fight disease by supporting preventative healthcare and work to end hunger, stating that 12 million American children went hungry in 2007.

Edwards rallied those in attendance by saying that the American Dream is supposed to be attainable for all and that Americans should not have to rely on organizations to assist them in a land of opportunity. He said Americans are ready to embrace a new moral standard, endorsing democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama as the candidate that can realize these goals.

Uniting the United States

Between cheers of support, former Senator John Edwards (D-N.C.) discussed ways to end poverty in the United States at the Campus Progress of the Center for American Progress Convention in Washington. Edwards urged college students in attendance to lead the fight against “America’s great moral shame,” 37 million Americans living in poverty, and to fight against President Bush’s “war on work.”

Edwards cited past efforts by Presidents F. Roosevelt and Johnson that helped to alleviate poverty, adding that the United States has failed to focus on poverty as a major issue for 40 years. He recommended fixing economic shortfalls by raising the minimum wage, increasing tax breaks, and restoring child tax credits to all taxpayers. Edwards said Americans should no longer tolerate hungry children, inadequate public education, lack of healthcare availability, and veteran suicide rates.

To involve students more in the fight against poverty, Edwards encouraged convention goers to become involved in Half in Ten, Edwards’s campaign dedicated to reducing poverty levels by half in ten years. Edwards told students not to sit on the sidelines and become active in helping those most in need.

Edwards also told students that youth movements have historically brought social change and encouraged youth to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors and unite the country for change. He said the “two Americas” divide is growing and that the indifferences associated with it are turning into the status quo.

Progressive coalition announces new campaign to end Iraq war

A coalition of progressive organizations held a conference call today to announce the launching of a new $20 million campaign to end the war in Iraq and inform the public about the connection between government spending in Iraq and the dwindling economy. Former Senator and presidential candidate John Edwards and his wife Elizabeth are lending the campaign their names and support. The organizations included in this campaign are MoveOn.org, Center for American Progress, VoteVets.org, Americans United for Change, and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) which collectively includes 6 million members.

Eli Pariser of MoveOn.org told listeners that the campaign will be aimed at reminding Congress about the “crushing” consequences of Bush’s “failed” strategy in Iraq, into which the U.S. has already invested $500 billion. He said the MoveOn.org will contribute $5 million into the campaign to pressure Congress to end the war and blamed Republicans for acting to block Democrats’ efforts to do so.

John Edwards said that he witnessed a lot of “anger” and “angst” toward the state of the economy and the war in Iraq during his travels across the country while campaigning for president. He said that people don’t understand why the government is spending $500 billion in Iraq when over 40 million Americans are living without health care and 37 million are in poverty. He also stressed the importance of understanding the connection between the war in Iraq and the price of gas, the “broken” health care system, high college tuition, and mortgage foreclosures. Elizabeth Edwards took the phone from her husband to reiterate his message and told listeners that she sometimes becomes “depressed” because of the lack of media attention these issues receive.