Democratic '08ers Take On Minority Issues
Democratic candidates participate in a forum focusing on minority issues.
Dec. 2, 2007 — -- It was cold outside as an ice storm hit Des Moines, making it difficult to campaign. But the Democratic presidential contenders managed to warm up to minority issues at the Iowa Black and Brown Forum.
From driver's licenses to the minimum wage to education, few topics important to African American and Hispanic voters went untouched.
While it was a comfortable setting with candidates sitting in plush chairs on the stage, Sen. Chris Dodd D-Conn., quickly reminded that this was a still a debate of distinctions and less of a living room conversation.
Taking advantage of the forum's structure where candidates were allowed to ask each other questions, he asked former Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., why he voted for the bankruptcy bill credited with being destructive to working class families, especially given his populist platform.
Edwards responded, "I was wrong and you were right Chris. I should not have voted for it."
Communication between the candidates was cut short quickly, with the evening full of audio problems. At one point, Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., had to pass a hand-held microphone to Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, so he could speak, prompting Kucinich to joke, "Thank you for passing the baton in this race."
John Edwards was quizzed on race relations, specifically if the tone of the country is reflected by the diversity represented among the Democratic field. Said Edwards, "I'm proud of the fact that my party has a woman running for president, has an African running for president, has a Latino running for president. I think that's a great thing."
Edwards used his opportunity to ask an opponent a question to make an ally rather than an enemy. He asked Obama if he would join him in raising the minimum wage and indexing it to go up. Obama quickly quipped, "The answer is yes," which was met by a large round of applause.
Kucinich, never one to be shy about equal air time, took a moment to inject some humor into the forum during his candidate question by choosing to ask a question to well, himself. Kucinich asked Kucinich, if it were true he was the only candidate sitting on the stage advocating a single payer, not for profit healthcare system. He answered, yes of course.
Related Stories
ABC News Live