Democratic '08ers Take 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.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson followed up noting that as the only "brown" guy at the Brown and Black Forum, that he get more time to speak. Richardson also chose to ask Clinton his question of the evening: "Sen. Clinton, don't you think governors make good presidents?" After much laughter from the audience, Clinton responded "Well Bill, I also think they make good vice presidents."

With Obama and Clinton focusing on courting African American voters, Obama was asked to explain why polls show Clinton draws more support from African American voters then she does. He credited Clinton's popularity with years in public service, but added that voters are more concerned about assimilation issues, paying their rent and sending their children to college, then identity.

Clinton was able to stand out on the issue of drug sentencing. While all the other candidates supported retroactivity, she noted, "On principle I have problems with retroactivity -- and I think that is something a lot of communities will tackle as well."

Obama pledged that as president he would help prioritize strengthening enforcement of hate crimes legislation. He asked Biden if he would join him to which Biden coolly responded, "I would be happy to make you the head of the civil right division of my administration."

Although only Democrats participated, all of the candidates were invited to attend the non-partisan forum. Sen. Biden joined the forum an hour late due to inclement weather. He apologized to attendees but sharply noted to his on-time rivals, "I don't have a plane."

At the concussion of an event marred by technical issues, moderator Ray Suarez said good night to the audience, but a hot mic was able to hear him add, "Yikes!"