Edwards: Gap between 'Two Americas' growing

[JohnLocke]

Edwards: Gap between 'Two Americas' growing
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Associated Press
----
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards is bemoaning the growing divide between rich and poor as he returns to the signature theme of "Two Americas" from his unsuccessful 2004 White House bid.
Looking to break out from under two leading rivals, Edwards planned to focus on the economic gap that he argues has widened since his last run.
"Our tax system has been rewritten by George Bush to favor the wealthy and shift the burden to working families. That is simply wrong," Edwards said, according to text provided by his campaign. "There are still two Americas."
(...)
The economic theme was at the core of his first bid, while this time he has focused on opposition to the Iraq war, universal health care and his work to fight poverty. He is putting a new emphasis on economic themes as he tries to expand his campaign beyond Iowa, where he holds the edge in some polls based in part on his ties from the last campaign and organization.
(....)
"I have learned something in the last four years, though," Edwards said in the speech. "It's not enough to talk about the Two Americas. We also need to talk about what we need to do to build One America."

Edwards to call for new rules against lenders

Edwards' plan includes a Borrower's Security Act, new rules for the credit card industry to help give consumers debt relief. He also would limit payday loans that are frequently used by low-income earners.
"We should start with the Wild West of the credit industry, where some abusive and predatory lenders are robbing families blind," he said. "It's time for a new sheriff in town."
He also said he would create a Family Savings and Credit Commission to help protect consumers from abusive financial practices. He also said he would eliminate the Office of Thrift Supervision, a financial regulatory division under the Treasury Department that he called an "excess regulatory bureaucracy."
"We need to reform our tax code," Edwards said. "Our current system favors the unearned income of people already doing incredibly well instead of rewarding the work of families trying to get ahead. It has all kinds of loopholes and shelters that lawyers can twist for their wealthy clients. It forces millions of families to hire help to figure out how much they owe."
(...)
----
Read the rest here.

[antigop]

1. Glad to hear it, John! n/t

[wildhorses]

2. glad to kick this and give it is 5th rec

:kick:

[MannyGoldstein]

3. And His Hedge Fund Is Helping It Grow!

As did his vote for job-obliterating permanent 'free' trade with China.

(The capacity for people to overlook draw-dropping hypocrisy never ceases to amaze me.)

[waiting for hope]

4. Hey Manny - it's

great that you do so much in supporting Edwards' threads by kicking them. Keep it up!

BTW: I just wish you an find a candidate you can support and put your efforts there, it's somewhat upsetting that you feel so disenfranchised.

[JohnLocke]

5. Thanks for kicking the thread!

[1932]

8. Yet free-trade CATO institute has Edwards ranked lower than Kucinich and Gephardt

in their measure of free-trade friendliness (which I know you know, Manny).

So, he's the least free-trade friendly of anyone who ran in '04.

So how can he be a hypocrite?

[w4rma]

9. Manny doesn't like any Democrats. (nt)

[MannyGoldstein]

10. He's Renaming it The Grameen Hedge Fund!!!

It goes nicely with the name of his enormous palace, Casa Mother Teresa.

[1932]

11. So, what's your argument?

[tkmorris]

13. He's not making an argument

He's taking a number 2. The Ex-lax is strong in this one.

[1932]

15. I guess it says volumes about his committment to and belief in his claims.

[1932]

16. Still working on an argument to address CATO ratings, Manny?

[1932]

21. Manny, have you given any more thought to the CATO ratings?

[loyalsister]

6. This is so important

I am especially happy to see that he is bringing the seriousness of need for predatory lending practices of the payday loan industry and credit card industries to the forefront.

[LaPera]

7. Besides Kucinich, John Edwards progressive thinking is miles ahead of the pack!

[calteacherguy]

12. You left off this part....

Dan Ronayne, spokesman for the Republican National Committee, scoffed at Edwards' economic theme.

"John Edwards likes to talk about the 'Two Americas' but he should add a third America -- his. The America of $400 haircuts, mansions, hedge funds and tax loopholes is one uniquely his own," he said.

Unfortunately, Edwards has lost credibility on the issue.

[tkmorris]

14. You're quoting a spokesman for the RNC?

You think that makes your point? Tell me, whose candidacy does that guy support?

Hey Cal ya know what? If the spokesman for the RNC feels the need to slime a Dem candidate, THAT'S MY BOY!

[1932]

17. True dat!

Double true.

[calteacherguy]

18. They are talking points that will be used should he become the nominee.

Be prepared.

[Forkboy]

19. Yes...RIGHT WING talking points will be used.

You don't have to play along and do their work for them though. :eyes:

[w4rma]

20. It's fine with me. The Republicans will attack him on something. That is scraping the bottom of the

barrel.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

22. He has to create LOTS of jobs or it won't work.

There are no middle class jobs left that I can see.

Like FDR did with the CCC, WPA, and all that stuff.