John Edwards Last Update: 10/17/07 Biography

Democratic Party John Edwards 2008 Candidate for President of the United States of America Campaign Website | Candidate Forum

			Issues

(Select An Issue to Jump Directly) Abortion Affirmative Action Darfur Death Penalty Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Energy Plan Free Trade Global Warming Guantanamo Bay Detainment Camp Gun Control Health Care Immigration Iran Iraq Plan Kyoto Protocol Medical Marijuana Military Contractors Military Funding Minimum Wage Increase National Deficit Net Neutrality No Child Left Behind Act Nuclear Power Outsourcing Same-Sex Marriage School Vouchers Social Security Stem Cell Research Tax Reform The Military Commissions Act of 2006 The Patriot Act Top Contributors & Amounts Unemployment Welfare

	John Edwards on Abortion
	Stance: Pro-Choice Description: John Edwards is Pro-Choice. Citations: 1. South Carolina Democratic debate transcript (8/2/07) When asked about the public's opinion of partial birth and late term abortions and the actions and stances of the democratic candidates, John Edwards responded with: "No, I don't believe it is. I would say first that this decision by the Supreme Court is actually a perfect example of what's at stake in this election. The kind of people that will be appointed to the United States Supreme Court by the next president will control whether a woman's freedom, freedom to choose, make her own health care decisions will be made by her or will be made by the government or by some men sitting on the United States Supreme Court. So I think it's really crucial for all voters who are listening to this debate, including here in South Carolina, to make a very hard decision about who's most likely to be strong in winning this election. Now, on the issue of abortion, I think -- I believe in a woman's right to choose, but I think this is an extraordinarily difficult issue for America. And I think it is very important for the president of the United States to recognize, while I believe the government should not make these health-care decisions for women -- I believe they should have the freedom to make them themselves -- this is a very difficult issue for many people. And I think we have to show respect for people who have different views about this." 2. Abortion Rights Activist Backs Edwards (7/6/07) This article discusses why pro-choice activist Kate Michelman is supporting the Edwards campaign.

	John Edwards on Affirmative Action
	Stance: Supports Description: John Edwards has stated that he supports affirmative action. Citations: 1. John Edwards - Affirmative Action (7/31/07) Supports Affirmative Action by: 1.) ensure that appointed judges believe in affirmative action. 2.) create magnet schools to actively desegregate.

	John Edwards on Darfur
	Stance: Implement a no-fly zone over Darfur, use a security force, and implement diplomatic sanctions Description: John Edwards' plan includes implementing a no-fly zone, using a security force, and implementing diplomatic sanctions to prevent countries supporting the Sudanese government, particularly China. Citations: 1. Transcript of the Third Democratic Primary Presidential Debate (8/1/07) "I agree, a no-fly zone -- we need to get a security force on the ground; sanctions -- we need to put pressure on the Chinese. But I -- Darfur is part of a bigger question for America, which is, how do we re-establish ourselves after Iraq as a force for good in the world again? And I think there are lots of things we ought to do. Instead of spending $500 billion in Iraq, suppose America led an effort to make primary school education available to 100 million children in the world who have no education, including in Africa.Suppose we led on stopping the spread of disease, sanitation, clean drinking water and economic development."

	John Edwards on Death Penalty
	Stance: Supports death penalty Description: Edwards supports the death penalty, saying some crimes "deserve the ultimate penalty." He was a supporter of capital punishment reform while in the Senate and told the Associated Press in 2004 he believes that "we need reforms in the death penalty to ensure that defendants receive fair trials, with zealous and competent lawyers, and with full access to DNA testing." Citations: 1. The Candidates on the Death Penalty (7/23/07) His stance on the death penalty through the church's eyes.

	John Edwards on Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
	Stance: Opposes Drilling Description: Senator John Edwards has voted to disallow drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Citations: 1. U.S. Roll Call Votes S.Amdt. 272 to S.Con.Res. 23 (7/23/07) Senator John Edwards votes to prevent consideration of drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in a fast-track budget reconciliation bill. 2. Energy Security Policy Bill Roll Call (11/5/07) Voted no on an amendment to the "Energy Security Policy" bill of 2002, which supported oil and gas exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

	John Edwards on Energy Plan
	Stance: Achieve energy independence by building a new energy economy based on clean renewable energy and energy efficiency. Description: Achieve energy independence by building a new energy economy based on clean renewable energy and energy efficiency. Citations: 1. Investing In Our Future And Our Communities (8/7/07) Edwards will restore our energy independence by asking Americans to be patriotic about something other than war and building a new energy economy based on clean renewable energy and energy efficiency. 2. John Edwards - Energy Plan, Iraq, Universal Health Care (7/31/07) John Edwards outlines his energy plan: 1.) Cap national carbon dioxide emissions so that America can reduce CO2 emissions by 80% by 2050. 2.) Auction off the right to emit carbon dioxide. 3.) Use the revenue to change the way we use energy in America. Generating at least 25% of our electricity by 2025 from renewable resources. 4.) Increase fuel efficiency stands of automobiles. 5.) Create provision of energy for homes and offices. 6.) Ban the building of new coal fired power plants that do not have a way to capture their green house gases. 3. Edwards on the Record (10/9/07) An interview with John Edwards about his presidential platform on energy and the environment where he talks about carbon taxes, emissions law, etc...

	John Edwards on Free Trade
	Stance: Opposes Description: Edwards voted against the implementation of the free trade agreement with Chile in 2003, and against the Africa Free Trade bill in 1999. But he voted in favor of the U.S.-China Relations Act in 2000. Edwards has also criticized NAFTA, although he was not in Senate at the time of its passage in 1993. Citations: 1. Democratic Candidates on Trade (7/26/07) How JRE has voted on Free Trade bills. 2. John Edwards: Union Man (10/15/07) "We've tipped the scale too far toward trade agreements that don't have adequate labor and environmental protections. We have to have trade agreements that are good for American workers, not just good for American corporations. But I don't believe we should use that as a ruse for shutting down trade." - John Edwards

	John Edwards on Global Warming
	Stance: Our nation's dependence on oil and other fossil fuels is contributing to global warming. Description: John Edwards believes that we must be investing in clean, renewable energies like wind, solar, and biofuels to create a new energy economy, developing a new generation of efficient cars and trucks, and putting new energy-saving technologies to work in buildings, transportation, and industry. Citations: 1. Investing In Our Future And Our Communities (8/6/07) Global warming is a crisis that could fundamentally change our plan, creating hundreds of millions of deaths and starvation. Edwards will restore our energy independence by asking Americans to be patriotic about something other than war and building a new energy economy based on clean renewable energy and energy efficiency. 2. Edwards answers conservation question (8/6/07) Edwards talks about how he doesn't favor nuclear power but favors solar power and biofuels. 3. Edwards talks Global Warming in Cedar Rapids (8/6/07) Edwards talks about how we have no sway in preventing global warming worldwide because we contribute the most to it. He then outlines his plan to address that issue. 4. Edwards Talks Global Warming at Hall of Fame Dinner in IA (8/6/07) "We need to be patriotic about something other than war" - John Edwards on global warming. 5. John Edwards UNLV Part 2 (8/6/07) Edwards speaks to UNLV about solutions for global warming like capping auto emissions. 6. John Edwards UNLV Part 1 (8/6/07) John Edwards talking about how bad the U.S. needs to "clean up" 7. John Edwards UNLV Part 3 (8/6/07) John Edwards imploring people make a difference about global warming. 8. Exclusive: Interview with Senator John Edwards on Science-Related Topics (11/5/07) " I believe America has to lead the way in dealing with the crisis of climate change and global warming. We are four percent of the world's population, but we emit as much as 25 percent of the world's greenhouse gases. We have no credibility with the rest of the world on this issue right now. We're the worst polluter on the planet. America needs to lead by example. ... We must lead the world to a new climate treaty that commits other countries -- including developing nations -- to reduce their pollution. I will insist that developing countries join us in this effort, by offering to share new clean energy technology and, if necessary, using trade agreements to require binding greenhouse reductions." - Edwards 9. Amendment to the Energy Policy Act of 2003 Roll Call (11/5/07) Voted yes on an amendment to the "Energy Policy Act of 2003," which would have increased automobile fuel efficiency standards to 40 mpg by 2015. 10. Edwards on the Record (10/9/07) Edwards talks about how he doesn't support energy sources that further global warming.

	John Edwards on Guantanamo Bay Detainment Camp
	Stance: Close Guantanamo Description: Edwards has promised to close the Guantanamo Bay detainment camp in Cuba on his first day in office if he is elected president. Citations: 1. Edwards Addresses the Council on Foreign Relations (8/29/07) Edwards on how he will close Guantanamo as soon as possible. 2. Edwards: Washington is 'broken' (8/13/07) The candidate promised to close the Guantanamo Bay detainment camp in Cuba on his first day in office if he is elected president, calling the facility "an embarrassment" for the United States.

	John Edwards on Gun Control
	Stance: Supports background checks and restriction of assault weapons. Description: John Edwards believes that the right to own a gun should be protected. He also supports in background checks and restrictions on the purchase of assault weapons. Citations: 1. Edwards touts southern roots in S.C. (7/7/07) This article includes the following paragraph: Edwards supports gun control measures such as background checks at gun shows, but stressed his support of gun ownership rights in his rural America plan. In the interview with the AP, Edwards said he grew up hunting deer, rabbits and birds, but doesn't hunt any longer. "I think it's important for us to respect the right to own firearms and to use them for protection," he said. "I don't think, though, that it means anybody needs an AK-47 to hunt."

	John Edwards on Health Care
	Stance: Supports Universal Health Care Description: Edwards' plan would offer cash payments in place of long-term patents for companies that develop certain breakthrough drugs and then reap large profits because of the monopolies those patents provide. He said offering cash incentives instead would allow multiple companies to produce generic and other versions of those drugs to drive down prices. Campaign officials said the payments could be voluntary for drug companies and would be aimed at spurring the development of drugs that cure diseases. He also said his plan would require health insurance companies to spend at least 85 percent of the premiums they collect on patient care, adding that 30 percent of insurance premiums currently go toward administrative expenses and profit. He said New York, Minnesota, New Jersey, Florida already impose similar requirements. His plan also would require that all Americans sign up for health insurance and would enact various reforms aimed at lowering administrative costs for providers and improving chronic and preventive care for patients. Citations: 1. Meet The Press Transcript for Feb. 4, 2007 (7/6/07) On page 4 of this transcript, John Edwards says: "he bottom line is we're asking everybody to share in the responsibility of making health care work in this country. Employers, those who are in the medical insurance business, employees, the American people - everyone will have to contribute in order to make this work." 2. Edwards' health care plan includes higher taxes (7/6/07) John Edwards discusses his universal health care plan and its tax ramifications on Meet The Press with Tim Russert. 3. Edwards lays out health care plan (7/6/07) Outlines John Edwards health care plans. 4. Democratic Debate - Edwards on Health Care (7/31/07) John Edwards at the Democratic debates discussing how Washington needs to take on drug companies and HMOs. 5. Will you stand up? (Health Care) (7/31/07) John Edwards stating he stands up for universal health care. 6. John Edwards - Energy Plan, Iraq, Universal Health Care (7/31/07) John Edwards outlines his plan for universal health care: 1.) Covers every single American. 2.) Requires employers to either cover their employees or pay into a fund for coverage. 3.) Government sets up health care markets so citizens can choose between private health care and a government run health care. 4.) Government subsidies health care for low and middle income families. 5.) Mandate use of techology and redo record keeping to increase efficiency. 6.) Mental health treated like physical health. Chronic care, long term care, and preventative care are all covered. This would cost 90-120 billion and would largely be funded by rolling back tax cuts for people who make more than $200,000 a year. 7. The Presidential Candidates on Health Care (7/27/07) A few quotes and a summary of Edwards stance on healthcare. 8. Interview With John Edwards on Healthcare (10/9/07) John Edwards talks about how he will let the people decide. 9. Steelworkers, Miners Endorse Edwards (10/15/07) "In our America, every single American will have health care coverage. We will require it by law. We will get rid of the gaps in the health care system. I don't claim that universal health care is free. My proposal will cost $90 billion to $120 billion a year. But I have a way to pay for it. Get rid of George Bush's tax cuts for people who make over $200,000 a year." - John Edwards

	John Edwards on Immigration
	Stance: Secure borders, get tougher on employers of illegal immigrants, Allow illegal immigrants to earn citizenship which includes fining illegal immigrants and making them learn english. Description: Edwards believes that the root of the problem lies in the border, which we need to secure first and foremost. He wants there to be tougher penalties for employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants. He also supports a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants but wants them to have to earn it by paying fines and learning english. Edwards has also voted to expand the number of work visas to immigrants by voting in favor of the expansion of the H-1B visa program. Citations: 1. Presidential Candidates on Immigration (9/10/07) a collection of quotes on immigration 2. On The Issues: Immigration (7/7/07) A brief summary of candidates and their views on immigration. 3. A Letter By Edwards about H-1B visa program (7/24/07) A letter he wrote speaking for the expansion of the H-1B visa program. 4. JRE on Immigration (7/24/07) Edwards answering a question about immigration and his plan on immigration.

	John Edwards on Iran
	Stance: Create nonaggression pact with Iran if it gives up nuclear plans; has not ruled out military force as an option Description: Edwards says that he would support the creation of a "nonaggression pact" with Iran, if Iran would agree to give up its nuclear plans. To accomplish this, Edwards backs opening direct negotiations with Iran. At the same time, he has not ruled out military force as an option for U.S. policymakers. Citations: 1. Edwards: Treaty With Iran Possible (8/13/07) Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards told a group of New Hampshire voters Saturday that he would consider pursuing a nonaggression pact between the United States and Iran.

	John Edwards on Iraq Plan
	Stance: Reduce American involvement, build Iraq's capacity, and including other countries in the rebuilding process. Description: John Edwards has defined a plan for successfully rebuilding Iraq. In the Washington Post he wrote "A plan for success needs to focus on three interlocking objectives: reducing the American presence, building Iraq's capacity and getting other countries to meet their responsibilities to help." Citations: 1. Edwards echoes King's anti-war message (7/7/07) John Edwards speaks out against President Bush's plan to increase the number of troops in Iraq. 2. The Right Way in Iraq (7/6/07) John Edwards apologizes for supporting the Iraq War in 2002. He then goes on to propose a plan to build a stable nation in Iraq and reduce US involvement. 3. Edwards Denounces 'McCain Doctrine' on Iraq (7/6/07) George Stephanopoulos interviews John McCain on the Iraq troop surge. 4. John Edwards - Energy Plan, Iraq, Universal Health Care (7/31/07) There is no military solution to Iraq. Does not support immediate withdrawal. 40-50 thousand out now, and the rest out in a year. We do need to maintain presence in the region. Put troops in kuwait and redeploy troops in Afghanistan. 5. John Edwards - A Message from John Edwards (10/25/07) John Edwards is urging people to support the troops and speak out in bringing them home.

	John Edwards on Kyoto Protocol
	Stance: Supports Description: Edwards has criticized Bush for pulling out of the Kyoto Protocol. Citations: 1. John Edwards: US made a mistake disengaging on Kyoto (8/8/07) Edwards criticizes Bush for pulling out of Kyoto.

	John Edwards on Medical Marijuana
	Stance: Previously supported federal raids, but now opposes them. Description: In 2007, Sen. Edwards stated publicly that he would end the DEA's raids on medical marijuana patients in states that have approved medical marijuana use for the seriously ill. This is a switch from his position four years ago, when he stated that it would be "irresponsible" to end the raids. Citations: 1. John Edwards on Medical Marijuana (7/23/07) His stance on mm from a pro mm organization. 2. Most Candidates Back Medical Marijuana Patient Protection (7/23/07) How John Edwards changed position.

	John Edwards on Military Contractors
	Stance: Reduce the use of military contractors in Iraq Description: John Edwards has stated he would reduce the roll of military contractors in Iraq and provide better oversight to hold them accountable for their actions. Citations: 1. New Rules for Contractors Are Urged by 2 Democrats (10/17/07) This article discusses how former Senator John Edwards wants end "the outsourcing of military and security missions to contractors." He also has a plan to expand U.S. laws to cover contractors overseas. 2. Edwards Calls on Limited Role for Blackwater-type Contractors (10/17/07) "During a speech billed as a policy rollout against North Carolina-based security firm Blackwater USA and its peers, Edwards called for limiting roles for such contractors, greater oversight and a complete termination of combat missions in Iraq." 3. John Edwards on What to do About Blackwater (10/16/07) John Edwards vows to stop the user of blackwater on Keith Olberman's television show countdown filmed on Oct 3, 2007.

	John Edwards on Military Funding
	Stance: Increase funding to increase size of military Description: Edwards want to see an enhancement in military numbers. Citations: 1. '08 hopefuls would grow the military (8/14/07) Former Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.) and Sen. Joseph Biden (D-Del.) also want to see an enhancement in military numbers. Biden is advocating a larger concentration of special-operations forces and the creation of a civilian corps that would respond to post-conflict emergencies worldwide.

	John Edwards on Minimum Wage Increase
	Stance: Supports minimum wage increase Description: Edwards believes that "raising the minimum wage is one of the most important steps we can take to lift working families out of poverty and into the middle class." As President he plans to gradually increase the minimum wage to $9.50 an hour by 2012 and ensure that it continues to rise so minimum-wage workers will share in our nation's prosperity. Citations: 1. John Edwards on Minimum Wage (8/1/07) Video - John Edwards voices his stance on raising the minimum wage, dealing with poverty, and retirement. 2. John Edwards: Edwards Calls For Minimum Wage Increase As Part Of Plan To Build One America (8/1/07) Article discussing Edwards' plan to increase the minimum wage if elected President.

	John Edwards on National Deficit
	Stance: Do not make the deficit worse, but there are more important issues such as health care and global warming Description: "I am committed to not making the deficit worse. But I do not put deficit reduction on the same level with universal health care or the transformation we're going to need on global warming. I may disappoint you, and if deficit reduction is your thing, I may lose you on this. But you should know the truth." - John Edwards Citations: 1. Edwards: Universal Health Care Trumps Balanced Budget (10/8/07) Democratic presidential contender John Edwards says it is more important to invest in universal health care and lifting people out of poverty than to reduce the budget deficit. 2. The Poverty Platform (10/8/07) Predistributionists consider budget deficits necessary in order to make large-scale social investments in health care and job retraining. John Edwards is a predistributionist. 3. John Edwards and the Prevailing Winds (10/8/07) His campaign says he won't increase the deficit, but Edwards says reducing it is not his top priority. That's a contrast from the candidate of 2004, who promised to "get us back on the path to a balanced budget." Then, he said, "We have a moral responsibility not to leave trillions of debt to our children and our grandchildren." 4. John Edwards: Union Man (10/15/07) "I am committed to not making the deficit worse. But I do not put deficit reduction on the same level with universal health care or the transformation we're going to need on global warming. I may disappoint you, and if deficit reduction is your thing, I may lose you on this. But you should know the truth." - John Edwards

	John Edwards on Net Neutrality
	Stance: Supports Description: Edwards doesn't want to squash grassroots media and support consolidation of the media which he feels would happen if we didn't support net neutrality. Citations: 1. Edwards: Net Neutrality (8/13/07) In a visit to Howard, Edwards says he supports net neutrality 2. John Edwards Writes to the FCC (10/15/07) "Anyone winning rights to this valuable public resource should be required not to discriminate among data and services and to allow any device to be attached to their service." - Edwards

	John Edwards on No Child Left Behind Act
	Stance: Supports Description: Edwards supports and has voted in favor of No Child Left Behind and argues it is underfunded. Citations: 1. John Edwards speech to the NEA (7/26/07) Talks about how bad the testing standards are in NCLB. 2. John Edwards: No Child Left Behind (7/26/07) Edwards answers a question about the No Child Left Behind law 3. The Issues / John Edwards (7/26/07) Says he supports NCLB

	John Edwards on Nuclear Power
	Stance: Opposes Description: Edwards opposes nuclear energy because there is no good way to deal with the waste and "we have immediate needs and getting one of these nuclear power plants online starting from scratch, which is what we'd be doing, would take an enormous amount of time." Citations: 1. John Edwards addresses nuclear energy in Florence, SC (8/14/07) Edwards "is not" in favor of nuclear energy.

John Edwards on Outsourcing