Edwards in CR

From the Daily Iowan

Former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina used the old-fashioned, turn-of-the-century Ushers Ferry Historical Village in Cedar Rapids, which showcases the lives of past Iowans, as the setting for a new-fashioned political rally and barbecue on July 14. The Democratic presidential-nomination hopeful probably wishes he could go back in time and gain control of the Oval Office - he ran as Sen. John Kerry's running mate in 2004.A few hundred Linn County Democrats flocked to the village on the sunny day, stuffing themselves with hot dogs, burgers, and dessert, among other barbecue delicacies, before Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, introduced Edwards.

The crowd filled the grassy terrace surrounding the town gazebo, where the former senator stood, to hear the jean-clad father-of-four speak.He described President Bush as a "bullheaded" man who believes himself incapable of making mistakes - however, Edwards said, Bush has made many, particularly with Iraq. What Congress needs to do now is submit bill after bill, he said, each offering a timetable for withdrawing troops from Iraq."The president ought to be able to ask his country to be patriotic about something besides war," he said.

Edwards said that if he were president today, he would remove 40,000 troops from Iraq immediately, then swiftly pull the remaining soldiers out in the following months."Iraq won't get better until Iraqis take responsibility for their country," he said.Another theme Edwards emphasized was the U.S. image abroad, blaming the Iraq war for damaging America's standing with the rest of the world."Everything is so connected - what we do at home affects the rest of the world," he said.

Along with pulling out of Iraq, he said, the United States needs to regain its status as a "benevolent" force in the world again. He suggested three steps: helping to end genocide in Darfur, making an international effort to provide primary education for everyone, and taking on the HIV pandemic in Africa.

On universal health care, Edwards suggested it could come a step closer by nixing the tax cuts issued to those earning more than $200,000 a year. America, he said, could afford a plan that would be available to everyone.

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