John Edwards was in Tucson yesterday speaking at the Plumbers and Pipefitters Hall. I received an email invite and decided to attend. Rather odd time of the day for most people (4:30) but the turnout was bigger than anticipated.
I'll share the details of the candidate's version of speed dating with democrats below.
Arriving early is key. By 4 pm, parking was to be had blocks away and the actual parking lot of the hall was filled with TV vans and crews. It took me by surprise as I entered- just sign in. No ID to present, no checking of purses or bags. No Homeland Security paranoia, but at the same time, I was wondering if there are safety issues with candidates.
Standing room only....but when I entered, the overflow room was not yet needed. I positioned myself behind a circle of chairs with a clear view at the end of a row.
At 4:20, the MC announced that the folks over there (pointing to my section) were going to have to move. I know I'd be tired standing but to move back and away seemed so unfair.
The man said we were to move to...the circle of chairs up front with "reserved" signs! Sweet! Front row, looking out over the crowd and back towards the cameras and lights. Everybody was handed big "John Edwards, 08" placards to wave about. Overflow room was filled. People were clogging aisles, doorways, any spot they could, waiting eagerly.
A few local officials spoke and then John Edwards spoke, right in front of me. Dang, he looks young! I had questions, but I was also busy taking notes (and a few pictures, flash photography allowed).
First off, he commented on Iraq. Big issue with me and with my husband served over there in 2003-2004 before he retired from the military.
As for this week's veto, he said congress should "keep sending him one with a timetable!" Crowd goes wild. I want details. Again, it's early in the game, it's a quick visit by Edwards, not much time for explanations. He did say, "I voted for this war. I was wrong. I was wrong, period."
The question of universal healthcare comes up. Of course, he's for it. He did say the other candidates have no specifics and he does. He was ticked about the mess of Plan D with Medicare, a complete giveaway to drug companies.
The microphone is passed around. One woman stated her concern about poor border security, that "they can't do their job". Now that I live in Tucson, I understand. It's not just people coming to work, it's scary people, too. (Drug running is rampant- my horse came to me via Border Patrol, stolen in Mexico, branded with a coat hanger, packed drugs and left to die, injured, on the reservation. And that's just an animal. Turf wars ensue over the transportation of illegal immigrants and gunfire is common out in the desert).
Edwards replied, "Our southern border is not secure" and added that we need more staff, money and technology. He thought that some in the crowd would not agree with him. He did add that we need comprehensive immigration reform for those wanting to come and work here in the US.
Good. Crowd clapped in approval.
"I am the only candidate who addresses poverty!" More clapping. He explained his concerns about prison overpopulation and our current administration not addressing the underlying poverty and lack of education that leads to jobs that keep people away from meth. (Hmm. As for me, Offred, I was also concerned about how our prison system is also a substitute for a good mental health program).
As for global warming, he said, "We want to be an example for good" and to lead the world in changing our ways. He stated that we are 4% of the world's population but produce 25% of the world's carbon emissions, using 22 million barrels of oil per day. We could sell off the rights for carbon emissions, Edwards added, using the money towards conservation and green energy technology.
He stressed conservation. "It's time for the president to ask people to be patriotic about something other than war."
Lots of cheering and clapping. A few questions from the audience made me think about the laid back security, albeit briefly. Minus his tinfoil hat, one young man asked him if he would open an investigation on building 7 or 9 at the World Trade Center. Another woman, desperate for a turn with the microphone, called out, "John Kerry! John Kerry! Ooh! Ooh!" But most people spoke well, including a small girl who asked, "Why do you want to become president?"
He gave a direct, upbeat answer and then it was time to move on. Everybody stood up and swarmed. A sea of human beings, honing in on Edwards. I was caught up in a pressured push forward as people muscled and shouldered closer and closer with requests for autographs and handshakes and posed photos.
It was getting hard to breathe. I literally could not pick up my feet or move my arms.
Much as I enjoyed the session, I HAD to get out and back and away from the suffocating mass.
This diary is a rather scattershot collection of notes on scrap paper. Now I need go go learn how to use photobucket...