Kucinich, Lieberman in Oklahoma
Originally published in the Edmond Sun
State critical to Lieberman, Kucinich
Sean Murphy
CNHI Capitol Bureau
1/29/04
Just one day after New Hampshire voters headed to the polls to select a Democratic presidential nominee, the candidates proved Oklahoma plays a critical part of their campaign strategy, as four of them paid a visit to the Sooner State on Wednesday.
Two candidates — U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman and U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich — spoke at a health care forum in Edmond, while Ret. Gen. Wesley Clark and U.S. Sen. John Edwards visited eastern parts of the state.
Kucinich, D-Ohio, and Lieberman, D-Conn., outlined their vision for changing America’s health care system before an audience of about 1,100 at a forum at the University of Central Oklahoma sponsored by the National Health Policy Council.
Lieberman called it a “moral scandal” that 9 million children in America are currently without health insurance and detailed his plan to create a national health pool for children called “Medikids.” Under his proposal, health insurance would be free for low-income children and those from “working poor” families, while others could buy in on a sliding scale.
A similar plan for adults called “Medichoice” would provide subsidies for the low-income Americans and allow workers who lose their jobs to keep their insurance, Lieberman said.
Lieberman said he was not deterred by a fourth-place finish in New Hampshire and that he is optimistic about his chances on Feb. 3, when Oklahomans head to the polls, along with voters in six other states — Delaware, Arizona, New Mexico, Missouri, South Carolina and North Dakota.
“I’m an optimist, and therefore I intend to go on,” Lieberman said. “What I intend to show on Feb. 3 is that I have growing national support for the clear choice that I offer of experienced, moderate leadership for America that can actually defeat George W. Bush.”
Lieberman planned to travel to McAlester Wednesday night and Tulsa Thursday morning before leaving the state.
Kucinich’s vision for reforming America’s health care system was clearly the most far-reaching, as he explained his plan for streamlined national health insurance called “Medicare for All.”
Under Kucinich’s plan, the entire health care system would be shifted over 10 years to a not-for-profit enterprise that identifies health care as a basic right.
“Let’s face it — insurance companies make money by not providing health care,” said Kucinich, who took aim at profit-driven insurance and drug companies for what he said was their powerful grip on Congress. “Why do we, as Americans, put up with a system that essentially holds us hostage?
“What I propose is a dramatic change, but I think it’s a change the American people are ready for.”
Kucinich also vowed to stay in the race up until the Democratic National Convention this summer.
“The nomination will not be decided prior to the convention,” he said. “My campaign has always been about a 50-state race.”
Former U.S. Sen. David Pryor of Arkansas spoke at the forum on behalf of Clark, who made a campaign stop in Tulsa Wednesday morning before flying to South Carolina. Former Oklahoma Gov. David Walters spoke for Howard Dean, who appeared to be the front-runner for the Democratic nomination several weeks ago, but finished third in Iowa and second in New Hampshire behind U.S. Sen. John Kerry.
“He (Dean) has discovered in a 50-state campaign, you can’t be everywhere at once,” said Walters.
Edwards, who made campaign stops in Durant and Tulsa Wednesday, chose not to attend the forum or send a representative, choosing instead to focus on the strong Democratic base in eastern Oklahoma.
Kim Rubey, a spokeswoman for the Edwards campaign, said Edwards’ background from a working family in a small town in North Carolina helps him relate to rural Oklahomans.
“He understands the challenges that the small towns in Oklahoma face every day,” Rubey said. “He has proven his commitment to the small communities by campaigning extensively all over the state.”
Edwards will return to the state Saturday to speak at union rally in Oklahoma City, while his wife, Elizabeth, plans to visit Oklahoma City, Lawton, McAlester and Ardmore, Rubey said.
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