John Edwards for President-Edwards cites economic 'inequality'

Edwards cites economic 'inequality'

Jul 29, 2007 9:59 AM

Jennifer DePaul
Union Leader
Jul 29, 2007

EPPING – Sounding a populist mantra during lawn-party campaign stop here yesterday, John Edwards yesterday called the economic divide in America its greatest since the Great Depression.

"My view is that Washington is broken. I think this system is rigged and I think it is rigged against you," he said. "I feel very strongly that we need change, big change."

More than 100 supporters gathered on the lawn outside the home of Jim and Susan McGeough for an informal question-and-answer session with the Democratic presidential hopeful. The afternoon rain held off just long enough time for Edwards to address a range of topics, including immigration and his proposal for universal health care.

But it was on the topic of poverty -- which he called a moral, rather than political, issue -- that he was most passionate, as he continued to emphasize the theme of a recently completed tour of the nation.

"We have the greatest inequality since the Great Depression. It's not an accident," he said. "People say to me, 'I don't understand why you do a poverty tour. This is not going to help your campaign.' It's not intended to help my campaign; it's intended to do what's right and moral and just."

Edwards praised Congress for approving a raise in the minimum wage last week to $7.25 by 2009, but said the hike wasn't enough, that the figure should be at least $9.50 per hour.

On immigration, the former U.S. senator outlined three different concepts that he said may not popular.

"I think our southern border is a mess. I am not for building a fence all the way across our southern border. I think we need to be much tougher on employees who are knowingly violating the law, he said. "I don't want to live in a country -- this is a moral issue for me -- I don't want to live in a country made up of first-class citizens and second-class workers. I just don't think that is right."

Edwards also said people who come to America illegally should pay a fine and learn to speak English.

Casually dressed in jeans and a white shirt, Edwards grabbed a drink and cookie on his way down to meet supporters before his presentation. He talked for just 15 minutes and then opened it up to questions and answers.

Edwards and his wife, Elizabeth, have been campaigning in the first primary state for the last three days, attending 13 town hall and house party events.

Susan and Jim McGeough opened White Gate Farm to the presidential candidate, but it wasn't the first time they sponsored a political house party. Susan McGeough and her family have hosted a handful of nationally known figures over the years, including Jesse Jackson, Al Gore, and Joan Mondale.

Scott Pim, one of the McGeough's neighbors, came to see Edwards because he seemed like "a good candidate. I was surprised how low key his presentation was, surprised he didn't have a bigger entourage."

"I just wanted to confirm how I felt," said Ann Howard of Epping. "He is open and honest. I was really impressed by the worn Levis he was wearing, he is just like one of us."

"Edwards was very specific in the type of things he is looking to accomplish as President. He sharpened his message and honed in on a couple of key issues that have clearly defined his campaign," said Eric Jackman, 20, who drove from Rindge to see the candidate.

"Out of the seven times I have seen Edwards, this was the most unscripted, spontaneous and down-to-earth speech I've seen him make."

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