AFSCME Hosts America's First 2008 Presidential Forum
FIRST OF ITS KIND | In February, AFSCME convened the nation’s first 2008 Presidential candidates forum, moderated by ABC television’s George Stephanopoulos (far left). From left to right are former Alaska Sen. Mike Gravel; Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada; former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack; Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware; Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio; Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut; former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards; AFSCME Pres. Gerald W. McEntee; and Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York. Not shown, but participating: New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson.
PHOTO CREDIT: Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press
By Gonzalo Baeza
CARSON CITY, NEVADA – More than 800 active and retired AFSCME members packed the community center here on Feb. 21 to hear how eight Democratic Presidential candidates would address the issues most on our members’ minds. Sponsored by AFSCME, it was the nation’s first 2008 Presidential forum, and kicked-off the official campaign season.
“Today is a new day in America. Last year, working families took back the U.S. House and Senate. Next year, we will take back the White House,” AFSCME Pres. Gerald W. McEntee said in his welcoming remarks. “And when we do, we’re going to make affordable health care available to each and every American. We’re going to make it possible for families to send their kids to college and retire with dignity. We are going to support and expand America’s middle class.”
The event, moderated by ABC television’s George Stephanopoulos, was attended by candidates Sen. Joe Biden (Del.), Sen. Hillary Clinton (N.Y.), Sen. Chris Dodd (Conn.), former Sen. John Edwards (N.C.), former Sen. Mike Gravel (Alaska), Rep. Dennis Kucinich (Ohio), Gov. Bill Richardson (N.M.) and former Gov. Tom Vilsack (Iowa), who has since dropped out of the race.
Both ABC News and C-SPAN aired the forum live on their websites. C-SPAN broadcast it live on television and more than 200 print and broadcast media outlets sent reporters and camera crews to cover the event.
“The forum was an opportunity to remind our members of the importance of voting and being part of the process,” said Neil Lake, president of the State of Nevada Employees Association (SNEA)/AFSCME Local 4041. “It allowed everyone to see the candidates as they talked about all of the issues that have been neglected for the past six years,” added Victoria Pierce, a retired state employee and member of SNEA/AFSCME Retiree Chapter 4041.
The gathering is still making waves throughout the nation’s political landscape as the Presidential race begins to occupy the spotlight. To see candidate and member video clips, check out a photo gallery and read what the media had to say about the event, visit http://www.afscme.org/nevadaforum.
AN HISTORIC MOMENT | The excitement was palpable as AFSCME members gathered in Carson City, Nev., to hear 2008 Presidential candidates address critical issues, including universal health care, collective bargaining for public employees and education reform.
PHOTO CREDIT: Brad Horn
