"Racial Issues Top Dem Debate Agenda"

“Racial Issues Top Dem Debate Agenda”
MyWay – 6/28/2007

WASHINGTON (AP) – The struggles of the nation’s blacks – a loyal Democratic voting bloc – topped the agenda Thursday as the party’s eight presidential candidates gathered for their third primary debate.

The debate at Howard University was set to begin just hours after the Supreme Court ruled against public school programs aimed at achieving racial diversity, a certain topic for the event.

The Democrats decried the ruling, saying it turned back the promise of integrated schools that the court laid out 53 years ago in its landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education.

New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton said as president, she would “fight to restore Brown’s promise.” Illinois Sen. Barack Obama said it was “wrong-headed.” Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd said the decision “will add to the resegregation that is already occurring in our nation’s schools.”

John Edwards said the decision showed what is at stake in the presidential race.

“The Supreme Court is on the ballot in this next election, and the American people can stop this radical shift or lock it in for years to come,” the 2004 vice presidential nominee said.

Delaware Sen. Joe Biden said the decision is another example why he opposed President Bush’s two nominees to the Supreme Court, including the current chief justice, John Roberts. “The personal liberties of every American would be threatened even more if another conservative is allowed to serve on the Robert’s court,” Biden said.

Also scheduled to participate in the debate were New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson; Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich and former Alaska Sen. Mike Gravel.

Moderating the debate was Tavis Smiley, who said he wanted to steer the conversation to issues raised in his book, “The Covenant with Black America.” The 90-minute event was to be broadcast live on public television.

The debate was an opportunity for Obama, who got mixed reviews from his first two debate performances, to stand out and share a bond with the audience. He is in a tight contest for the black vote with Clinton, who benefits from good will for her husband among blacks.

Edwards is trying to make gains. His campaign put out a memo Thursday showing how he is addressing Smiley’s 10 covenants, including health care, education, criminal justice, police accountability, housing and voting rights.

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, the country’s only black governor, was to make opening remarks and introduce the candidates. He has yet to endorse a candidate; many are seeking his support.