About three months after launching his campaign to be the Democratic presidential candidate, former North Carolina senator and 2004 vice presidential contender John Edwards will be speaking today on campus as part of a March college tour.
Kate Bedingfield, a spokeswoman for the Edwards campaign, said he plans to speak about major national issues as well as America’s foreign policy position in Iraq.
Having outlined a platform that includes universal health care and environmentally conscious policies, Edwards will be attempting for the second time to receive his party’s bid as a presidential candidate.
Bedingfield said that though he is running again, the underlying values that were a part of his platform in the last election have not changed.
“Fundamentally he still holds the same values and holds them dear,” Bedingfield said.
“But certainly he’s had the opportunity to present new ideas to the country since the time he’s been working since the election in 2004.”
According to Edwards’ Web site, he said he plans to reinforce America’s “moral leadership” in the international community by concentrating on issues such as the conflict in Darfur and the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
He has also suggested a plan for troop withdrawal from Iraq while handing over a greater amount of leadership to Iraqi officials.
Gabe Rose, the president of Bruin Democrats, said he is excited to have a prominent political figure come to speak on campus.
“I’m really excited to be engaged in the political process. This is a rare chance for leaders to speak directly, especially with someone who could possibly be the president in the next few years,” Rose said.
Rose also said because the Democratic primary date in California could be moved up to Feb. 5 of next year, it is important that students come hear the politicians speak in person.
“California has a really important role in nominating a president. And it’s important for UCLA students to actually see the candidates live,” Rose said.
Edwards served on the U.S. Senate from 1998 to 2004 and sought the Democratic Party’s candidacy for presidency in the last election.
After not receiving the bid, presidential candidate John Kerry asked Edwards to run for vice president alongside him.
Other campuses Edwards has visited on his college tour include UC Berkeley and the Metropolitan State College of Denver.
“He believes that young people are vibrant and an important part of his campaign. Young people have energy, ideas and enthusiasm,” Bedingfield said.
“When a group of young people is motivated to effect change, they can do it in a very serious way.”