Bill Richardson - Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico also has political experience in the US House of Representatives, Ambassador to the United Nations, and US Secretary of Energy. Among his top campaign issues is Governor Richardson's universal health care plan that includes 100% coverage for all Americans, affordable care, savings of $110 billion through administrative streamlining and preventative care, and improved quality of care.
Dennis Kucinich - Congressman Kucinich from Ohio has served in the House of Representatives in 1997. He is also a former mayor of Cleveland. Congressman Kucinich proposes a universal, single-payer, not-for-profit health care system. He claims that $350 billion spent on administration could be redirected to provide health care for all. He has co-sponsored HR 676, legislation that would establish Medicare for all that leaves no American behind.
Sam Brownback - Senator Sam Brownback from Kansas also has political experience in the US House of Representatives, and as Kansas Secretary of Agriculture. Senator Brownback believes that socialized medicine has shown to deprive consumers of access to life saving treatment and is inconsistent with the spirit of the American people to be free of government intervention. His health care plan includes a consumer-centered, not government-centered, model that offers both affordable coverage choices and consumer control.
Mike Huckabee - Former Governor of Arkansas and Baptist Minister, Huckabee is considered a strong social conservative. While governor, he created ARKids First, a health insurance program designed for children whose families could not qualify for Medicaid and could not afford insurance. While he agrees that our helath care system is broken, he does not believe universal care is the answer. Huckabee proposes preventative acre, encouraging the private sector to seek innovative ways to brings down medical costs, and moving from an employer-based to a consumer-based system.
I am not sure a clear winner will emerge from this forum; however, the most important thing to remember is that while a strong proposal is important, it is not everything. The candidate that will ultimately be a champion for a national cancer policy is the leader who can earn the support of our legislators in the Senate and Congress so that the policy can be adopted and put into action. Be sure and come back let us know how you felt about the forum and the candidates.
For more on Lance Armstrong's cancer forum, visit our special section:
Livestrong Presidential Cancer Forum: Our Breast Cancer Community's Questions and Advice
For additional information on the Presidential candidates, visit health08.org.
