Presidential Forum- John Edwards

The forum for the 2008 presidential candidates or ...the candidates in the Democratic primary was a first hand lock into each candidates agenda for the future. While I was focusing on John Edwards I will say that all candidates that spoke agreed on the issues of funding for pre-k and for increasing teacher pay. Edwards staged consistent in his message focused on the issue of poverty in America. He really brought his passion about homelessness and poverty in America into perspective tour shedding light to the seriousness of poverty in America. [He met a man born with a severe cleft pallet that didn't talk for years because he didn't have the money or healtcare to get a simple procedure that would allow him to speak] He also spoke on another issue which slightly differentiated his speech from the other candidates is his talk about universal healthcare, the bill he has already written and his intentions if elected to office. I think the crowd was very receptive and I felt Edwards portrayed himself as a very open and down to earth candidate. I thought the forum was insightful and I personally still don't know who to vote for.

National Urban League Benefit Concert

Well, the NUL Benefit Concert was a light entertainment event in the midst of a serious convention. The main focus area of the convention is economic opportunity for Black Americans, and all Americans who currently reside at the bottom of the economic ladder. However, the conference cant be all work and no play. I appreciate the opportunity for conferene attendees to congregrate and politic. The concert featured neo-soul artist Erykah Badu and Teena Marie. Having never seen either artist live I was excited by opportunity to see them. Erykah Badu gave a thrilling performance complete with songs not only from her latet album but from her debut album as well. As a fan I was definitely excited to hear music from her debut and sophomore album. As for Teena Marie, you must keep in mind that I am speaking the perspective of an 80's baby (85 all the way live) which is also the era when Teena Marie was most popular. While I am not familiar with her music I will say others throughouly enjoyed it and I appreciated the atmosphere.