Meet the 2004 Presidential Candidates at the National Conference this July!

National NOW Times >> Spring 2003 >> Article

The 2004 elections may be the most important political event in decades for women's rights in the U.S. Four more years of George W. Bush as president—particularly if both the House and Senate remain in Republican hands—could damage reproductive rights, civil rights, the economy and even the world so profoundly that it will affect generations to come.

Currently, nine candidates are vying for the Democratic nomination. Choosing the right candidate to challenge Bush is critical. The NOW Political Action Committee has invited all the candidates to address feminist voters at a forum during the National Conference this summer in Virginia. Come to the forum, submit questions to the candidates and judge for yourself.

Carol Moseley Braun

Hometown: Chicago, Ill.
Experience: Assist. U.S. attorney, 1972-77; Illinois state rep., 1978-87; Cook County recorder of deeds, 1988-92; U.S. sen., 1992-98; U.S. ambassador to New Zealand, 1999-2001.
In her own words: Now is the time for inclusion, and equality, and real democracy, and for an America that reaches for all the talent available to build on the greatness we inherited and guarantee that our children will get no less... The American spirit calls upon us to value every American: to work ceaselessly to make every American welcome in our democracy, confident in the importance of their vote and in the relevance of their participation.
Campaign Info: www.carolforpresident.com

Howard Dean

Hometown: Burlington, Vt.
Experience: Physician; Vermont House, 1983-1987; Vermont lieutenant governor, 1987-1991; Vermont governor, 1991-2002.
In his own words: We must provide every American access to quality, affordable health care. We must balance the federal budget. We must cooperate with the community of nations in pursuing our foreign policy objectives. We must guarantee every American equal rights under the law... Together, we can move forward with this new vision for America.
Campaign Info: www.DeanforAmerica.com

John Edwards

Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
Experience: Attorney; U.S. senator, 1999-present.
In his own words: We need to come together around a commitment to restore the promise of America for the people who make this country what it is—the people who build and deliver our products, who heal and teach our kids, who grow and prepare our food, who protect our streets and homes, and those who fight our wars. They should not have to choose between personal security and economic opportunity. They deserve both.
Campaign Info: www.JohnEdwards2004.com

Richard Gephardt

Hometown: St. Louis, Mo.
Experience: Missouri Air National Guard; lawyer; St. Louis Board of Aldermen, 1971-76; U.S. representative, 1977-present (minority leader, 1995-2002).
In his own words: I will continue to lead the fight to: support affirmative action... make equal pay for equal work a fundamental platform... end discrimination in the workplace against gays and lesbians... protect the voting rights of all our citizens... guarantee fairness and equality for girls and women in education through Title IX. The fight for equality and fairness is about making America what it should be—a land of opportunity for all.
Campaign Info: www.dickgephardt2004.com

Bob Graham

Hometown: Miami Lakes, Fla.
Experience: Attorney; Florida state rep., 1967-71; Florida state sen., 1971-79; Florida governor, 1979-86; U.S. sen., 1986-present.
In his own words: This administration's dominant focus on Iraq diverts important attention and resources from our domestic security and the actions required to win the war on terrorism ... The president's proposed remedies threaten not only to widen this disparity and balloon the national debt, but they also place at risk the fundamentals that drive economic expansion and, in the process, limit opportunities for current and future generations of working Americans.
Campaign Info: Unavailable at press time.

John Kerry

Hometown: Boston, Mass.
Experience: U.S. Navy; attorney; county prosecutor; Lieutenant governor, 1983-85; U.S. senator, 1985-present.
In his own words: I am dedicated to the fight for gender equality in America and especially focused on women's health issues and those issues affecting women in the workplace ... We need to guarantee equal rights and civil rights and say that, here in America, workers have the right to organize—women have the right to choose—and justice belongs to everyone regardless of race or gender or sexual orientation.
Campaign Info: www.JohnKerry.com

Dennis Kucinich

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Experience: Cleveland city council, 1969-75, 83; Cleveland mayor, 1977-79; Ohio state sen., 1995-97; U.S. rep., 1997-present.
In his own words: Let us abolish weapons of mass destruction at home ... Joblessness is a weapon of mass destruction. Poverty is a weapon of mass destruction. Hunger is a weapon of mass destruction. Poor health care is a weapon of mass destruction. Poor education is a weapon of mass destruction. Discrimination is a weapon of mass destruction.
Campaign Info: www.kucinich.net

Joseph Lieberman

Hometown: New Haven, Conn.
Experience: Attorney; Connecticut state senator, 1971-81 (majority leader, 1975-81); Connecticut attorney general, 1983-89; U.S. senator, 1989-present; Democratic nominee for vice president, 2000.
In his own words: I will talk about the tough fights ahead. Strengthening homeland security while protecting social security. Making affordable health care available to every American. Fixing our failing schools. Restoring fiscal responsibility and expanding opportunity, with sensible tax cuts and sound investments that will bring back the prosperity of the Clinton-Gore era.
Campaign Info: www.Joe2004.com

Al Sharpton

Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Experience: Civil rights activist, ordained minister; candidate for New York Senate, 1978; candidate for U.S. Senate, 1992, 94; candidate for mayor of New York, 1997.
In his own words: Because the United States today sits in a global village, the world, because of technology and communication, is one village. And I, more than anyone talking about running, understands the village and I feel represents the priorities that the village must deal with in order to survive as a planet.
Campaign Info: www.SharptonExplore2004.com

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