January 2, 2008
Posted: January 2nd, 2008 12:22 PM ET

(CNN) – John Edwards' wife Elizabeth blasted Barack Obama’s health care plan today, telling voters at an Iowa campaign stop that it would not cover her.

“I did a radio interview today, and I heard a radio commercial for Sen. Obama that indicated where it said in there that his health care program covered more Americans than either Sen. [Hillary] Clinton or John. That is actually not true,” said Edwards.

“There’s 15 million people or so - I’d be one of those - the hardest to insure …who are left out of his system.
It’s just kind of a complete untruth.”

–CNN Iowa Producer Chris Welch

Filed under: Barack Obama • Iowa • John Edwards


Gane   January 7th, 2008 9:39 am ET

Senator Edwards, I would NOT vote for you because you are making your case only on of the expense of Hilary Clinton.

Gentleman?! What is it? On the debate you ware like a Hyena over her, before her suit... Is that a simple jealousy lire most of American women (surprise for me, even Pakistanis are more advance in this meter and Bhutto was killed from her enemies).

Second, do you deny that "Clinton's machine" work peaty well for americans for 8 years ?

It is partly your fault. Why didn't you win the Election in 2000? Now you are blaming Hilary that America is really in a big ...

You still play your ego agenda, Sur! Obama will be chewed and spit from Republicans, because he has not very much to offer then word "Change" (He sounds to me like those communist leaders who had been feeding the people only with nice word and hopes of future almost heavenly life; UTOPIA, eh , worked for some period).

Americans , please, just do not compare him with JFK.

If you really are talking from your heard, it is not late you to make some REAL CHANGE- make sure Democrat to be in the Oval office this time even that is not you.

As I rite on a CNN goes a Braking New about Iranians? I imagine Senator Obama in the Oval office with pence full of..

Wake up Americans, it is very serious , do not blow it again!

pmorlan   January 4th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

The vicious comments here makes me wonder what happened to the poltiics of hope? Is this twhat Obama supporters call the new kind of politics? If so, the slogan rings pretty hollow.

Bob   January 3rd, 2008 8:35 pm ET

KJ, CA..........................."Senator Obama's plan will cover all Americans who
"CHOOSE" to get health coverage." That statement doesn't make much sense to me, I don't know about others but........................................................

Tell me of one person given the chance to either "Choose" to have health coverage or "Choose NOT" to have health coverage. I just can't imagine anyone "CHOOSING NOT" to have health coverage.

JW   January 3rd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

The people who are complaining that Elizabeth Edwards can afford her own health care are not only missing the point, they are stuck in the myth that health care is a priviledge. HEALTH CARE IS A RIGHT, not a priviledge. IF you don't understand that, her point is lost. And the point is that anyone with a terminal illness deserves health care as much as anyone else, regardless of their wealth or lack thereof. GET OVER the fact they have millions or you'll never have real political discussion.

KJ, CA   January 3rd, 2008 12:24 pm ET

Mrs. Edwards is flat out wrong. Senator Obama's plan will cover all Americans who choose to get health coverage.

Helen   January 3rd, 2008 11:41 am ET

http://www.newsweek.com/id/83148 fact check so of obamas lies before voting

Sensible Cape Coral Fl   January 3rd, 2008 11:26 am ET

What really scares the living s- out of me is that all you posters above have the right to vote. Congratulations to Randee, Shaun,Les,La Rae and Jake for putting Elizabeth's comment into the correct context. Maybe we should consider an IQ test for voting rights.

Liam   January 3rd, 2008 10:55 am ET

The middle ground is where most Americans feel comfortable. No side has a monopoly on virtue and wisdom. Nothing gets done without reasonable compromise and rational consensus.

Rabid partisan political warfare is ruinous to any nation.

"Politics is the art of the possible." JFK. If you do not treat your opponents with respect and including them in the formulation of solutions you will not get anything passed.

Senator Obama is the right person for the job of healing the national rift. We need to meet and work together on middle ground. The nation can not afford to remain so divided. It will destroy the very fabric of the country,

Lets us restore a sense of mutual respect for each other, and work on finding reasonable solutions to the many serious challenges that face us.

Senator Obama is the only one that holds forth that splendid promise and goal. Do you want to begin an era of reconciliation, or do you want to continue to nurse old grievances in a lonely bleak world filled with hate and rage?

You can make a difference, if you are willing to let go of the ugly past, and invest in a brighter and more inclusive future for all the people.

That is what Senator Obama offers.

Julie, Atlanta, GA   January 3rd, 2008 8:28 am ET

Wake UP, America. Sooooooo many of you are missing the point!!! Good grief, with your silly nicknames and haircut comments...WAKE UP, America!!!

This is NOT a game! It is not about the first woman in office or the first african american in office or the person who can raise the most money...It is about nominating someone who can WIN!!! Hillary cannot beat the repub nominee...BO cannot beat the repub nominee...JOHN EDWARDS CAN AND WILL WIN!!!

Regardless of these idiotic comments that must come from the biggest idiots on the planet, the dems MUST WIN in November!!!

George Pudlo   January 3rd, 2008 2:34 am ET

MR. LEN,
You make it seem as if those millions on welfare all have the option of just lifting themselves up into the middle class and making a decent living if they try. True as it may be, that is possible some of the time, but some just dont have the resources or options. Sometimes people are thrown into poverty because of medical bills or the loss of a job or simply because of an unfortunate circumstance out of their hands. What is so farfetched and unfair about universal healthcare? About our country taking care of its citizens? It sounds like your opinions are a bit selfish and inhumane.

Glen   January 3rd, 2008 1:10 am ET

Health Care, I must admit I love the fact that my taxes in Canada ensure that all Canadians have access to Health Care, the ones who have tons of money will fly out of Canada for a faster private service. All the power to them, it makes me sick thou that they take up the space of someone else that needs it who can not pay for it in their own country.
For the record, it is also no secret that we have people cross our border and use our walk in clinics. This does not bother me as well if they can't get it at home.

Our system is not perfect, however I know that children and seniors across the spectrum can get the health care they need. It is about compassion for each other. You might give it a try

Bernard   January 3rd, 2008 12:50 am ET

I am observing this debate, and the whole primary process, from down under. As a few of you might know, we have just had an election here and indeed a change of government.

A couple of thoughts:

1. You Americans are lucky to have such a publicly transparent primaries system, rather than your political parties choosing their leadership/contenders through an internal 'black box' process. You should listen therefore to the debates for content and not for superficial details. Ms Edwards was using her condition as an example, albeit powerful as it was a personal one. Her being a millionare's wife or not is entirely peripheral to the principle that she is trying to portray.

2. Choosing a President based on merit, who can respond to the needs of the country (and insofar as they should, of the world) is critical. It is also made all the more difficult – though it shouldn't – by the inclusion of prominent coloured and women candidates. I hope that the choice is indeed made based on merit and not on these aesthetic factors. I applaud their participation in the process, but am not baised for or against their success.

And on the subject of health care, which is after all why we are here, you might care to do a bit of net research on the Australian system, which has been in operation for almost 30 years. It is proof (admittedly in a country with only 10% of the US's population) that a high quality universal public health system including a public health insurance safety net, appropriate leverages through the taxation system, and a subsidised pharmaceutical benefits scheme is not fiction but indeed a reality that us Aussies from all classes of society enjoy every day of our lives.

With sincere thoughts and new year wishes to all of you as you make this critical decision at the ballot.

Liberal Chic   January 3rd, 2008 12:34 am ET

Mike, Conway, AR January 2, 2008 5:06 pm ET

Simply amazing. Elizabeth wants the government to cover her health care. This millionaire living in her mansion expects me to pay for her.

yeah, but she has to pay for your healthcare just because she's rich, right?

i don't support edwards, but it's ridiculous that people feel they have to take away from his money just because he worked hard (unfortunately as a trial lawyer) and made millions.

why do we want to punish the rich for making money and contributing more than the average share into the tax system.

jef wallace   January 2nd, 2008 11:13 pm ET

Elizabeth Edwards is 100% right.

The more Obama "preaches" the less I believe him.

His only positions are literally pliagarized.

He will not end the war in Iraq, give us healthcare or anything like that.

OBAMA IS A PHONEY BALONEY.

-j

BR-New York City   January 2nd, 2008 11:04 pm ET

If John were to "cut" down on those haircut, I am sure that he would be able to insure the remaining 44, 999,999 all by his lonesome.

Obama08

Get use to it!

Matthew   January 2nd, 2008 10:43 pm ET

I would support a health care plan that says if a person makes millions of dollars the government will not provide you coverage.

The fact is that all the major candidate's plans are virtually the same. With or without an mandate, you are still going to have about the same amount of people that don't get health insurance because either they don't think they need it yet or avoid signing up for it. Car insurance is a mandatory thing, but some states estimate 20% of drivers don't have it. You have to give people an insentive to join in or they will avoid it at all costs anyway.

Dan, TX   January 2nd, 2008 10:00 pm ET

Actually, what Elizabeth said is not true. She would be covered. My wife had breast cancer and can not now buy health insurance at any cost from insurance companies on her own. Obama's plan would provide health insurance because in his plan no exclusion for preexisting conditions would apply. Under all democratic candidate plans, she would be insured.

Sorry, but Elizabeth Edwards said something that is simply not true.

Andrew   January 2nd, 2008 9:43 pm ET

We are not missing the point. We understand what she is trying to say. But coming from a multi-millionare it seems a little disingenious. Change is what the country needs right now along with the partisan bickering to settle down. I know it will never end completely but we have to try and bring it down a notch and Edwards will dramatically inflame this situation, he has already implied this. Edwards voted for the war, he made a bad decision when we needed him most. Apologizing and attacking Obama isn't enough in my book.

Len, Fallbrook, CA   January 2nd, 2008 9:29 pm ET

"The problem is – we want everything – but we don't want to pay for it."

Millions on welfare will agree with you.

You hit the nail on the head.

This entire Dem campaign is "how much can I promise to give away of someone else money for your vote". Followed by "I'll raise taxes on the wealthy "(whoever they are) so nanny gov't can take care of you.

Nothing more, nothing less.

Kaye, Ia   January 2nd, 2008 9:27 pm ET

I understand what she is saying, but cancer has affected almost everyone's family one way or another. No one stepped forward when it hit my household. We had to find a way to pay the bills that insurance did not cover. You can be in the poor house in a matter of months and struggle to keep any assets that you have. The doctors want them too. Lets go after the real demons out there. The CEO'S, the insurance company's and the drug companies. They don't care who is in office, as long as they get the money!!! We know our doctor's don't make a lot of money under managed care for the hours they work. Our doctor will meet us at the hospital day or night if need be. The CEO of the hospital has never met us, and we have had treatments there for the past few years. Amazing. Give the Edwards a hand in trying to bring the issue's out. She just needs to explain it better to the general public.

sherry   January 2nd, 2008 9:26 pm ET

i am a nurse in the heath care field , and i see lots of people that come thru the doors that have no insurance. They dont make enough to get insurance from work and dont qualify for anything else. Between the cost of health care and medications, good people and children suffer. What ever happened to sympathy or empathy? I dont see rich people giving any money or help to ones in need. I think people should stop turning their heads to what is going on, and take a chance to make things better.

Jeff   January 2nd, 2008 9:26 pm ET

We already pay for her healthcare....As a former US Senator, John enjoys healthcare for life for him and his family..As ALL Senators and Representatives enjoy...Once you are elected, even for 1 term, you have GOVERNMENT run healthcare for life....Ask you Senators and Representatives how that is working for them....Then, make a decision about Universal Healthcare and who has the best plan.....

Agreed   January 2nd, 2008 9:19 pm ET

re: " I never realized how dumb most Americans are when it comes to politics and listening to the different candidates, instead of picking them apart – listen to the facts each are presenting and how it relates to you or your neighbors."

I have realized it. For almost 20 years I have watched middle-class America elect Republicans who have steadily chipped away at their hard-earned assets ranging from unions and pensions to state funded universities, good jobs, and even now our infrastructure.

I have watched them so foolishly let demagogues from Palm Beach Mansions lie to them and tell them how to vote. The worse things got, the more they begged for it. or found someone ridiculously unpowerful to blame (you know environmentalists, feminists, liberal college professors in courderoy jackets et al).

The truth is it's not about abortion or prayer in schools or gays for that matter. Those aren't the issues you better be voting on especially now as never before. It's always been about running big deficits so there is no money for middle-class programs (and then claiming those programs "didn't work") stacking the courts with big-business anti-worker judges, shipping your job to the place where it can be done cheapest for big business and transferring the tax burden off the wealthy and big corporations and onto the middle-class.

Nando,Florida   January 2nd, 2008 9:09 pm ET

Will Edwards plan cover his , Other Family? Hidding out in North Carolina?

Les   January 2nd, 2008 9:03 pm ET

Elizabeth Edwards is NOT talking about herself, she's using her illness as an example that becomes ininsurable. She's considered a HIGH RISK for any insurance company for medical coverage.

Obama's insurance will NOT cover 15 million Americans with illness like Mrs. Edwards.

A lot of you people can't see the wood for the trees. Talk talk like Obama until the last cow comes home but lacking in substance.

dee   January 2nd, 2008 8:12 pm ET

elizabeth is playing politics, cos she can pay health insurance, her husband is mad wealthy. she makes no freaking sense.

fergus   January 2nd, 2008 7:42 pm ET

You Rock! Down with health insurance and UP with Single Payer Healthcare for All Americans!

Tyrone   January 2nd, 2008 7:39 pm ET

You whites have been in power long enough! Let a Black Muslim rule one time!
Obama 08!!

JQ   January 2nd, 2008 7:11 pm ET

I don't understand. You posters claim that Elizabeth's point sailed over everyone's head, but then you expect the world to understand what she is implying. She should have been more direct in the comments. If cancer patients are too high risk and she is a cancer patient, she should have said that. Otherwise, her comments will sail over everyone's head.

The next question I have is...HOW. How does Obama's plan not cover Elizabeth?

JQ

Dan (Baltimore, MD)   January 2nd, 2008 7:09 pm ET

I'm no fan of Obama, but a candidate's wife should not be bragging about the fact that her husband's policy is to mandate (aka force) all citizens to make a specific choice. What ever happened to ideals of freedom and natural rights? I say bring them back into the discussion because these dems seem to have forgotten what has made this country strong.

Craig, Carlsbad CA   January 2nd, 2008 7:04 pm ET

Most of the comments are by people who dont understand that Edwards and Obama's plan are specific and different. Edwards plan insists on mandates and prohibits ins companies from withholding coverage based on pre existing conditions.

Edwards plan has a clever and compelling twist. It allows people to choose the state plan – medicare – if it is more efficient than the private sector plan. This will make it very difficult for the republicans to respond because they are always stating that the private sector is inherently more effecient (in cost of overhead medicare actually is lower than the private sector).

Obama atleast had the courage to stake out his own plan even if the lack of mandates makes it only partly effective. Clinton waited it out and then did the triangulation by basically following Edwards. Now thats real leadership.

Be sceptical of Edwards, even dislike him. But if you take the time to go to his website you will see that he has the most detailed and the most intelligent policy positions. Then you can atleast vote for one of the others on an informed basis.

Jake   January 2nd, 2008 6:54 pm ET

No where in Mrs. Edwards statement did she say she wanted health insurance. I belive she was talking more about people like me, that make less than 20,000 a year and have no insurance. Making the money I do, you can't afford insurance,even if it was a 100.00 a month

Gil - California   January 2nd, 2008 6:52 pm ET

Lizzy Lizzy Lizzy, why aren't you attacking Hillary? Are you a plant for the Clinton camp and have sold your soul to give Johnny boy another chance at the loser VP slot?

Trang, Fremont, CA   January 2nd, 2008 6:27 pm ET

Obama supporters, please follow the spirit of Obama and avoid attacking others.

As I understand, all the top three candidates want people to have the opportunity to access the government health care benefits. Those who want to keep their current plan can stay in their plan. Those who wants to switch can switch.

Of course, I have not read the 'government health care benefits' to see what they include, but I would think they include covering 'pre-existing' conditions. This is the major criticism of current health care plans.

Can a government force a company to cover 'pre-exisiting' condition? I don't know. That's for constitutional lawyers to debate/Congress, etc. However, if there's another competitior – the government' who covers 'pre-existing' condition, perhaps, it will compel private insurers to cover them as well to compete.

As far as Obama's plan being able to cover more people than Hillary and Edward, I am not sure. I think both Hillary and Edward wants a mandate, whereas Obama wants to leave the choice up to the people, believing that if he can make them more affordable, more people will be covered. So, it boils down to costs. How much does Obama's plan cost versus how much Hillary and Edward's plan cost? What is being covered under the government plan?

The problem is – we want everything – but we don't want to pay for it.

La Rae, Sacramento, CA   January 2nd, 2008 6:23 pm ET

I took Elizabeth's comment to be about how hard it is for people who don't have health insurance through their work and/or have pre-existing medical problems (she has cancer remember) to get and maintain insurance coverage. She is a brilliant, strong, sensitive woman. She would never imply that she needs help to pay for coverage. I'm sure her comment was misunderstood.

mae   January 2nd, 2008 6:19 pm ET

mrs edwards,do yourself and your husband a favor and just shut up/and pray for your healing! You make yourself and your husband look so small and desperate!and he is allowing you to do his dirty work for him/such a pity!

Jose Pedro   January 2nd, 2008 6:19 pm ET

Please, allow the IOWA's wisdom to empower you. In fact, in less than twenty-four hours we will witness who is making history in 2008.

May God bless America!

Farrell, Houston, Tx   January 2nd, 2008 6:14 pm ET

Elizabeth needs to get over the Obamas'. One day it's Michele the next day it's Barack, she needs to take a "chill pill" on the Obama's. She may find there are bigger fish to fry.

Bob   January 2nd, 2008 6:13 pm ET

Randee and Everyman...
Thanks it's really nice seeing that some people making comments here can actually listen to what someone is saying and using basically nothing but general common sense,"No Genuis IQ Needed" interpret what Elizabeth Edwards was saying as referenced to "Cancer as an Existing Condition" and not that she wanted free National Health care even though she can pay for her own.
People that say I don't want my tax dollars paying for her health care are just idiots in MO. National Healthcare is just that "Everyone is Covered" not just those that can't afford it. This is what makes it a "National Healthcare System" the same way that "Social Security" is for everyone that pays into it not just for the Poor or people that have no savings.
Sometimes I really see why this country is in the condition that it's in which is certainly no longer a "Democracy", anyone that believes that it is.... has had their head in the sand since Truman was President. Our type of government is nothing more then a total "Corpocracy" . Candidates from both parties being "selected" by Corporations and the Media which itself is now just a Part of a Corporation and All now owned by big Corporations.
Who do you think pays the salaries of Chris Matthews, Anderson Cooper, Bill Schnieder etc. independant unbias individuals or "Big Corporations" wake up people, your going to get the Candidates from both Parties that the Corporations want you to get and no matter who wins in the General Election things will go on as usual for the Big Corporations.
The only 2 candidates from the two parties that Corporations are affraid of ....are John Edwards for the Democrats and Ron Paul for the Republicans, other then those two the country continues to run as just "More of the Same" and "No Change" what so ever.
Bob, Palm Springs Ca.

brenda   January 2nd, 2008 6:10 pm ET

tThere are alot of uninsuredable people in the US my husband has high blood and I have debetic I can;t get coveage for us what are we going to do for us we are both in our early 40.s we have along time ahead of us with no insueance we been fighting this battle for 16 years every since Clinton was elected to office he promise it and it never happen is everyone in the world crazy enough to believe it is going to happen now

CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT   January 2nd, 2008 6:01 pm ET

Eleanor Roosevelt taught us that sometimes silence is the greatest sin

by Mrs. Lyndon Baines (Ladybird) Johnson
Former First Lady, United States Of America
Women can move beyond the struggle for equal status and for material goods to the challenges and opportunities of citizenship. Quality of goals and the achievement of goals which will mean a better life for all. For me, it was the beginning of seeing how politics can bring tangible results. I always hope that the very best of our people will go into politics, and I am sure that some of our best are women. So, I say: "Don't hold back. Don't be shy. Step forward in every way you can to plan boldly, to speak clearly, to offer the leadership which the world needs. Let us today earnestly resolve to build the true foundation for Eleanor Roosevelt's memory–to pluck out prejudice from our lives, to remove fear and hate where it exists, and to create a world unafraid to work out its destiny in peace. Eleanor Roosevelt has already made her own splendid and incomparable contribution to that foundation. Let us go and do likewise, within the measure of our faith and the limits of our ability. Let Eleanor Roosevelt teach Us all how to turn the arts of compassion into the victories of democracy.Eleanor Roosevelt taught us that sometimes silence is the greatest sin.
“PROGRESS IS CALLING ON YOU TO MAKE NO PAUSE” ACT! The Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women & Politics at Iowa
VOTE CLINTON 2008

keep it real   January 2nd, 2008 5:57 pm ET

Mrs. Edwards was not talking about her personally not being covered, idiots. She was talking about regular working people who insurance companies decide are too high a risk to insure. That means that people like my mother, who is also a CANCER survivor, would not be able to get any health coverage if she could not come up with the $600/month premium she currently pays. And by the way, she doen't have a fat 401K or anything more than what she gets as a retired teacher, which I have to say, isn't much.

Scott Austin, TX   January 2nd, 2008 5:47 pm ET

Well said, Everyman. It is VERY apparent that Mrs. Edwards' point sailed right over the heads of most posters here. Edwards has my vote and my support!!!!!

tony maner   January 2nd, 2008 5:46 pm ET

OK you fools elect Obama or Clinton to the Dem. ticket and you have given the white house to the Republicans. I realize that you are for Obama because he is black not because he would make the best president. I realize that you are for Clinton because she is a woman but understand this that if Clinton is elected it will be an extention of the Bush group. Of the Democrats Edwards stands the best chance of winning the white house. On the Republican side Mc Cain stands the best chance. Understand that I am not a McCain supporter. If Obama or Clinton is the choice of the Democrats, you have just placed enough Democratic votes to elect a republican. I realize this is hard to swallow for those that vote for a woman or a black man because of who they are but don't loose the fact that we are electing a president not a black man or a woman. We are in troubled times and I do mean troubled times.

If you think that the Islam groups around the world are going to take a women serious you have another thing comming. You should know what they think of women. As for Obama I don't think that the majority of Americans are ready for a name like that in the White house. If you are black you missed your chaince with Powell who would have made a great prersident and who would have been elected. As for the women, this is not the time.

I realize that all of you Obama and Clinton supporters or should I say all of the blacks and women you are going to call me every name in the book. Just remember after 8 years no one voted for Bush. THINK ABOUT IT

Amanda Orlando, FL   January 2nd, 2008 5:45 pm ET

Um, first, I'm sorry but I do believe that Edwards didn't get the democratic nomination in 2004, and that Repulican's beat him as the Vice Presidental candidate in that election. So stating that Edwards is worthy of the nomination or can beat the Repulican nominee is a rather poor analysis.

Second, If anyone has actually read Obama's plan it does solve the "pre-existing condition" problem.

That's right, Elizabeth. Obama hopes that you and cancer patients across America don't get the treatment you need and drop dead. Seriously. She should be ashamed of herself for implying such a thing.

Amanda Orlando, FL   January 2nd, 2008 5:44 pm ET

Um, first, I'm sorry but I do believe that Edwards didn't get the democratic nomination in 2004, and that Repulican's beat him as the Vice Presidental candidate in that election. So stating that Edwards is worthy of the nomination or can beat the Repulican nominee is a rather poor analysis.

Second, If anyone has actually read Obama's plan it does solve the "pre-existing condition" problem.

That's right, Elizabeth. Obama hopes that you and cancer patients across America don't get the treatment you need and drop dead. Seriously. She should be ashamed of herself for implying such a thing.

Ellen   January 2nd, 2008 5:41 pm ET

You people don't get it – this isn't about Elizabeth Edwards and if she will be able to afford health insurance coverage. She is talking about us, the middle class Americans who have pre-existing conditions that will be unable to get health coverage on their own – the cost will be unbearable. I have had cancer, do not have it now, but it is on my health record and will be considered as a pre-existing condition. I never realized how dumb most Americans are when it comes to politics and listening to the different candidates, instead of picking them apart – listen to the facts each are presenting and how it relates to you or your neighbors.

mike   January 2nd, 2008 5:37 pm ET

On YouTube.com Now!!!!!

"Obama Portrait Music Video by Bjarne O"

Iowa OUR TIME IS NOW. We will make history with Obama in '08!!!!

Everyman   January 2nd, 2008 5:29 pm ET

The POINT of her aside was that she has a pre-existing condition, CANCER.

MARIO, this isn't a funny talking-point. Using the Breck girl slander isn't funny, it's TERRIFYING that you can reduce an issue like UNINSURED AMERICANS down to a decades' old commercial reference.

My family is affected by this tragedy. We've cried together over it.

If CNN wasn't moderating this forum, I'd have a lot worse things to say to you Rush Limbaughians. You're destroying HOPE with a GRIN and a GIGGLE.

WE MUST BAND TOGETHER AND FIGHT FOR OUR RIGHT TO LIFE AS PROMISED BY THE CONSTITUTION

We must elected either Hillary or Edwards in November

Republicans can sit this one out and think about 18,000 folks dying a year because they don't have access to health insurance. Think long and hard...

Christian, Tampa FL   January 2nd, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Obama's plan is the most moderate and most likely to win over bipartisan support. Republicans start foaming at the mouth when it comes to government mandates of anything, and if any healthcare legislation is going to pass, there has to be some room for compromise and people must feel that the government isn't invading their homes and forcing them to have healthcare.

Shaun Martin   January 2nd, 2008 5:24 pm ET

I don't believe that Ms. Edwards is really concerned about insurance for herself. She is, however, concerned with those who have had cancer and may not work and are now uninsurable. These folks need insurance even more. They have oncology checkups at least every six months and medications that they can take for years or forever. They need coverage. Obama cannot forget about this group of people and it appears that he has.

Dawn   January 2nd, 2008 5:20 pm ET

I respect and greatly sympathize with Elizabeth Edwards but she should not be playing on her cancer to score political points. And I'm not sure that someone worth half a billion dollars would or should qualify for health insurance anyway.

common sense   January 2nd, 2008 5:17 pm ET

I'm sorry – but she doesn't know that.

These plans are not in place – there are no specifics on any side ... including John's.

It's last minute desparation politics ... and it's really sad that someone with a terminal diagnosis would say something like that.

I'm very sad about her diagnosis – but don't use your diagnosis to make declarative comments about something to smear your rival.

It's truly distasteful.

Tom, Ottumwa, IA   January 2nd, 2008 5:14 pm ET

Who gives a crap if a millionare isn't covered by a national health plan. Somehow I think she will manage! Thats the point that republicans (and obama) make about the hillcare plan, it will never work because a mandated plan will never fly.. especially considering it mandates that the ultra rich opt into health care plan (which will probably be substandard to the private plans they already have!).

Randee   January 2nd, 2008 5:14 pm ET

You are missing the point by Mrs. Edwards. Of course she personally can afford her own health insurance but other Americans in her situation (i.e., with a terminal disease) would fall outside the scope of the plan. She is merely highlighting a loophole using her own medical status as an example.

John King   January 2nd, 2008 5:07 pm ET

Liz not being covered by Obama's plan. Good for her, her husband is a multi-millionare. I guess the next thig she'll say is that her taxes won't be cut under Hillarys plan. Puh-lease!

Amanda Orlando, FL   January 2nd, 2008 5:07 pm ET

I would like someone to ask Elizabeth Edwards- whom I have no ill will towards at all and understand her position- if she honestly thinks Obama is purposefully deceiving the American public. If so, why does she think that? What's in it for Obama if his plan isn't as universal as he says? What does he stand to gain? I have a seriously hard time believing that he is so unintelligent that he doesn't realize he's being untruthful and I am even less convinced that he would purposely decieve anyone. If the man can be honest about his drug use, he can be honest about anything.

I can see someone lying about their stand on abortion, gun control, etc. But what motivation would Obama have to lie about his healthcare plan? Honestly. We've been hearing these attacks on his healthcare plan for MONTHS, and I don't think anyone's buying it. Basically, they have nothing else on Obama, so it's been the same thing over and over and over. He's too inexperienced and his healthcare plan isn't universal, blah, blah, blah. And he's still rising in the polls anyway!

I think Obama's plan is appealing to voters on both sides of the healthcare fence. There are a lot of people who don't like the idea of "universal" healthcare and see is as socialized medicine. On the other hand, there are people who want to see those who cannot help themselves, such as children, covered. Obama's plan is a good compromise, as opposed to the extreme plans proposed by other candiates.

And they say Obama is unelectable. I haven't seen another democrat who has so successfully swayed both Democrats AND Republicans.

MikeNJD   January 2nd, 2008 5:07 pm ET

Yeah, something tells me Elizabeth Edwards will be able to find healthcare under Pres. Obama's plan.

Mike, Conway, AR   January 2nd, 2008 5:06 pm ET

Simply amazing. Elizabeth wants the government to cover her health care. This millionaire living in her mansion expects me to pay for her.

huh?   January 2nd, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Can't Elizabeth pay for her own health insurance? Her husband is a multi-millionaire, for god's sake. This doesn't make sense.

SICK OF OBAMAWINPHREY   January 2nd, 2008 4:53 pm ET

YOU GO ELIZABETH, YOU HAVE MORE COURAGE THAN ANY OF THESE TOP MEDIA OUTLETS, THEY ALL SUPPORT OBAMA BECAUSE THEY KNOW REPUBLICANS CAN BEAT HIM IN THE GENERAL ELECTION AND THEY CANNOT BEAT HILLARY OR JOHN! OBAMA IS A LIAR ON EVERYTHING, VOTERS ARE FALLING FOR HIS PREACHER TYPE YELLING, BUT THATS ALL IT IS...NO SUBSTANCE. HE WILL NEVER WIN THE DEM NOMINATION

CLINTON'S NARROW EDGE WITH WOMEN VOTERS

Clinton, Obama and Edwards have battled for the Democratic lead for months in Iowa, where a win can generate huge momentum for later contests. The new poll showed Clinton, who would be the first woman in the White House, leading Obama among women voters and ahead among older voters, who are the most likely to participate.

Mario   January 2nd, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Who cares what Edward's old lady says? what does she have to worry about! Her husband the Breck girl has millions and she will be take care of.

She is pissed becasue Obuma will win!

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