Edwards College for Everyone

By Julie Stauder

January 30, 2008

DAVIS (DE) - Democratic candidate John Edwards has advocated a College for Everyone program that will particularly benefit the “needy people.” Edward’s plan is to pay for 2 million students’ tuition, books and fees at any public university or community college for the first year. In an interview with Edwards Tuesday evening, he explains, “In order to qualify for this opportunity, one must have TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) classification and the people who need the most help will qualify first.”

Edwards being a strong believer in higher education believes that everyone should have the opportunity to attend college regardless of their background. Edwards’ plan is to give millions of students the opportunity to attend college who would usually not be able to.

However, there is a catch to this amazing opportunity. These students must be willing to work hard and stay out of trouble. Edwards says that, “one must work a part time job for the year being paid for. All of those who qualify must be working at least part time status, and paying into the system through taxes.” Funding for this program is going to be directly taken from taxes and social security taxes. Edwards says, “I want to eliminate the tax debt first and foremost, and have a flat tax across the board for all. I also want to get rid of the tax cut. This will help enable me to fund for this program.”

Students who qualify and are willing to work at least 10 hours a week, and stay out of trouble will be able to attend college for free for the first year. As of right now, the program can only fund 2 million students for one year, but Edwards expresses his plans to expand the program after it progresses. Edwards says, “We are going to find a back up that will expand our funding.” Edwards expresses that “this program has been very successful in North Carolina and I plan for it to succeed nation wide. I am the only candidate that has a plan to fully fund for these students.” In Greene Central, North Carolina, the college rate has increased from 54 percent before the program started to 74 percent today.

Although it seems like Edwards, College for Everyone program is only beneficial to the less fortunate, his program also consists on initiatives to help all students who want to attend college. He plans on reforming student loans to eliminate bank subsidies, which will free up almost $6 billion a year to make college more affordable. He plans on making applying for financial aid easier, and expanding access to college counselors. He also wants to lower tuition rates which will increase enrollment rates, enabling more students to attend college. Edwards says, “After the program succeeds, I will be able to further expand, allowing more students this opportunity.”

Edwards’s educational dream is very large. His list goes on in ways he would like to provide higher education available to everyone. His College for Everyone has been very successful, and he has high hopes for success nation wide. If elected president, you can count on Edwards College for Everyone program to follow through and expand over the years.

Obama On Education

John Pham

DAVIS (DE) - According to recent studies, American students score a below average in the latest international tests. American students still trail their peers in other countries in science and math. Does that really surprise anyone? In 2002, the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) was signed into law to help combat our failing schools and low test scores but according to the largest education union, the National Education Association, it simply does not work. With the presidential primary race heating up, it has become one of the big issues here at the Davis Enterprise.

Unlike Hillary Clinton and John Edwards, Barack Obama was not in office when NCLB was signed into law. He has said it is a well-intentioned attempt to erase long-standing achievement gaps between students, but he believes the current presidential administration ruined it through inflexible application.

“Well, I think it's doing very well for some. But it's not doing very well for all. So, No Child Left Behind has been false advertising.” Said Obama at a debate, “And there doesn't seem to be a sense of urgency about improving the education system. It is a sense of urgency that we've got to restore if we're going to be able to remain competitive in this new global economy.”

He plans to improve our education system by fundamentally changing NCLB and give more money for schools to pay for teachers and treat them like professionals. Nationwide programs should be implemented to help reconstruct crumbling school buildings. He also wants to start up a STEP UP program that will help disadvantage kids during the summer.

Obama’s heart and mind is in the right place for school children from kindergarten to the 12^th grade, but what about higher education? As of right now, the University of California in Davis charges around $225 a unit. Most people can’t afford to go to college because it is extremely expensive, even for a public school. Senator Obama has been pushing for a bill that will increase the federal Pell grant awards from $4,310 to $5,400 by 2012. He has also been pushing for another bill that will cut interest rates for student loans by half.

If Barack Obama is elected for president, he will have to prove what he is worth and that he is a man of the people. To redo the NCLB will be a tremendous task for him but with Obama already pushing for other education bills to pass, he seems like the man that will stand by his words.

Clinton: Video Games a "Waste of Time"

By Vincent Shin

Davis (DE) - Though I do not normally report news, I was the one who asked Senator Clinton about her strong stance on video game censorship two weeks ago today during her announcement speech. When asked again, Senator Clinton responded that video games are a "waste of time." She claims that those that do play video games are the ones that do not vote. In fact, she even mentioned that a close friend of hers refused to go see her husband, former President William Jefferson Clintion, during his visit to UC Davis because she "wanted to play Wii."

Of course, the real meat of the question was about her stance on video game censorship, and not what she actually thinks about video games. Clinton stated that despite the fact that she dislikes video games, she would never actually try and pass a bill censoring video games as even she knows that it would probably never pass. This is certainly a close call for the residents of Davis, California. Video games are what keep the college students at bay. If video games were taken away from these college students, could you imagine what would happen? More wild parties than what we already have to deal with; rioting on the streets; students, possibly acting out video game violence on each other because they have no more video games. Good call, Mrs. Clinton. You've kept the wild college students at bay.

Time For Change

Time For Change
Julie Stauder

DAVIS (DE)- Last Thursday’s event, “Meet the Press,” drew a lot of attention about the candidate’s main issues. The presidential candidates advertisements were broadcasted live to lure votes in their direction.

For the Republicans, John McCain showed his loyalty to politics expressing that his experience extends over 30 years. Erica Huckabee showed her personable side, while Ron Paul showed his committed voters and his patriotic personality. Giuliani on the other hand addressed his voice for better health care.

The Democrats, Hilary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John Edwards, all stated their feeling on the War in Iraq and the need to bring our troops home. Although their opinions vary, they all want what is best for our country, but what are they going to do about change and how are they going to do it?

All the candidates appeared serious about the election and presented the issues that are most important to the nation; the war, health care, and taxes are all common issues. For the city of Davis, one candidate stood out from the rest, Barack Obama. Obama showed his willingness to reach out to the people. From the low-income In & Out Burger employees, to bus drivers, Obama expressed his interest in all people. Davis being a small and tight-knit community, it may benefit from having someone like Obama run our country. He may be able to address some of the smaller issues that Davis is interested in. He is for going green; to recycle, reduce carbon emission and develop a better environment for our growing children. Considering Davis is a college town with a lot of young voters, Obama also being young can relate to issues that are important to this town. Obama is for higher education and wants a tax credit to make college tuition more affordable.

Although other candidates talk of having more experience, Obama brings a fresh look at these issues and has sparked interest in many first time voters. He has won a lot of votes from voters interested in change. Students at UC Davis can especially relate to his support for ending the war, providing education tax credits and reducing waste. He is a strong supporter of energy programs that can reduce our dependence on foreign oil. I think Obama will be a great choice as President.

Environment & Energy

Candidates: Environment & Energy
John Pham

Davis (DE) - The environment has been a hot topic in the United States for quite some time now. The outcome of the 2008 presidential election could very well have a big impact on a wide range of environmental issues, from global warming to alternative energy. In this day and age, you have to agree that protecting the environment will be a key responsibility of our new president.

The following is just some of the ideas that these candidates are proposing to protect the environment and ways to come up with alternative energy.


The Democrats

Hillary Clinton

“A clean energy agenda is a jobs agenda. We have to take that message and drive it home day after day.” Hillary Clinton

What exactly is she saying? She wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent from the 1990 levels by 2050 to avoid the worst effects of global warming. She wants to reduce reliance on foreign oil by cutting oil imports by two-thirds from 2030 projected levels. By decreasing oil imports, she looks forward to using alternative energies by spending $50 billion, called the “Strategic Energy Fund”, for research and development for basic energy. Knowing that transportation accounts for 70 percent of consumed oil in the U.S., she plans to increase fuel efficiency standards to 55 miles per gallon by 2030.

Barack Obama

“Well, I don't believe that climate change is just an issue that's convenient to bring up during a campaign. I believe it's one of the greatest moral challenges of our generation.” Barack Obama

Obama plans to reduce 80 percent of carbon emission by 2050 through implementing a market based cap-and-trade system. His plan also consists of investing $150 billion over a 10 year period to advance the next generation of alternative energies like biofuels, hybrids, and low emission coal plants. In addition, Obama plans to focus on research and development of clean energy products by doubling its funding. But first, he wants to decrease our dependency on foreign oil by reducing oil imports by 35 percent by 2030.

John Edwards

"Our generation must be the one that says, 'we must halt global warming.” “If we don't act now, it will be too late.” John Edwards

To “halt global warming” Edwards, wants to implement the cap-and-trade system to help lower greenhouse gases. He plans to start the system in 2010 and reduce gases by 15 percent 2020. He will not only help this country, but other countries with their pollution problems by sharing technology. Edwards plans on creating a “New Energy Economy Fund” of $10 billion that will help support research and development of new energy technology.

The Republicans

Rudy Giuliani

“Every potential solution must be pursued – from nuclear power to increased energy exploration to more aggressive investment in alternative energy sources. I believe that America can achieve energy independence through a national strategy that emphasizes diversification, innovation, and conservation.” Rudy Giuliani

Giuliani’s main goal is to expand the use of bio-fuels, renewable energy, nuclear power, clean coal and natural gas. He wants to utilize all of these methods to lower carbon emissions in the U.S. By making nuclear power much safer, he plans to significantly increase the use from 20 percent to 80 percent.

Mike Huckabee

“The first thing I will do as President is send Congress my comprehensive plan for energy independence. We will achieve energy independence by the end of my second term.” Mike Huckabee

Huckabee focuses on energy independence. He wants to pursue all possible alternative energy sources from nuclear, wind, solar to hydrogen, clean coal and biodiesel. By using alternative energies, Huckabee plans dramatically decrease the import of foreign oil.

John McCain

"Americans solve problems. We don't run from them." John McCain

McCain’s plan for the environment is simple. He wants to limit carbon emissions by using market forces and promote advanced technologies like nuclear power. He also promotes production of flexible-fuel vehicles and creating the infrastructure for them.

Ron Paul

“I believe that a lack of respect for property rights has led to many [environmental] problems.” Ron Paul
Paul supports efforts to reduce the price of gasoline by increasing offshore drilling and building more refineries. To reward energy efficient commercial buildings, he wants to give them increased tax breaks.

Campaign Ads

For those of you who haven't gotten enough of the campaign ads, the Davis Enterprise is here to provide you with them:

The Dems:

Hilary Clinton


Barack Obama


John Edwards



The Republicans:

John McCain


Rudy Giuliani


Mike "Erica" Huckabee


Ron Paul

Future News

The Davis Enterprise, being a local Davis paper, has decided to focus more on local issues that our citizens are concerned about. We want to ask the candidates the tough questions that the people in Davis are concerned about. So, expect our next issue to focus on environmental concerns as well as education costs. Also, stay tuned for candidate Hilary Clinton's response to the yet to be answered "video game censorship issue."

News Analyst Response

Response to the Clash Between Clinton and Obama
Julie Stauder

The clash between democratic candidates Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama is becoming clearer as the polls are very close. As the race continues I believe both candidates are willing to do whatever it takes to win the elections, including bringing up issues that are irrelevant. Both seem to misinterpret words and ideas, fighting to win the polls in South Carolina. I feel as though the racial issue is becoming a prime topic of the election, rather than focusing on the main issues that affect our nation. The public, however, seems to become concerned and interested in the racial issue because of the excitement in the possibility to have the first African-American president. However, people seem to overlook the fact that Hilary Clinton could be a first as well; the first woman president. Both candidates have the chance to change and impact the nation, and are pushing to be the first in marking an important era in history. They are both fighting to win democratic votes, but I feel as though the campaign needs to set aside racial and gender issues and focus on the main issues that are affecting our country, because ultimately it is not about being white, or black, male or female; it is about who can best represent our country and how he or she will deal with the issues and problems at hand.

Clinton and Obama's Clash

Clinton and Obama’s Clash
John Pham

DAVIS (DE)- Up until now, the race for a Democratic presidential nomination has been clean from the issue of race and gender. According to New York Senator Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama’s campaign has added racial tension to this race. She remarked that her comments on Dr. Martin Luther King and his role in the civil rights movement were distorted by Obama’s supporters.

"Dr. King's dream began to be realized when President Lyndon Johnson passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964… It took a president to get it done," Clinton said on Fox News .

Her comments have caused outrage in the black community and has even bothered Jim Clyburn, the House Majority Whip.

"We have to be very, very careful about how we speak about that era in American politics," Clyburn said in an interview with the New York Times, “It is one thing to run a campaign and be respectful of everyone's motives and actions, and it is something else to denigrate those."

On NBC’s Meet the Press, Clinton defends her comments while attacking Obama’s campaign.

"This is an unfortunate story line the Obama campaign has pushed very successfully," the former first lady noted, "I don't think this campaign is about gender, and I sure hope it's not about race."

Obama and Clinton seem to be trading blows in this race. Obama’s campaign seems to be pointing out Clinton’s flaws just as the Clinton campaign has similarly done so by suggesting that Obama was a radical Muslim.

With Obama winning Iowa and Clinton taking New Hampshire, both candidates are pushing to get a victory in South Carolina, on January 25th. Recent polls show that Obama is leading in South Carolina with 42 percent over Clinton’s 32 percent.

News goes here!

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