The high risk populist

12 December 2007 By Martin Hutchinson

John Kerry s former running mate is economically left of other Democrats. He will close the US payments deficit through trade and energy policy, return capital gains taxes to 28% and increase the top marginal tax rate over 50%. Economically risky, but you know where he stands.

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John Edwards is the most protectionistleaning of the leading candidates in the 2008 presidential field, proposing to close the US payments gap through trade and energy policy.

The former congressman proposes universal healthcare, including preventative and mental health care, costing $90$120bn and paid for by increased taxes, including repeal of the Bush tax cuts for those earning under $200,000 and an increase in capital gains tax to 28%.

He favours capandtrade with the objective of reducing carbon emissions 80% by 2050, opposes nuclear power and wants to eliminate $250bn of the trade deficit through domestic energy sourcing.

He would keep defence spending at current levels (while ending the Iraq involvement) but would form a force of 10,000 marshals to undertake peacekeeping duties under United Nations auspices.

Edwards wants Federal financing of political campaigns, and believes this would eliminate lobbyists' influence.

With reporting by Elizabeth Eldridge.

Context News

John Edwards is the most protectionistleaning of the leading candidates in the 2008 presidential field, proposing to close the US payments gap through trade and energy policy.

He favours capandtrade with the objective of reducing carbon emissions 80% by 2050, opposes nuclear power and wants to eliminate $250bn of the trade deficit through domestic energy sourcing.

He would keep defence spending at current levels (while ending the Iraq involvement) but would form a force of 10,000 marshals to undertake peacekeeping duties under United Nations auspices.

Edwards wants Federal financing of political campaigns, and believes this would eliminate lobbyists' influence.

With reporting by Elizabeth Eldridge.

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