Draft Unnecessary with Kerry's Foreign Policy

Draft Unnecessary with Kerry's Foreign Policy

A student at Kerry's campaign stop asked whether the United States might reinstate the military draft because of soldier shortages in Iraq. Kerry said his foreign policy would make it unnecessary to have draft, and accused Bush of having a "clandestine draft" that has turned the National Guard and Reserves into "almost active duty."

Kerry Slams 'Saudi-George Bush' Gas Tax

By NEDRA PICKLER, Associated Press Writer

PORTLAND, Ore. - Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry said Tuesday that drivers are paying a "Saudi-George Bush gasoline tax" because the president hasn't pressured oil-producing nations to increase their output.

Kerry, speaking the day after President Bush sought to rally international support in Iraq, also said he has "a level of trust" with world leaders that would allow him to repair relationships he says Bush has damaged with his foreign policy.

"I believe it will take a new president of the United States to clear the air, to re-establish American credibility in the world and to be able to reach out to leaders, not just in the Middle East, but all over the world," the Massachusetts senator said. "Now, I think that what you want to acknowledge or how you approach it is a matter of private diplomacy."

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(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

John Kerry and former Howard Dean react during a campaign rally on Monday, May 17, 2004, in downtown Portland, Oregon.


(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)


(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)


(AP Photo/Don Ryan)

John Kerry celebrates on stage with raised fists during a rally in Portland, Ore. on Monday, May 17, 2004, the eve of the state's primary election.

Kerry Receives A Warm Welcome!

John Kerry is greeted by fellow Vietnam veteran Jim Rassmann of Florence, Ore., as he arrives at the airport in Portland, Ore. on Monday, May 17, 2004. Rassmann credits Kerry with saving his life while they served together in Vietnam. (AP Photo/Greg Wahl-Stephens)

"Our health care system is badly broken," Kerry told nursing students at Pennsylvania's Edinboro University. "Today, regular checkups are emptying family checkbooks. Waiting for a doctor's bill is causing as much anxiety as waiting for a diagnosis. And cutting through endless red tape and paperwork is wasting millions that could be spent on better care."

The campaign offered statistics to back up his complaints: Total family premiums have risen more than $2,700 in four years, a rate Kerry said was four times faster than that for workers' earnings.

The average American family pays nearly $10,000 a year for a policy, his campaign said, more than those in any other country. U.S. employers have responded by slowing hiring and shifting work to part-time and temporary employees, according to the campaign.

"It's not acceptable to do nothing while families lose their savings, workers lose their jobs, and businesses close their doors because of the high cost of health care," Kerry said. "We need a president who knows our health care crisis isn't acceptable and who has a plan to fix it."

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Warren Buffett to Advise Democrat Kerry

Warren Buffett, the billionaire investor who has publicly criticized President Bush's tax cuts as favoring the wealthy, said Sunday he has agreed to serve as an economic adviser to John Kerry.

Buffett, a Democrat, said he and Kerry have spoken once — when Kerry called to ask if Buffett would be willing to serve with a group of advisers that includes Roger Altman, deputy treasury secretary under President Clinton, and former Clinton economic adviser Gene Sperling.