Today, Senator John Edwards spoke out strongly against media consolidation and asked Democrats to take the necessary steps to stop the merger between Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp and The Wall Street Journal. Edwards called on Democrats to oppose the merger because of the biased and unfair manner in which Fox News covers Democrats and the Democratic Party.

Yet while Murdoch expands his empire and his influence, some Democrats continue to take money from him and other top executives at Fox News and News Corp.  So, as part of his opposition, Edwards challenged all the Democratic presidential candidates to refuse contributions from News Corp executives and to refund any contribution they have already taken.

"The reality is that Americans deserve more news outlets — not fewer. It's time for all Democrats, including those running for president, to stand up and speak out against this merger and other forms of media consolidation,” said Senator Edwards.

"Moreover, given Fox News' consistent efforts to demean Democrats — they have attacked the character of Senator Obama, Vice President Gore, and many others — no Democrat running for president should accept campaign money from top News Corp executives. So, today, I'm challenging every Democratic presidential candidate to refuse contributions from News Corp executives and return any they've already taken, beginning with Rupert Murdoch. The time has come for Democrats to stop pretending to be friends with the very people who demonize the Democratic Party."

-Team Edwards

During a speech to the Silicon Valley Leadership yesterday, Senator John Edwards unveiled his agenda to promote technology, research, and scientific innovation in America.  Edwards laid out a bold and specific six-point plan that includes investments in research and education.

            "Americans have always taken impossible tasks and turned them into reality," said Edwards. "We need to take action today—not tomorrow—to ensure that we continue to lead.  If we're going to be the most innovative country in the world, we also need to reverse the philosophy of the Bush administration, which values ideology over science.”

            During the 20th century, America led the world in innovation but now America is challenged by other countries. Our students are falling behind in science education–American 9th-graders are 18th in the world in science education.  President Bush has repeatedly blocked progress by presiding over the most anti-science administration in American history, censoring research and slanting policy on issues ranging from climate change to air pollution to stem cell research.

            Here are the specifics of John Edwards’ six-point plan to recharge American competitiveness:

• Support American ingenuity by investing in education, science, technology and innovation.
• Build the New Energy Economy and create more than 1 million new jobs.
• Restore America's leadership in science and math education and ensure that American children are prepared to build on our current technology successes.
• Create universal broadband access and close the digital divide.
• Guarantee true universal health care. Skyrocketing health care costs are a heavy burden on manufacturing companies and other businesses. Edwards has offered a specific plan to guarantee true universal health care for every man, woman and child in America.
• Respect science and make sure that government professionals charged with the collection and analysis of scientific data—from medical research to mercury emissions—are insulated from political influence.

For more information on Edwards’ innovation policy, check out this fact sheet.

-Team Edwards

Today, the Road to One America poverty tour runs through Appalachia where Senator Edwards will emphasize the importance of strengthening families and improving access to health care.  In the last 25 years, 470 hospitals have closed in rural America, leaving 9 million rural Americans currently uninsured.

Help bring attention to the one in eight Americans who live in poverty; sign our petition.

In Wise, Virginia, Senator Edwards sat down with the Remote Area Medical (RAM) Volunteers Corp.  Over the course of three short days, the RAM volunteers will provide health care services to over 8,000 people from Wise and the surrounding areas.  In many cases, it is the only health care they receive all year.  

Several people joined John for a roundtable discussion about rural health care and the challenges these communities face.  John met with extraordinary medical professionals whose commitment to helping rural Americans runs deep.  

A perfect example of that strength and courage is the story that John heard from James Lowe, a 51-year old coal miner who had lived with a cleft palate.  Lowe was unable to speak for the first 50 years of his life because he could not afford the $3,000 operation to treat the problem.  Last year a volunteer orthodontist with RAM performed the operation. Traveling Press Assistant Mark Kornblau described the encounter, remarking that rather than being angry or complaining, Lowe was grateful. "It was remarkable humility," he said.  He said Lowe reminded John of the men who worked at the mill with his father in South Carolina.  Kornblau wrote, "Senator Edwards was enraged that James and people like him are often invisible to George W. Bush."

-Team Edwards

Read more: John Edwards' plan for universal health care.