Moseley-Braun Visits Little Rock

Democrats continue to target Arkansas in their battle for the White House. Sunday night, former senator--and ambassador--Carol Moseley-Braun became the latest to stump for votes here. News 4 Arkansas` Mike Hellgren went one-one-one with the candidate Sunday night. Carol Moseley-Braun left her last elected office--Illinois senator--five years ago. But now, she`s pushing toward the nation`s top job. Here`s a quick look at where she stands on the issues: Moseley-Braun opposed the war with Iraq. She`s for affirmative action. She also favors universal health insurance--a topic that`s so important--even a former Surgeon General came to Philander Smith college to hear what the candidate had to say. Carol Mosely-Braun puts a different face on the field of Democratic candidates--one of an African American--one of a woman. Moseley-Braun tells Hellgren, "A woman can do the job, and I`m looking forward to doing the job. I have the credentials, and the background, and the experience." And it`s the message behind the face that she brought to a small group of men and women in Little Rock. "Arkansas is an important state for lot of reasons--not the least of which is the former President--the last elected President--is from here," says the candidate. Shirley Bondon came from Pine Bluff to hear Moseley-Braun speak. "I certainly wouldn`t want to vote for someone just because it`s a female or an African American. I think last weekend, this auditorium was full because people were out to see Wesley Clark, and he did not communicate anywhere near the platform that she did," says Bondon. On Mosely-Braun`s platform--harsh criticism of President Bush on Iraq... "We have a responsibility to at least leave Iraq in no worse shape than we found it." On the economy... "For all the conversations about a recovery, this is a job-losing recovery--if you can imagine such a thing," says Moseley-Braun. And on healthcare--an issue that drew a former surgeon general to the audience. "We`ve got to find a way to provide healthcare to all our people. If poor countries can do it, why can`t we?" Former Surgeon General Jocelyn Elders told Hellgren. But Moseley-Braun can`t accomplish those goals without the people. "What do you think your chances are of becoming President Moseley-Braun?" asks Hellgren. Braun replies, "I think my chances are as good as anybody`s. It all depends on what the voters want, and the good news--is in a Democracy--it`s just how many votes you have that matters."