John Kerry's stance on Rural America

Rural America: Rural America has faced many challenges in finding good jobs, a better education for the children of rural America, cheaper health care and keeping families together. John Kerry

John Kerry:

Description of the Candidate's position: John Kerry has a plan to provide "voice and values" for rural America by providing an expanded health care coverage, improving conservation efforts, supporting small town farmers and families, increase access to advanced technology and encourage federal investments in renewable energy sources to spur job growth. He also plans to cut middle-class taxes and make health care more affordable to those who can't afford to have it. His plan also includes strengthening education for the rural communities of the United States. Kerry wants to see an increase of jobs in rural America and give farmers the support they need to compete and thrive in today's economy. Link

Quotation from the Candidate: "I believe a stronger America begins right here at home, and that means we need to do more to strengthen rural America. Today our rural communities are struggling, and instead of offering help, this President has turned his back. I believe we can do better, that we have a special responsibility to lift up our rural communities and small towns." July 1, 2004, link

Assessment of the Proposal:

Positive: The National Farmers Union PAC has endorsed Kerry believing Kerry can provide the best opportunity to create the partnerships between government and its citizens to achieve success in dealing with the challenges of today's rural America and creating new economic and social opportunities.

Negative: Ann Veneman, Secretary of Agriculture, states that John Kerry has done nothing but flip flop his views for Rural America including the following ways in which he originally stated he will change things, but has changed his views: Kerry wants to give family farms the opportunity to compete in the global marketplace while in turn he has now said he would vote against trade agreements and put labor and environmental standards before trade. Kerry also wants to invest in new alternative fuels like ethanol, but has flip flopped and vote against ethanol five different times. John Kerry also said he wants to "fight like hell the keep the Dairy Compact alive" while he says now he wants a reasonable dairy policy that does not include the Northeast Dairy Compact.

Comparison: John Kerry wants to spend more money on being able to provide more health care at a better price for rural America, as does Bush, however, Kerry sees providing rural America with tax cuts are key. Bush and Kerry want to see the use of ethanol and biodiesel become key for survival of farms in rural America.

Link to George Bush's Rural America issue page