Grand Rapids - Democratic presidential hopeful Dick Gephardt presented himself Wednesday as the only candidate whose plans would benefit all Americans.
The congressman from Missouri spoke of his plans for a national health-care program he said will save citizens $2,200 a year more than President Bush's tax cuts and create 750,000 new jobs.
"Health care is not just an economic issue or just a jobs issue," Gephardt told an audience of about 200 people gathered in an auditorium at Teamsters Local 406. "To me, health care is a moral issue.
"It's immoral to have people out there without health insurance."
But Jason Miller, past chairman of MSU College Republicans, was skeptical of Gephardt's plan.
"If you think health care is expensive now, wait until you see what it costs when it's free," he said. "Either taxes will go through the roof or the government will force people to be rationed.
"People don't want the government to tell them what health-care source they will or will not get."
Gephardt, a University of Michigan Law School graduate, also emphasized his middle-class background to the crowd, composed largely of union workers, saying he would look out for the interests of middle America better than President Bush.
"It's time we had a president in the White House who's one of you," he said. "(Bush) only has one idea in his head, and that's tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans."
To this Miller noted that, although those who pay the most taxes get the largest tax breaks, every taxpayer received a tax cut.
Also highlighted in the speech was Gephardt's "Apollo 21 Energy Plan," which would seek to make the United States independent of Persian Gulf oil within 21 years through use of alternative energies such as wind and solar power.
Rick Krzykwa, who attended the rally, said Gephardt's speech was not enough to guarantee he will vote for the candidate in the Michigan caucus.
"I like him, but I'm not going to throw my vote away early," the Grand Rapids resident said. He added that he is waiting for the results of Monday's Iowa caucus, of which Gephardt is considered one of the front-runners, to make his decision.
Unlike Krzykwa, Christine Cassis of Grand Rapids has her mind made up about Gephardt.
"I like everything he stands for," she said. "He understands different types of lifestyles."
Michigan will hold its Democratic caucus on Feb. 7.
For those who do not wish to vote in person, an application to apply online or by mail is available at www.applytovote.com
Dirk VanderHart can be reached a vande227@msu.edu.
