John Podesta of CAP and Andy Stern of SEIU take the stage to kick things off. Podesta notes the presence of of Rep. Shelley Berkeley and Elizabeth Edwards. Also notes that this is the first presidential debate to focus directly on healthcare and the first to take questions from the blogosphere. Stern recognizes the members and leadership of SEIU in attendence and speaks about the problems with America's healthcare system. Stern also underscores polling that clearly indicates that Americans do not want piecemeal reform but rather want to see a broad change, as a number of Governors and Senators understand. Tumulty takes the stage and notes finally that this forum is not about the latest YouTube video or the back and forth of the campaign but rather just about healthcare. What's more, she explains that all candidates of both parties were invited.

The first candidate of the morning is John Edwards, who begins by thanking the many people, including his fellow candidates, who extended their well wishes and prayers to his family. States that "we have a disfunctional healthcare system in America" and that there needs to be sweeping change. His plan would cover all Americans by requiring all employers to cover their employees or pay into a fund. In regions around the country, there would be pools of plans for Americans to choose, and Americans indeed would be able to choose their plan. The Edwards plan would also require preventative care and also provide subsidies for those earning below about $80,000 annually. The cost of the plan would be between $90 billion and $120 billion, which would be covered by rolling back tax cuts for the wealthy.

Tumulty's first question centers on whether Edwards is in the race to stay given his wife's health situation. Edwards states that he will, highlighting his family's -- and other families' -- ability to endure through healthcare crises in the past. Edwards also centers on the fact that other families have had to deal with this situation without healthcare coverage. The second question comes from an employer concerned with rising healthcare costs. Edwards states his concern that American businesses have a competitiveness deficit because of the higher healthcare costs for companies in our country, a problem that would be directly impacted for the positive by his plan. Question three from an emailer via Tumulty focuses on the pushback to efforts to reform healthcare in the past. Edwards notes that because his plan lowers the cost of healthcare for businesses through efficiencies like preventative care, etc., businesses will buy in. Tumulty's fourth question asks whether universal healthcare can be achieved without raising taxes. Edwards answer, in short, is "no", there needs to be "an additional source of revenue." Edwards also says that, particularly given what's happened in the last several years, it's important for the President to be honest -- and that begins with the campaign. The fifth question focuses on the dichotomy between single-payer and our current system, to which Edwards states that we need action now and his plan is achievable because it has choice. It could be that in some time the system will move towards single-payer, but for now change must be accomplished. The final question comes from an RN in the audience centering on nurse retention and safety. Edwards states that he believes universal healthcare can help towards this issue, also saying there needs to be new incentives, new subsidies, new scholarships to train new nurses.

Candidate number two for the morning is Bill Richardson (unsusually in a suit, not a blazer), who states that his first thoughts are about Elizabeth Edwards and, relatedly, that we should spend more on cancer research and stem cell research. Richardson says that he understands first hand as a governor the issues with healthcare. "All Americans and all businesses... should be able to buy the same coverage as Members of Congress and the President" and Medicare should be available for those at an even younger age (60, I believe he said, instead of 65). Veterans' healthcare should also be improved by giving them a card that would grant them access to any hospital. To deal with costs, Richardson says we should use tax credits to help those without healthcare get it, tamp down on credit card companies that have high rates on medical related debt, that there should be prevention (a la his ban on junk food in school and smoking around the state, and that there should be new efficiencies, including electronic medical records. To pay for these changes, Richardson calls on using the money now going to fund the Iraq War to pay for domestic priorities like healthcare. Richardson concludes that his plan would not add bureaucracy or raise taxes, and that if people like their current plans they will be able to keep it.

The first question from Tumulty asks how long it would take to achieve universal healthcare under his plan, to which Richardson replied that his plan could achieve it within a year. The second question centers on the Schwarzenegger healthcare plan, which covers illegal immigrants. Richardson says, "They're children... and we should cover children." He also says that we need to deal with immigration through securing the borders (not through the "stupid" wall) but also through legalization. The next question, from the audience, centers on the healthcare accessible to members of Congress and federal employees. Richardson says that this is the "cornerstone" of his plan, that these programs should be open to all Americans. The next question, via email, centers on how his experience as Governor of New Mexico prepares him to deal with the issue nationally. "What we need to do is what we do in the states," says Richardson, pointing to some of the things he's done in New Mexico which he mentioned in his opening statement. He also focuses directly on prevention, shifting from just treatment to prevention. The next question on mental health comes from a member in the audience. Richardson says that mental health has been long overlooked, but that there needs to be a focus on dealing with the issue, which faces one in five Americans. This also means dealing with treatment for substance abuse, including dealing with the growing meth problem, which particularly affects the West. The next question from Tumulty asks if there should be mental health parity; Richardson that his plan would cover mental health, but also notes that lowering the 31 percent in administrative costs would open up more money for direct care. The final question centers on the balance between costs and access. Richardson that it needs to be both, not just one or the other, also speaking to "taming the bureaucracy."

Barack Obama is the third candidate of the morning, and he begins by thanking the hosts, focusing on SEIU, which he has had a close relationship with. Obama speaks to the fact that many of the benefits of the growth in the economy have just gone to those on the top, not to the workers, stating that instead both "the burden and the benefits of the new economy" should go to everone. This issue plays directly into the healthcare debate. Obama states that he will be laying out his program in the next few months, that broadly it should be fully implemented by the end of the next president's first term -- "my first term".

Tumulty's first question focuses on the lack of details in Obama's plan, with an SEIU member in the audience directly asking the question. Obama explains that his campaign is just eight weeks old, but that there will be a plan in the coming months. The basic principles of his plan are that "everyone's in"; that there needs to be new efficiencies (from prevention, dealing with chronic treatment more intelligently, new medical technology, decreasing administrative costs, etc.) that can be put towards covering those now without coverage; creating a new pool for coverage, perhaps like the one in which Senators are enrolled; and finding lower costs, such as through the use of generic drugs, not only name brand ones. Following up, Tumulty asks whether where funding should come from, what type of mandates there should be, whether we should continue basically with this system or to come up with a new system, etc. Obama again notes that he is developing his plan, but that he also wants input from Americans through roundtable discussions around the country. That said, Obama favors pooling to increase access but that it will take some time to transition away from the employer-based system but that, for now, employers will either need to pay or play (give their employees healthcare or pay into a system). The next question from the audience centers on differences in coverage for minorities. Obama says that much of this issue will be alleviated by moving towards universal healthcare but also notes that the vast majority of those without coverage are in fact working. Targeted programs dealing with issues like obesity, nutrition ("not just Popeye's"), led paint, and HIV/AIDS will make an enormous difference. The next question, which comes from email, focuses on the issues facing working, single mothers. "We're going to need to provide them a subside so that they can have access to healthcare. It's that straight forward," replied Obama. Pooling will address this issue, because many small employers cover so few people that they can't get the necessary savings now. On a side note, Obama says that we don't only need a plan but a political consensus. To this, he says he is more optimistic because employers are now participating in the debate. The final question from Tumulty is whether taxes must be raised. Obama says that money must be put in on the front end to make these changes but that by making the system more efficient more money will be available for coverage. Nonetheless, he's not at the point at which he's come to a conclusion that there needs to be additional revenue, but he's open to it. He also does not want healthcare providers (doctors, nurses, etc.) to be squeezed by these changes.

The fourth candidate of the morning is Hillary Clinton (who speaks with slightly more of a Southern accent than she usually does), who first sends her thoughts and prayers to John and Elizabeth Edwards. Clinton also thanks the hosts of the event for directly taking on the issue of healthcare, which she notes she worked on a decade ago. "I'm proud we tried," said Clinton, and that even though "we didn't succeed" at least a groundwork was set. Clinton also says that she is proud that all Democrats running are committed to universal coverage, saying that she, in particular, is committed to covering the millions without healthcare but also ensuring coverage for all Americans -- even those who already have it. Among other things, Clinton says that it is time to end insurance discrimination and that she will soon introduce legislation to achive this. Clinton also focuses on efficiencies and improving quality of care. To conclude, Clinton states that her battle scars only make her even more determined and that she is talking about healthcare at every chance she can get so that there is a movement built around reforming healthcare.

Tumulty's first question focuses on Clinton's statement that money will need to be taken away from those who are making out well in the current system. Clinton responds that insurance companies employ a lot of people trying to block coverage to some of those who they insure and that this will need to change. She uses a couple of stories to underscore this issue, saying that people should not need to call their Congressman or Senator to get their insurer to pay for a medical issue they need dealt with. Clinton also says that there needs to be incentives for preventative care, not just treatment after the fact. Tumulty's second question centers on whether the Clinton plan with mirror the previous Clinton plan, which at the time was controversial in part because of the employer mandate. Clinton says that if we are going to keep the employer-based system, every employer will either need to offer coverage or pay into a pool. She also says that individuals need to be responsible, including young people who believe they don't need coverage. On a separate issue, Clinton notes that we already have some good programs like Medicare and the federal employees benefit program that have significatly lower administrative costs than the current private system -- but that people will be able to keep their plans if they want (they will not be forced into a government program). Relatedly, she says that she will sell her plan better than she did the last time, which people were concerned that they would be forced into a plan with less choice. The next question comes from the audience and it centers on reining in healthcare costs. Clinton says that she wants to end insurance discrimination and that legislation needs to be enacted to implement electronic records (noting that she passed the bill through the Senate but that it got bottled up in the Republican House previously). Tumulty follows up asking where the funding for up front costs would come from, if there needs to be new taxes. Clinton says that we are already spending enough money in the system -- more per capita than anywhere else in the world -- but that up front costs for things like electronic records would not in fact cost so much, perhaps $200 million. Additionally, Clinton says that Americans, herself included, need to take better care of themselves. The final question centers on the timing of her plan (she says two terms, others say one), to which Clinton responds that it will take time to implement. Yet Clinton also underscores the importance of creating a groundswell among Americans so that some Republicans join the effort, because 60 votes are needed in the Senate (noting that Republicans filibustered in 1994).

The fifth candidate, sans tie and in a blazer, is Chris Dodd, who thanks the hosts and also notes that his thoughts are with the Edwards family. Dodd notes his strong ties to labor and that he wants to stand with organized labor, including SEIU. Dodd says that although he is in some ways preaching to the choir here, we need to make changes (noting statistics showing that we aren't doing enough). Dodd states that things like income equality greatly affect healthcare in America, and that more must be done on that front. Dodd's principles for healthcare include universality, prevention, extending on the successes of Medicare and Medicaid, and investing in and better utilizing new technologies. To conclude, he highlights his achievements in healthcare, including his leadership on family medical leave legislation and that he founded the children's caucus in the Senate, and we can't just achieve this in a 51-49 situation but that a consensus must be achieved. Dodd also states his support for Americans getting at least as good as coverage as Senators.

Tumulty's first question (aside from noting that Dodd is the candidate who can most properly pronounce "Nevada") focuses on the fact that the Clinton healthcare plan, which Dodd co-sponsored, never got a vote. Dodd responds that the problem is significantly greater today because the costs are so much higher and, as a result, employers and others who previously were opposed to reform can now be brought on board. He also talks about bringing people from both sides of the aisle aboard, including some Republican Senators he's worked with for decades. The next question, from the audience, centers on expanding healthcare to children. Dodd moves in a related direction noting that he will be introducing legislation that will overturn the decision by the national labor relations board that blocked many nurses from organizing. Dodd also highlights his work on children's issues and family medical leave, noting additionally that Head Start needs to be expanded, autism must be dealth with, more in-school centers, etc., among other things. The next question, via email, asks what the largest issue dealing with healthcare is, to which Dodd responds dealing with costs, that unless this is dealt with, through incentives and otherwise, we might be back in four or eight years dealing with the exactly same issue. (Unfortunately, I missed the end of the questioning due to a personal situation caused by an excess of coffee this morning.)

The next candidate is Dennis Kucinich, who says that it is time for a sweeping change that truly deals with private insurance companies. Kucinich says that there should be Medicare for all -- a single-payer, not-for-profit system -- hearkening back to Lincoln and emancipation, suffragettes and women's suffrage, King and civil rights, Cesar Chavez and organizing, etc.

Tumulty's question notes that Kucinich is the only candidate on the stage so far advocating for single-payer but that the last time it was on the ballot, in Oregon, it was voted down overwhelmingly. Kucinich says there needs to be more leadership to overcome the millions of dollars from the insurance industry, which were spent in Oregon and which would be spent around the country. Kucinich says that this is not American Idol -- we're electing a President. The next question comes via email and it centers on the rising costs, to which Tumulty adds the question over how rising costs might affect a single-payer system. Kucinich responds that although the insurance companies warn about rationing, the current system has worse than rationing -- 50 million without healthcare and another 50 million underinsured -- as a result of the major costs going to administrative costs and corporate profits. The next question, from the audience, focuses on rural issues. Kucinich notes that his plan would cover everyone -- urban, suburban and rural -- but that his proposed investment in infrastructure would positively impact rural communities. Another question from the audience focuses on how healthcare costs impact employers, to which Kucinich responds that many comanies are indeed negatively impacted by the high costs but that his program, by limiting administrative costs, would alleviate a number of these problems. Tumulty asks about Kucinich's opinion about Edwards' plan, which includes the option of single-payer but does not mandate it. Kucinich says that such competition would lead to the government only getting the most expensive healthcare consumers, which could bring down the system, and that government should not be subsidizing private insurers. Kucinich also scoffs at the notion that the other candidates actually support universal coverage.

The last candidate on stage is Mike Gravel, who offers his condolences for Rebels fans (UNLV's basketball team lost last night) and who thanks the organizers for including him in the forum (where others are not). Gravel says that we need to get rid of the employer-bases system, which was a relic of a bygone era. As such, Gravel says that he supports a universal, single-payer, voucher-based healthcare system in which everyone gets the same product, which people could add to by buying coverage on top of it. Gravel also notes that he was bankrupted by healthcare costs in his past. (Gravel runs noticeably over his 3-minute time limit for his opening.)

Tumulty asks how he would pass his plan, to which Gravel moves to his bread and butter issue: a nationwide initiative process, which he explains in some depth. The next question, over email and from the audience, centers on the hybrid nature of Gravel's plan, being both single-payer and voucher-based, but also on the role prevention plays in his plan. Gravel says that there needs to be leadership from the President on healthcare issues, speaking about how obesity can at least in some way be abated by using the bully pulpit to cajole Americans into making good choices about their nutrition and exercise. The next question also comes from the audience and it also focuses on prevention, particularly for seniors but also for all Americans. Gravel says that he wants to phase out Medicare and Medicaid over time through the implementation of his voucher plan. Responding to Tumulty's follow up, Gravel lashes out at trial lawyers and medical malpractice liability costs. The final question from Tumulty is where does Gravel go from here. Gravel admits that "lighting would have to strike" for him to win, but that lightning has struck in the past and that he only needs a modicum of funding to get his message out.

That wraps up the candidate portion of this forum, but John Podesta and Anna Berger will be talking with the press in a few minutes, and I'll be blogging that as well. Any particular questions for them?

Berger notes that this event was successful because it brought more focus to the debate over healthcaere and because it underscored the determination to provide coverage to all Americans, and Podesta concurs. On the question of where things move forward given that no Republican candidates showed up, Berger states that SEIU is still going to try to work with Republican candidates to join in the debate. Another questioner asks the level of specificity SEIU is looking forward for, to which Berger responded that she was happy with the participation of so many candidates. Someone also asked about SEIU's endorsement process, to which Berger answered that they are still working on it. Another question on response to what was heard, Podesta highlights that Clinton threw out some new ideas, that Edwards had an opportunity to speak about his new plan, that Obama is still working on his plan but was able to speak about his general ideas and that Richardson was able to talk about prevention and the work he has done in New Mexico (and apologizes for the fact he didn't cover the other candidates). One other questioner asked if Berger and Podesta were unhappy with the fact that none of the candidates, other than Edwards, seemed to speak to how they will pay for their plans, Berger notes that other candidates actually did speak to some if this question. On the question of healthcare for illegal immigrants, Berger noted that the position of SEIU was that people should come out of the shadows and that all Americans -- all Americans -- need to be covered.