Edwards Gets Hands-on in New Orleans

Democratic presidential hopeful builds with Habitat for Humanity in the Crescent City

• PRINT
• EMAIL

Sign outside Habitat for Humanity's Musicians' Village, November, 2007. (Photo courtesy Abigayle Lista)

Democratic Presidential candidate and former Senator John Edwards recently visited the Lower Ninth Ward neighborhood in New Orleans. Senator Edwards of North Carolina was in town to assist Habitat for Humanity in building homes in the Musicians' Village.

Edwards has visited the New Orleans area more than any other presidential candidate. Senator Edwards took a short break from eating his lunch to answer questions from the crowd. Many Scholastic News Online readers wanted to know his answer to the following question: "What one issue has the greatest effect on children's futures?"

Mr. Edwards replied: "There are actually two issues that greatly affect children: education and access to adequate health care. These two issues affect kids all over our country—especially the children here in New Orleans."

Edwards continued his lunch with Habitat for Humanity volunteers and five "Build With John" contest winners. The contest was a random drawing of people who had recently made a donation to his campaign. Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans is constructing 72 single-story homes for local musicians and other qualifying residents. Habitat for Humanity plans to build more than 200 homes on the block. Edwards reinforced the organization's mission, saying, "It's only through the help of volunteers—both local and from across the country—that the city [of New Orleans] has progressed as far as it has."

Democratic candidiate for President John Edwards with volunteers during Habitat for Humanity's Musicians Village build, November, 2007. (Photo courtesy Abigayle Lista)

The former Senator participated in the home building by hanging outdoor siding alongside the contest winners. While participating in the hands-on labor, he expanded on his plans for the city if he is elected president. His time was limited, however, as he had to make his way to another event across town. His next message for the people of New Orleans—and the rest of the country—was about climate change at the National Day of Climate Action Rally, sponsored by Step It Up.

ELECTION 2008

Scholastic Kid Reporters are on the campaign trail. Keep up with the latest election news in this special report.

Abigayle Lista is a member of the Scholastic Kids Press Corps.

• Scholastic Store
• 

  The Scholastic Store

  Candidates, Campaigns and Elections 4th Edition by Linda Scher, Mary Johnson Help students understand the election process and get excited about upcoming elections! Through engaging activities such as role-playing, interviewing, debating, and graphing students will learn how our government is organized, investigate and analyze how politicians present themselves and are covered by the media, and much more. This revised and updated edition also includes literature links, a colorful poster, and a reproducible "My Election Journal" that students can personalize and then use to keep track of the 2008 presidential election. For use with Grades 4?8. $12.79 You save: 20% books;teaching resources;paperbacks | Ages 9-12

  
  Candidates, Campaigns and Elections 4th Edition
  Ages 9-12 $12.79
  
• Teacher Store
• 

  The Teacher Store
  	Presidents: Fact & Fiction During this election season teach your students about our country's history and its leaders with this outstanding collection of classroom books. $53.00 You save: 33% Paperback Book Collection | Grades K-2

  
  Presidents: Fact & Fiction
  Grades K-2 $53.00
  

Election 2008: Families for Edwards
Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards says that he is passionate about fixing America's health care problems. So passionate that he invited families to speak about the subject at an unusual town hall meeting Sunday in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Election 2008: McCain Woos Michigan
Tucked among factory machines in a steel stamping plant in Belleville, Michigan, about 300 people crowded onto folding chairs to hear John McCain talk about why he should be the next President and to ask him why as well.

Election 2008: Meet John McCain
Learn more about the life, family, and policies of Senator John McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee.