Just as The Phoenix was reaching its readers on Thursday, news stories appeared elsewhere about John Edwards' and Barack Obama's poverty tours. Edwards was inspired by Sen. Bobby Kennedy's 1968 Appalachia tour and spoke to diverse groups about education, health care and job creation as vital factors in alleviating poverty. Obama, likely inspired by Edwards' tour, made a stop in Washington, DC, and spoke mostly about early childhood issues to a much less diverse group.The moment called for a Clintonian "I feel your pain" but policy instead came forward. Barack advocated the Harlem Children's Zone to be replicated in 20 U.S. cities. The Zone, a worthy endeavor without doubt, is where Prince Charles and Camilla visited during their January 2007 U.S. tour. 'Twas there that Charles shot some baskets with a local basketball team. Your commentary about Barack's "wine-and-brie" appeal seems justified.
