All of the democratic candidates - except Joe Lieberman - debated poverty issues in Columbia, SC today. That Lieberman declined to take part speaks volumes about his support for policies that have pushed people into poverty. The debate was sponsored by WIS-TV (where my dad once worked), the Tom Joyner Morning Show and the Center for Community Change.

Real families were selected by the center and paired at random with candidates. The statements of the families do not reflect the position of the Center for Community Change or WIS.

Before the forum about 4000 people marched from the Adams Mark Hotel in downtown Columbia to the Township. Cassandra Barham-Denton explained why, "We're here to tell them that poor people vote."

Craig Jenkins attended the forum and has it narrowed down his choice. He says he'll make his final decision based on the candidate's plan for job creation, "A lot of people are really being disenfranchised. A lot of people are out of jobs. We want to find out what kind of economic development is coming down the pipe. What sort of plan is being set forth."

Ethan Gallagher, 26, wanted to hear what the candidates have to say about health insurance, "I'm a social worker for HIV and AIDS patients. They obviously don't have health care which is a basic necessity in their lives."

This was a great opportunity to address issues that have been largely overlooked in the 2004 campaign. You can watch excerpts of the debate here.