Seven presidential candidates have responded to a call from anti-poverty advocates by submitting brief videos outlining their plans to address poverty.
The videos, delivered to an umbrella organization known as the Circle of Protection that includes the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, were made public July 21 by representatives of the group.
The productions included proposals and accomplishments ranging such as cutting taxes, changing domestic violence laws, raising the minimum wage, making higher education more affordable and strengthening private organizations so they can better meet the needs of poor people.
Having seven videos in hand thus far buoyed the efforts of the Circle of Protection members that poverty and hunger would become key issues in a presidential campaign that already is high gear.
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The Rev. Jim Wallis, president of Sojourners said the primary concern is getting a response from the candidates so that voters can hear about their plans and decide which candidate will best address the needs of the poor and hungry.
He said he hopes the media will follow up on the videos and continue to question all the candidates on the issues of concern to poor people.
"We are encouraged by more conversation about poverty and economic inequality than we have heard for some time, on both sides of the political aisle, so it is time to ask each person who wants to be president what his or her approach and strategy will be," Rev. Wallis said. "We need a national debate in this election year on how to reduce and end poverty—a goal we all can help achieve."