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IA Dem Voters:
Next President Must Tackle Global Poverty and Health

Voters cite moral and national security concerns

WASHINGTON, D.C – Iowa Democratic primary voters would like the next president to take the lead in fighting global poverty because it is both the moral thing to do and will make Americans
more secure, according to the new ONE Poll—Iowa released today.

"The ONE Poll—Iowa proves that fighting extreme global poverty and disease is a mission that speaks to who we are as Americans and what we need to do to make our country safer," Susan McCue, ONE President & CEO, said.  "ONE's members are behind the drive to conquer global poverty and disease, and we want leaders who will join us in this work."

ONE has launched ONE Vote '08, an initiative to raise the priority of extreme global poverty and disease with the presidential candidates.  ONE Vote '08 managed the ONE Poll—Iowa, taking a hard look at voters' opinions of the issues facing the world's poorest nations and what the United States should to do address those challenges.  Already, 20,000 Iowans are committed to ONE's mission -- with more people joining the ONE Vote '08 campaign each day.

The ONE Poll found that more than nine in ten Iowa Democrats (93%) agree it is in keeping with the country’s values and history of compassion to lead an effort to solve some of the most serious problems facing the world’s poorest people. The ONE Poll also found that more than eight in ten Democrats (86%) agree that reducing poverty, treating preventable diseases and improving education in poor countries will help make the world safer and the United States more secure.

When it comes to addressing these issues, more than eight in ten Democrats (82%) would be more likely to vote for a candidate who supports reducing by half the number of the people who live in extreme global poverty and suffer from hunger.

“Iowans want a president who takes the lead in repairing America’s reputation in the world,” said ONE Vote ’08 Iowa Democratic Consultant Ron Parker. “A strong commitment to improving the lives of those in the poorest countries on earth will improve our own standing and national security interests. As a state of great faith, we Iowans recognize our moral obligation to help those in need.”

“This ONE Poll shows what grassroots supporters on the ground are seeing, Iowa Democrats want the next president to take the lead in the fight against global disease and hunger,” ONE spokesperson Kimberly Cadena said.  “Candidates who want to win in Iowa should hear loud and clear that including a bold, aggressive strategy in their foreign policy to do the right thing and save lives is a winning strategy.”  

ONE Vote is not endorsing any presidential candidate, but rather is working with each candidate on these critical issues of global poverty and health.

Find the full polling memo here.

ONE is a coalition of millions of individuals and more than 100 of the nation's leading relief, humanitarian and advocacy organizations.

ONE Vote ’08 was launched this summer by ONE -- a new effort to rally Americans ONE by ONE to fight the emergency of global malaria, AIDS, and extreme poverty. ONE Vote is not endorsing any presidential candidate, but rather is working with each candidate on these critical issues.  The non-partisan effort brings together a broad range of talent including former Senators Bill Frist (R-TN), Tom Daschle (D-SD), Bob Kerrey (D-NE), Dina Powell, Donna Brazile, John Podesta, Tucker Eskew, Mike McCurry, pollsters Geoff Garin and John McLaughlin, campaign strategists Jack Oliver and Steve Jarding, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, actor Matt Damon, and evangelical pastor, Rev. Brian McLaren, and many others