Iowa Democrat Vilsack enters presidential race

MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa – Gov. Tom Vilsack, launching an uphill bid for president, called Thursday for expanded health care and educational opportunities at home and a foreign policy aimed at mending alliances and lessening U.S. military involvement in Iraq.

Speaking in the small town where he started his political career as mayor, Vilsack, 55, became the first Democrat to formally enter the 2008 race. He opened with a swipe at President Bush, denouncing his “divide and conquer” style and declaring the country “less safe than it was six years ago.”

“Our way of life, our quality of life, our national security has been compromised … by a national government that’s been fiscally irresponsible,” Vilsack said, “and by a country that has grown far too dependent on oil – foreign oil from foreign countries, some of which despise us, harbor terrorists, but gladly take our money.”

His remarks were broad in sweep and limited in detail, with just a paragraph each devoted to health care, education, energy independence and foreign policy. On the war in Iraq, Vilsack said, “We must take our troops out of harm’s way and say to the Iraqis: ‘It is your responsibility to protect your families and your communities.’ “

The speech, lasting less than 20 minutes, reflected Vilsack’s personality and governing style. It was deliberate and straightforward in content and delivery.

Strategists see Vilsack’s life story as a major selling point.

Abandoned on the steps of an orphanage in Pittsburgh, Vilsack endured a childhood marred by parental alcoholism, financial hardship and physical abuse. “I knew then, and I know today, what it’s like to be alone and to feel as if you don’t belong,” the governor said Thursday.

Vilsack, completing his second term as Iowa’s governor, leaves office in January.

“He’s been a reasonably successful governor,” said Dennis Goldford, a professor of politics at Drake University in Des Moines. “No huge enemies, no huge fans.”

Faced with tough economic times early in his administration and a Republican Legislature throughout, Vilsack has made education, children’s health care, and economic and cultural development his focus. He stepped onto the national stage as head of the Democratic Governors Association and, more recently, led the Democratic Leadership Council – a centrist group.

In 2004, Vilsack was one of three finalists to be Sen. John F. Kerry’s vice presidential running mate. But the No. 2 slot went to former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina.