Two Americas

Two Americas is a catch phrase referring to social stratification in American society, made famous in a speech by former U.S. Senator and former presidential candidate John Edwards, originally referring to haves and have-nots. The speech has since become popular and inspired many parodies and similar metaphors.

Background

Although not necessarily the most prominent issue for other candidates in the seasons in which he campaigned for president, poverty has typically been a mainstay of liberal politics and a major focus for Edwards' campaign efforts. Edwards has since expanded the metaphor further, for instance in a guest blog entry in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina:

The speech

The following are excerpts from a speech given by Senator John Edwards as Democratic vice presidential nominee to the 2004 Democratic National Convention on 28 July 2004, based on the idea of Two Americas. For the complete transcript, see External links.

Other applications

Edwards later revisited the Two Americas theme frequently in his 2008 presidential election campaign.

Two Americas (comics)

"Two Americas" is a four-issue Captain America story arc written by Ed Brubaker, drawn by Luke Ross and published by Marvel Comics. The story arc takes place in Captain America #602-605.

Plot synopsis

Captain America ("Bucky" Barnes) and the Falcon investigate intelligence reports from S.H.I.E.L.D. about an anti-government organization led by William Burnside, the Captain America of the 1950s. Burnside is revealed to be the new leader of the far right terrorist group 'Watchdogs'. The original Captain America, Steve Rogers, expresses his reluctance to operate alongside his colleague, and he decides to pass on the mantle while psychologically reflecting on the recent American civil war.

Controversy

Captain America #602 drew controversy upon publication for the similarity between the protesters depicted in the comic and the Tea Party movement. Particularly drawing scorn was a panel of a protester holding sign that read "Tea Bag the Libs Before They Tea Bag You!" Also drawing controversy were remarks made by the Falcon implying that the crowd is racist.

Americas

The Americas, or America, also known as the Western Hemisphere and the New World, comprise the totality of territories in North America and South America.

Along with their associated islands, they cover 8% of the Earth's total surface area and 28.4% of its land area. The topography is dominated by the American Cordillera, a long chain of mountains that run the length of the west coast. The flatter eastern side of the Americas is dominated by large river basins, such as the Amazon, Mississippi, and La Plata. Since the Americas extend 14,000 km (8,700 mi) from north to south, the climate and ecology vary widely, from the arctic tundra of Northern Canada, Greenland, and Alaska, to the tropical rain forests in Central America and South America.

Humans first settled the Americas from Asia between 42,000 and 17,000 years ago. A second migration of Na-Dene speakers followed later from Asia. The subsequent migration of the Inuit into the neoarctic around 3500 BCE completed what is generally regarded as the settlement by the indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Americas (terminology)

The Americas, also known as America, are lands of the western hemisphere, composed of numerous entities and regions variably defined by geography, politics, and culture.

The Americas are recognised in the English-speaking world to comprise two separate continents: North America and South America. The Americas are also considered to comprise a single continent (named América), in Latin America and some other areas.

Physical geography

America (disambiguation)

America is a short form name for the United States of America.

America or América may also refer to:

Geography

Film and television

Literature