DNC town hall discusses economy

DENVER, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- The Democratic National Convention opened phone and video lines for U.S. voters in a brief, nationwide town hall meeting Monday.

"This is all about coming together to discuss economy," said Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, moderator of a four-member panel that took questions from various regions of the country during the first day of the convention in Denver.

When asked about full-time workers who cannot afford health insurance, Lisa Olivares, who works at a health center in Lincoln, Neb., said presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama's healthcare plan is affordable, inclusive and "no one will be turned away."

John Schnur, New Leaders for New Schools president and chief executive, said Obama favored standards and accountability in education and will invest in early childhood education and post-secondary education.

Obama also recognizes that "we, as parents, must take responsibility for our kids' education," Schnur said.

Laura Tyson, an economic adviser to Obama, said the Illinois senator "recognizes the very first priority is to jump start the American economy and helping hard-pressed, middle-class families immediately." She said Obama would grow the economy by investing in education, healthcare, infrastructure and energy independence.

The economy town hall is the first of three scheduled to be held during the convention that ends Thursday.