Overview: Part of the Children's Defense Fund's 2003 National Conference marking the 30th anniversary of its founding.

Candidates: Carol Moseley Braun, Howard Dean, John Edwards, Dick Gephardt, Bob Graham, John Kerry, Dennis Kucinich, Joseph Lieberman, Al Sharpton. 

Moderator: Judy Woodruff, CNN prime anchor and senior correspondent. 

Panelists: Juan Williams, NPR senior correspondent; Michelle Martin, ABC News Nightline correspondent; and Mark Shields, syndicated columnist.

Format: Introduction by Marian Wright Edelman and video.  One-minute opening statements.  "Lightening" round--responses of "30 seconds or less than a minute" to question on the war.  Two rounds of questions and follow ups from the panelists.  "Lightening" round--question on affirmative action.  One-minute closing statements.