Mr Edwards released his ideas for universal insurance in February, almost two years before election day.

ECONOMIST: The candidates: John Edwards

Universal benefits for pensioners will be protected for almost a year after the 2015 general election, Downing Street has said.

BBC: David Cameron

In this off-year election, we hear disproportionately from seniors, a population already covered by the universal Medicare program.

CNN: A GOP Contract with America for 2010