Sen. Joseph Lieberman said he is a moderate Democrat, just like Bill Clinton and Gov. Bill Richardson.
That, he said, is what the White House needs.
Lieberman addressed a group of about 300 at Albuquerque's East San Jose Elementary School on Monday. The school's mariachi students played their rendition of "Las Ma§anitas" as Lieberman arrived.
"I can't think of a better welcome I got anywhere in America this year," Lieberman said. "You made me feel like part of the familia."
Becoming senator, a dream given to him by his father, has become much more than that, he said, and he intends on staying in the presidential race until the election in November and until he makes it to the White House.
Lieberman criticized the Bush administration, saying there would be many differences between Bush and himself. The main one, he said, would be environmental protection.
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"I've been a fighter against air pollution," Lieberman said, adding that Bush allows drillers to run rampant on the nation's soil.
He said Bush has divided the country and has been a failure as an economic leader in America, having given money to those that already have enough.
"My plan would be to turn around what Bush has done, taking back tax cuts from the nation's wealthy, therefore making way for the middle class and low-income families to thrive," Lieberman said.
Playing a key role in the development and final ratification of the No Child Left Behind Act, Lieberman said Bush has failed to support the act that would completely reform elementary and secondary education programs.
He praised the work being done at East San Jose, saying the community represents the best America is supposed to be about - standing for strength in culture.
East San Jose Principal Richard Baldonado said Lieberman expressed his support for dual-language communities and definitely for bilingual education.
Lieberman said he has a good record and great ideas. He said the three main goals in his pursuit for the presidency include expanding employment opportunities to create 10 million jobs over the next four years, providing affordable health insurance for all and investing more money in public schools. All of these, he said, would help people realize the American dream.
Lieberman said America doesn't guarantee outcomes, but it does provide opportunities.
He said to be a good leader you have to know who you are and be a person people can trust, even if it means going against popular politics.
He advised citizens of the Southwest to be bold and to avoid getting pushed along by the media. He said he realizes the region has special needs, and he is the man ready to carry it.
"I love this country; it's been so good to me," Lieberman said. "I feel like I'm doing something I believe in."
