Clad in a dark suit and a periwinkle tie, House Minority Leader Richard A. Gephardt (D-Mo.) spoke last night about the key issues confronting the nation and immediate goals that the U.S. should strive for.

More than 600 people attended the event, which was co-sponsored by the Institute of Politics and students from the John F. Kennedy School of Government.

A potential presidential candidate in the year 2000, Gephardt presented his concerns about America's status in a "new era of globalization" and an "age of transition."

But Gephardt evaded the issue of his presidential ambitions, focusing instead on his legislative concerns.

Gephardt based his call for reform on the shortcomings of the current system.

"Our people have not failed," Gephardt said. "But our politics is failing our people."

Moving from a discussion of the economic promise offered by technological and worldwide trade developments to an analysis of economic woes-wage stagnation, income inequality and the unavailability of health care coverage--Gephardt introduced five goals to guide future policy.

He listed achieving a high-growth economy, rewarding work, raising children responsibly, securing basic health and retirement levels and providing international leadership on values as America's top priorities.

"Democrats must constantly remember our core values," Gephardt said. "They are our lodestar."

Those who "market a political strategy masquerading as policy" do not facilitate principled reform, according to Gephardt.

He often raised his voice as he criticized leaders "enamored with small ideas that seem to nibble around the edges of big problems."

Gephardt stressed that if his five goals are realized, the nation can achieve social and economic transformations characterized by equity and growth.

As specific policy initiatives, he proposed a tax reform measure under which three quarters of Americans would pay a rate of 10 percent, and he endorsed raising the minimum wage.

In response to an audience member's inquiry about his potential presidential candidacy in 2000, Gephardt emphasized his commitment to his current role as House Democratic Leader and winning a majority for Democrats in Congress.

"That question contains horribly premature assumptions," Gephardt said. "We start these elections way too early."

Students said they were impressed by the way Gephardt avoided discussing his personal political aspirations.

"I was glad to see he didn't address directly the issue of his candidacy," said Rebecca C. Hardiman'01.

She compared his presentation to that of Vice President Al Gore'69, who spoke at the Kennedy School last month.

"Gephardt was not as polished as someone like AlGore," Hardiman said.

Others compared the House Democratic Leader with the Vice President as a possible rival for the presidency in 2000.

"I came to hear him after [having heard] Gore," said Adam G. Storeygard '01. "While I agree it's a bad idea to focus on two candidates this early, it was interesting to get a comparison of both men within a month.