Crossing Over With John Edwards
Today, on Meet The Press, John Edwards showed that he’s charming, likeable and not-quite ready for prime time. Edwards has a questionable record on many issues (the war, Yucca Mountain, etc) and Russert nails him over and over, without Edwards being able to effectively explain his stances.
Edwards’ rambling, unfortunate response on gay marriage came across as insincere, and his convoluted stance on the war took at least half the program to settle. Further, I’m not sure how wise it was to unequivocally pledge to raise taxes (Walter Mondale “Let's tell the truth. Mr. Reagan will raise taxes, and so will I. He won't tell you. I just did”, anyone?) to pay for a Universal Health Care program.
Edward’s clever dodge on the question of Obama’s experience was wise, given that Edwards hasn’t much more governmental experience than Obama.
If anything, Edward’s appearance benefited Obama. Russert read this 2002 Obama gem:
Obama’s foresight is truly remarkable. Still, I don’t mean to defame Edwards. He’s a reforming liberal populist, and his policies are generally sound, but his efforts to tone down his liberal rhetoric for a national audience unfortunately falls flat.
Edwards’ rambling, unfortunate response on gay marriage came across as insincere, and his convoluted stance on the war took at least half the program to settle. Further, I’m not sure how wise it was to unequivocally pledge to raise taxes (Walter Mondale “Let's tell the truth. Mr. Reagan will raise taxes, and so will I. He won't tell you. I just did”, anyone?) to pay for a Universal Health Care program.
Edward’s clever dodge on the question of Obama’s experience was wise, given that Edwards hasn’t much more governmental experience than Obama.
If anything, Edward’s appearance benefited Obama. Russert read this 2002 Obama gem:
“I know that even a successful war against Iraq will require a U.S. occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences. I know that an invasion of Iraq without a clear rationale and without strong international support will only fan the flames of the Middle East, and encourage the worst, rather than best, impulses of the Arab world, and strengthen the recruitment arm of al-Qaeda.
I am not opposed to all wars. I'm opposed to dumb wars.”
Obama’s foresight is truly remarkable. Still, I don’t mean to defame Edwards. He’s a reforming liberal populist, and his policies are generally sound, but his efforts to tone down his liberal rhetoric for a national audience unfortunately falls flat.
