Edwards Excels in Ferocious Democratic Debate

Maybe Nevada was a turning point in the Democratic presidential race, because Monday's CNN debate started tough and got unusually ugly in a hurry.

Barack Obama continued to challenge both Clintons for pushing a series of assertions that were "not factually accurate," teeing off controversial comments that the former President made about the Nevada Caucus. Accused of inaccuracy, Sen. Clinton hit back with inaccuracy, claiming that Obama said he "really liked" President Reagan's ideas. In fact, Obama actually said Reagan helped establish the GOP as "the party of ideas," which Obama was quick to stress in a rebuttal. Then he applied the
Stoller Maxim -- use your rivals' lies to reveal their character -- to argue that Clinton's conduct raises questions about whether she can earn the public trust and be an effective advocate for change. "Truthfulness during campaigns matters," he thundered for emphasis.

Clinton was more Rovian in her attacks, as she tried to pin Obama with her own foibles. Assailing his "present" votes in the Illinois Senate, Clinton chided Obama: "It is very difficult having a straight up debate with you because you never take responsibility!" The accusation drew boos from the crowd. (The Times reported that Clinton's line caused "huge boos from the audience for the first time.") Yet while Clinton and Obama exchanged their personal barbs, John Edwards broke through with the best arguments of the night.

Edwards tweaked both his opponents for making the debate about political squabbling instead of public policy. Returning to his populist economic platform -- especially salient as Americans ponder a recession -- he reminded voters that he was the only candidate to outline a comprehensive plan to end poverty, and the first to introduce a national economic stimulus proposal. His plan came out weeks before Clinton and Obama. The program drove the "party's policy agenda," as Paul Krugman explained, by advocating "aid to unemployed workers, aid to cash-strapped state and local governments," and alternative energy, (most of which Clinton later adopted in her plan). And while the debate moderators kept pushing trite racial questions, even asking Obama if Bill Clinton was the "first black president," Edwards outlined a vision of racial and economic equality, where "every American is of equal value."

This post first appeared at The Nation.

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Comments

[factanonverba]

I posted this on a more general thread but it is more relevant here. Here is a copy of a letter sent to John Edwards from Martin Luther King III.

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/Catchawave/345

Now it is peculiar while this letter is on other blogs, there is no mention of it on the Huffington Post. The question is why?

[OhPlease2007]

Edwards did GREAT in last night's debate. To me, Edwards is the only candidate that seems 'sincere' in wanting to TRULY help the poor and middle-class!

On Dr. King's holiday, the bickering between Hillary -&- Obama was disgusting!!! America deserves better than Hillary -&- Obama.

Edwards '08!

[realrick]

I've said this before, I'll say it again: John Edwards' message is THE winning message for the Democratic Party.

Much as I would LOVE to see him get in this year, I'm afraid that the Traditional Media's Clinton/Obama obsession (motivated by their corporate bias against his populism) will keep him from the White House. More's the pity.

However, that having been said, I don't care HOW many tries it takes, America NEEDS this man in the White House. Reagan ran repeatedly until he transformed his party and won The White House. I have a feeling that Edwards will be the same kind of candidate for the Democrats.

He's not lyin', folks. This is a personal fight for him, "the cause of his life" and he ain't goin' away. I just wonder how much more damage our country will have to go through before it wakes up and realizes that he's the best president we could have.

[groucho]

I wish they had given him an even chance, but life under corporations isn't even. I hated the way Hillary and Barak stood there and sneered at Edwards. He was so good and talked about issues not this stupid squabbling as Edwards put it.

[EW]

From the beginning of this campaign, John Edwards has led on the issues and showed again tonight why he should be the Democratic nominee. Substance over "celebrity".

[earlyearlyearly]

John Edwards, please continue to fight in this primary.
America, please continue to point out the bias in the media coverage of this primary.
Edwards must prevail.


JOHN EDWARDS '08

[Rosanneofpgh]

Finally, coverage of John Edwards that isnt a hit piece.

The msm is doing the usa an extreme disservice by ignoring his campaign. He is the only dem candidate who can beat any rethug in the general election.

It may be precedent-breaking to nominate a black man or a white woman, but lets fact it, folks, neither will be able to overcome the racism and sexism that pervades our society today.

Nominate hilary or obama if you want a continuation of rethug rule.

[researcher]

edwards will lose. period. runnning on the wrong platform. poverty.

americans care about their pocket book. decades of capitalism has led americans into consummerism, imperialism, wars for profits, greed is good wall street, support of industrial military complex, individualism and materialism.

47 million without healthcare says it all about most americans.

promise something for nothing and have a kick ass mentality and you win elections. the repubs are living proof of that. the demos refuse to learn that lesson.

[juanito69IIcorps]

hmmm..
I wonder if Bobby Kennedy would have called
for impeaching Bush and Cheney. Some renegade
FBI agent running around with Anthrax wouldn't have scared him. He would have called for impeachment!!!

[SmartChick]

A John Edwards/Barack Obama ticket in ANY order would be ten times more effective than a Hillary ticket with anyone. John, Barack - are you listening? Supporters - you reading? Both of you - PLEASE - do this for the good of the country. Bring real issues to the forefront and do not allow us to be dragged back into the mired, divisive politics of the 1990's. There is too much at stake.

[tpagy]

thanks for the thoughtful perspective On Senator Edwards hope he hangs in its our only hope.

[Rockyman]

It's unfortunate the MSM has marginalized Edwards as they fear his populist message. No doubt he would improve the lives of the middle-class by a redress of some of the inequities of the last seven years. The Dems need to take a good look at an Edwards/Obama ticket that would be invincible in Nov. Edwards is "on the ropes" and needs increased support lest McCain may be our next Prez. Obama can succeed Edwards in '16.......can't I dream?

[MelindaPost]

He's great, and, as a lawyer, he litigated against big corporations on behalf of consumers. Walks the walk...

[ramal]

Support Clinton if you want the Party; support Obama if you want the personality; support Edwards if you want the POWER. Edwards is the only one of the three that could bring in 51% in most of the red states.

[kirotahoe]

i think if edwards hangs in til the convention, he might be not only kingmaker, but possibly slip in as a compromise candidate. i believe that has happened at deadlocked conventions. perhaps humphrey in 68?