Questions the media won't ask John Edwards

vanity

[gonewt]

In early 2001, I (a North Carolina voter) decided to take a look at John Edwards's voting record. I was quite surprised to see that not only did he vote against almost every tax cut that came before him, he also voted against the partial birth abortion ban!

These votes puzzled me. How could he possibly run for re-election on this record? Then I realized that he didn't intend to run for re-election. The guy was clearly cozying up to Daschle & co. in preparation for a run for the White House.

So, I launched Edwards04.com in February 2001. Sure enough, two years later, he declared for the presidency.

So here we are, several months into the campaign, and I've seen Senator Edwards on several news programs. However, I have yet to see ANYONE ask this guy a tough question! How could the media possibly gloss over his voting record and his supposed "moderate" views?! Here are the a few questions that come to mind:

• You are campaigning in favor of middle-class tax cuts. Yet, you voted against those tax cuts in 2001. You also voted against reducing the marriage penalty, and reducing/eliminating the death tax (twice). Please explain those votes.

• You voted against the partial birth abortion ban in 1999. Do you believe this reflects the wishes of your constituents in North Carolina?

• You have derided the "special interests" and claim to take no "special interest money." However, most analyses of your campaign funding (going back to 1998) shows that roughly 3/4 (or more) of your funds come from lawyers and law firms. Are trial lawyers not a "special interest?" Further, your supported campaign finance reform, yet accepted "soft money" for your PAC prior to the ban going into effect. What is your true position on campaign finance reform?

• Why have you refused to provide the names of your campaign's major financiers?

• Your voting record rather closely resembles that of Senator Kerry. Yet, your constituencies are vastly different. Did you ever intend on running for re-election?

[CharlotteVRWC]

Ever since he was elected Senator in NC,,he has been running for President. The local 'Charlotte Disturber' newspaper has printed articles fawning over him for years. But he has never done 1 thing for North Carolina. His aims have been the White House all along.

[backhoe]

Cross-link:

-The Edwards Files--

[sarasota]

I don't think Edwards has been put under the microscope because it didn't look like he was a real contender. Let's get the ball rolling on this.

[Use It Or Lose It]

The local 'Charlotte Disturber' newspaper has printed articles fawning over him for years.

Everyone in the media appears to be giving this guy a pass. They're too busy complimenting his 'youthful appearance' to question his credibility and credentials. Last night's Wisconsin primary coverage was a 60's love-in for Edwards. Of course, cable news execs want to keep their ratings (= $$$) in play, so they have to interject some suspense in the elections.

It's all a game and sadly the uninformed public at large fails to see the direct role the media plays in determining who wins and who loses an election.

[gonewt]

> They're too busy complimenting his 'youthful appearance' to question his credibility and credentials.

Bingo.

I'd hope that if this does become a 2-man race, that the media might start asking some tough questions. Bush would eat Edwards for lunch. The guy has no record to run on.

[Constitution Day]

BUMP. I didn't know you did that site! Good job!

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Indexing to Edwards Watch...

[CharlotteVRWC]

The guy may not have a record to run on,,,but I don't think
he'll have as much controversy behind him as John Kerry
does (if the press would print the 'behind the scenes' stuff about John Kerry). He might be a stiffer contender
than Kerry if Kerry scandles surface.

[Use It Or Lose It]

Greenfield said today that CNN (not the DNC) is handling the next Demo debate in California. They could exclude Sharpton and Kucinich if they so chose, making it a 2-man debate. It would be up to Kerry to decline, since Edwards is on record that he wants such a debate. Watch and learn; CNN is the kingmaker here and they're loving every minute of it.

[StriperSniper]

I can't find it right now, but have you seen the transcript of the 'Hardball' full hour Edwards did in the fall?

When Chrissy Matthews asked him if it would be fair to ask him the same question that was asked of then Governor Bush about the four world leaders, and he said "NO!" Matthews tried to get him to try a couple times but he wouldn't. With the foreknowledge of the possibillity of that question, and the fact that he is in the Senate, on the Intelligence Committee yet, and the countries were Pakistan, India, Chechnya, and one more I forget. If anything, he should have been far more aware of who they are as a sitting Senator than a Texas governor should, but he says GWB doesn't know what he's doing.

I'll be out all day, but I'll try to find it later, I know I've already posted it somewhere on here.

[sweet_diane]

"They're too busy complimenting his 'youthful appearance' to question his credibility and credentials."

All along my Husband has said Edwards reminds him of the Martin Sheen character in Stephen King's The Dead Zone and not only in appearence.

[Sister_T]

All along my Husband has said Edwards reminds him of the Martin Sheen character in Stephen King's The Dead Zone and not only in appearence.

ROFL!!!

[Notasoccermom]

Edwards has been grooming himself for pres and being groomed for years. Remember he was on Gore's short list 4 years ago? A man with only 2 years on politics on any level? He was visiting NH and C-Span covered it at least 3 years ago.

[Notasoccermom]

"It's all a game and sadly the uninformed public at large fails to see the direct role the media plays in determining who wins and who loses an election."

We hear a lot about Nader dividing the vote but with GOP there has always been 2 major parties to run against -the DEMS and the MEDIA! Even conservative stations are falling all over Edwards. Edwards doesn't need to pay for ads because media is giving him free exposure!

[Mo1]

Your voting record rather closely resembles that of Senator Kerry. Yet, your constituencies are vastly different. Did you ever intend on running for re-election?

No .. he's been planning on running for President for several years now .. that's why he spent so much time in the New England area getting to know the people there

[GOPJ]

bump

[Mo1]

A man with only 2 years on politics on any level? He was visiting NH and C-Span covered it at least 3 years ago.

You noticed that to huh?

[atomicpossum]

Add:

• Is that a rug?