Posted on 08/20/2002 5:59:35 AM PDT by Constitution Day
Mon, August 19, 2002
Edwards:Sept. 11 is not election issue
Voters are focused on family, economy, education, he says
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
DES MOINES, Iowa
The looming anniversary of terrorist attacks in New York and Washington will do little to reshape the debate in this year's midterm election, Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., said yesterday.
"I don't think it will change anything," Edwards said. "We have already been focused on making sure we do what we need to do in the war on terrorism to protect the American people. I don't think that will change."
Edwards spoke during an interview as he wrapped up a three-day swing through Iowa, the latest foray into the state where precinct caucuses will start the presidential-nominating season in 2004.
The issue of the Sept. 11 anniversary splits Democratic strategists. The attacks unified the nation and sharply raised President Bush's popularity, but since that time the attention of the electorate has been slowly shifting to nervousness about the stock market and economy, along with such pocketbook issues as health care.
Some Democrats argue that the anniversary of the attacks will refocus attention on the war on terrorism less than two months before the elections. They argue that candidates should find ways to insulate themselves from being criticized on fighting terrorism, which will be the dominant campaign issue in the closing weeks.
Edwards disagreed.
"I think that people are still focused on the issues they wake up every morning worried about - jobs, the economy, access to health care, the kind of education their kids are going to get in the public school system," Edwards said.
Both Democrats and Republicans have moved decisively on the anti-terrorism front, and neither side is vulnerable to criticism.
Democrats will be just as prominent in their observation as Republicans, Edwards said.
"I think all of us as Americans should talk about it and think about it together," he said. "I don't see any downside to it. It's a good thing."
Edwards said he agrees with the fundamental position of the Bush administration that the United States has little choice but to remove Saddam Hussein, but he said that Bush isn't doing enough to enlist the support of allies.
"I think it's really important for us to work with our allies," Edwards said. "International support has been critical so far in the war on terrorism."
Edwards said that the status of the tensions with Iraq would not affect his decision about running for the Democratic presidential nomination, a decision he expects to make by year's end.
He was wrapping up a three-day campaign swing in which he raised money for congressional and legislative candidates with an afternoon event dripping with color.
Edwards mingled with hundreds of Democrats at a minor-league ballpark, munching hot dogs and cheering on the city's minor-league ball team. Parked outside was a stock car driven by Democratic Rep. David Schrader, a car partially sponsored by Edwards' political action committee, the New American Optimists.
My apologies if already posted... I searched FR and didn't find it.
Everytime he thinks he weakens the nation!
Edwards failed to mention that he is totally ignorant about foreign affairs and does not have the slightest clue as to what Bush is doing to garner the support of allies or what he would do differently if he were president.
Poor baby! He'll be so disappointed. :))
I despise this punk.
Is this the writer's opinion or Edwards'? In any event, it's an odd statement. With regard to the Dems, maybe he meant divisively, in true Rat fashion.
Oh? Was there any doubt that Johnny Boy has his eye on the prize?
Does anybody of substance really care what Senator Blow-Dry thinks? He's so shallow!
ROFL.....yeah John Boy, keep dreamin. Oh, and SHUT YER PIE HOLE while you're at it.
MKM
Maybe the Ambulance Chaser thinks that if he repeats this mantra enough, it will come true!
I wonder, if (when) it is brought up, will he put his fingers in his ears and say:
"LA LA LA LA LA!! I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!" :)
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