Any info on Edwards experience to lead our country?

[jpgpenn]

Can someone provide a site or links showing the depth of experience John Edwards has in relation to the leadership of our country and also if possible his credentials on world affairs?It would be truly appreciated.

My searches have gotten me no where.

[Skidmore]

1. Well, le's see,

He's cute, he's positive, he's an outsider (sortta), and--did I mention--he's the son of a mill worker.

I'm sorry, but I can't get serious about the guy. He has good things to say but the more I hear him speak, the more he sounds like a Johnny-one-note. Perhaps sometime in the future but I don't think he's ready for prime time yet.

Mind you, if by some quirky warp in the the time-space continuum, he does become the candidate, I will vote for him.

[jpgpenn]

2. I hope his supporters can lend a hand with the info

[chimpymustgo]

3. Information on all the candidates is quite easy to find, if you want it.

www.johnedwards2004.com

www.newsobserver.com (Eye on Edwards)

Both sites have bios, links to articles and other websites. Anything you want to know is just a click away.

And yes, JRE has the experience, the ideas, and the optimism to lead this country. Do a little research - you'll see.

[jpgpenn]

4. Thanks for the input , but

I have looked over his site and what I was looking for was past leadership bio ( in relation to leading America ), His dealing with world leaders ( if it applies ), things along these lines.

Every candidate out there has listed what they feel they can do for America now, I would like to see what Edwards has thought about, applied and carried thru to the end with positive results ( all in the context of leading America ).

Your reply was much appreciated.

[izzie]

5. Look for the site used for out fearless leader Bush.

n/t

[jpgpenn]

8. explain

[jpgpenn]

6. anyone?

:shrug:

[jpgpenn]

7. nothing at all?

Surely he has to have done something.

[Toucano]

9. I'm hearing crickets!

There's at least one Edwards supporter here who can make a case for his leadership and foreign policy qualifications.

Where are ya?

[SangamonTaylor]

10. Here's a few links I've found...more as they come

http://edwards.senate.gov/~edwards/press/2002/1204a-pr.html">SENATOR EDWARDS CONFERS WITH EUROPEAN ALLIES ON IRAQ, SECURITY - December 4, 2002

http://edwards.senate.gov/~edwards/press/2001/aug10-pr.html">Senator Edwards Meets Israeli and Arab Leaders During Trip to Middle East

http://edwards.senate.gov/~edwards/press/2002/jan08-pr.html">Senator Edwards Visits US Troops in Afghanistan, Confers with Afghan Prime Minister, Pakistani President

more as I find them.

[jpgpenn]

12. all links show up dead

thanks for the post attempt but all links show up not found for me.

[DjTj]

16. Fixed links...

http://edwards.senate.gov/~edwards/press/2002/1204a-pr.html

http://edwards.senate.gov/~edwards/press/2001/aug10-pr.html

http://edwards.senate.gov/~edwards/press/2002/jan08-pr.html

...I didn't respond to this thread because an identical thread got locked last night because it was "flame-bait" but I'm happy to fix other peoples' links.

[jpgpenn]

23. the wording of the question got it locked

For the love of GOD why cant simple questions be asked of others without everyone crying lock. This is supposed to be an open discussion of issues.

[jpgpenn]

30. Thanks for the fix but

once again we are referred back to Edwards own write ups.

[surfermaw]

51. John Edwards...Information

http://www.johnedwards2004.com/debate-

watch.asphttp://www.johnedwards2004.com/media/debate-watch/1page-

domestic.pdfhttp://www.johnedwards2004.com/media/debate-watch/1page-

economy.pdfhttp://www.johnedwards2004.com/media/debate-watch/1page-

foreign.pdfhttp://www.johnedwards2004.com/media/debate-watch/1page-

healthcare.pdfhttp://www.johnedwards2004.com/media/debate-watch/1page-healthcare.pdf

[surfermaw]

52. If the links above don't work try this link to get to the information

http://www.johnedwards2004.com/debate-watch.asp

[Cuban_Liberal]

11. His website is listed on DU's front page.

Try there, and then come back with specific questions.

Thanks.

[jpgpenn]

13. perhaps you should have read this short thread

It shows his site mentioned many times.

[Cuban_Liberal]

17. And I mentioned it again.

Have you been there yet?

[jpgpenn]

20. once again , if you read this thread you would see

that I mentioned I have. At this point I don't think i'll take more time to respond to ya. You clearly have shown you haven't even read thru this thread but wish to comment and ask question that have been talked about and answered.

[Cuban_Liberal]

22. I'm waiting for specific questions.

If you have been there, then you must have some.

[Toucano]

15. That's a weak response

"Check his web site"

Everyone knows where his website is.

It makes Edwards support look thin if his supporters cannot summarize his qualifications in two specific areas.

[spooky3]

19. Has it occurred to you and jpgpenn

that his supporters may not wish to waste time to responding to someone who has not shown that he/she has read the relevant material and/or is not really interested in factual information? People will respond when they believe that the poster is sincere.

[jpgpenn]

25. not shown?

what is this the precondition now for others to reply to posts. this is crazy. If people have question they ask. What part of that is so bad to you or your candidate?

[Cuban_Liberal]

26. Thank you.

I'm not here as jpgpenn's tutor. If he/she has specific questions after reading the relevant info at the website, I'd be happy to answer them.

[Toucano]

34. Here's a specific question

I've investigated Senator Edwards website, and found no evidence that he has led so much as a marching band.

When has Senator Edwards demonstrated his leadership abilities?

[Cuban_Liberal]

35. 'Leadership abilities'

That's about as trite and hackneyed a phrase as exists in the english language. How about a SPECIFIC question, rather than some banality?

[Toucano]

37. It's a valid question

Will that be Senator Edwards' response during a debate with Bush?

"No fair! Not a good question!"

You can do better.

[Name removed]

40. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

45. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Cuban_Liberal]

50. Who gives a rat's ass?

At least he's always been a Democrat, which is a far more important factor, to me.

[Toucano]

54. Change the subject

Whenever you can't win, just change the subject.

That'll show Bush!

[Cuban_Liberal]

58. There WAS a subject?

All I had seen was banalities, cliches and hackneyed, trite phrases. Ask a specific question, and get a specific answer.

[Toucano]

61. Please pay attention.

The subject is Senator John Edwards' qualifications to be president in 2004.

The arena for discussion is foreign affairs and leadership.

We've had some good answers regarding his credentials with respect to foreign affairs, but nothing demonstrating his credentials as a leader.

[jpgpenn]

63. like i said to you before, ignore

look at where he has taken his thought process. just ignore!

[Toucano]

74. I know, I know.

I just couldn't resist. I thought if I pressed hard enough this time, someone would come out of the woodwork and give a decent answer this time, instead of letting the thread fade to obscurity as if it had never been asked.

[Cuban_Liberal]

64. I'm paying attention to the troll bait.

Which is exactly what this thread is--- another so-called 'innocent' question which is a poorly-disguised 'my guy is better than your guy on subject X' posting. The original poster no more wanted info about this than I want a trap door in my bed--- he/she wanted to slam Edwards, and I refused to play.

[HereSince1628]

41. The highest leadership role Edwards had in the military was?

[jpgpenn]

38. after reading his reply below i think you know ...

how this conversation will go. best ignore.

[Toucano]

31. If you can't take the heat now,

you've got no luck in November.

The SOTU clearly indicated the GOP plans to run on national security.

The qualifications of our nominee in this area is a significant concern.

I'm sure you could advocate your candidate's positions and qualifications better if the questioner is sincere. If nominated, I hope Edwards doesn't face any insincere questioners.

[jpgpenn]

29. "his website" like all other candidates

focuses and highlights said candidate. the whole purpose of this thread was to find something positive to feel good about Edwards if it were to pass he some how got the nomination. Alas with responces steering everyone back to his site for all answers needed I think much has been answered.

[Cuban_Liberal]

32. If one wants answers, one asks questions.

Specific questions normally produce specific answers, actually.

[jenk]

82. wrote the patients bill of rights

bush vetoed it

also defended Clinton in 1998, somewhere I have a transcript of his speech to the grand jury.

[abburdlen]

14. Edwards

is a member of the The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence which provides legislative oversight of the Central Intelligence Agency and other U.S. intelligence gathering operations.

[Toucano]

18. With all due respect

"A member of..." does not equal "leader of...".

It's better than nothing, though. Thanks.

[abburdlen]

24. Given the great job

the CIA has done lately, Edwards likely won't highlight his membership on this commitee as a feather in his cap.

[Lex]

21. How about Clark?

Can you point me to where he has ever won a campaign for anything?

Why should I trust that he can run effectively and win against the GOP smear machine?

Edwards ran against and beat an Helms-backed Republican Senator in a "red state" and WON.

I think all of the guys running would lead the country effectively. I just want to make sure we nominate one that has been up against the smears and the tactics of the GOP and knows how to WIN.

[jpgpenn]

27. this thread isn't about Clark

or any comparison of candidates. If you would like to start a new thread please do so but please try to stick to the subject heading.

[Lex]

28. Yes it is.

Don't be coy.

[abburdlen]

33. So a thread about leadership

is automaticly about Clark? :)

[DjTj]

43. Yes.

The main advantage that Clark has over all the other candidates is executive leadership.

The truth is, there are very few positions in the world that can possibly be considered adequate experience for Commander in Chief of the United States military.

Supreme Allied Commander of NATO is one of those positions.

What are other positions would satisfy you?

I've tried to think about this and I think:

Vice-President
Secretary of Defense
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs
...various other military posts on the same level as Clark's.

However, perhaps we should require executive leadership on domestic issues. Then, maybe only governors, Vice-Presidents, and a few other cabinet positions qualify. I guess that only leaves Howard Dean and George W. Bush.

Personally, I believe that America is a country where the government is of the people, bythe people, for the people, and no resume should disqualify you from being the President of the United States.

John Edwards has lived a life that a majority of Americans can relate to. His achievements through hard-earned success is something ordinary Americans aspire to. In his chosen profession, he was one of the best there ever was. He has never led troops into battle, but he fought against all odds in the courtroom. He has never encountered the horrors of the battlefied, but he lost his firstborn son to a tragic car accident.

I don't believe in an America where only certain people can become President. I believe in an America where one day, I could grow up to be President if I wanted to. I believe John Edwards can lead this country because I believe in him and because I believe in myself.

[Toucano]

56. What is the meaning of the photos in your signature?

Because you've put Edwards in between two "Tiger Beat" pop idols, I think there must be something your trying to say about your candidate.

Are they just three people you admire?

[DjTj]

76. My signature is purely tongue-and-cheek...

Because I like to be able to enjoy this primary season.

I don't get upset when he doesn't win a primary, and I don't try to nit pick the qualities of the other candidates.

I work hard for my candidate and I try to play it clean.

Lighten up a little. Politics can be fun!

[Toucano]

80. Okay

"I don't get upset when he doesn't win a primary, and I don't try to nit pick the qualities of the other candidates."

This is the equivalent of saying "I don't really care. I'm not a discerning voter."

Though you may think it's good clean fun, the decision of who we nominate will have important consquences for generations of people all over the world.

I only asked because Edwards has been criticized as being a candidate of style over substance. I thought your choice of photos only played into that. Now that I know you're being "light" about it, I understand it better.

Thanks.

[DjTj]

84. I resent the accusation that I don't care...

...I care very deeply about this election and believe very strongly that John Edwards is the best candidate to beat George Bush and to lead this country in the right direction.

However, in the context of this thread, I fully concede the point that there are other candidates that have more impressive resumes regarding leadership experience than John Edwards.

I don't choose my candidate based purely on resumes though. John Edwards cares about the things I care about. He has demonstrated a dedication to fighting against the corrupt health insurance industry. He is the candidate who is least influenced by Washington lobbyists and PAC's, and he has the strongest platform for cleaning up Washington. He talks about tax reform in a way that actually makes sense instead of the typical Robin Hood take from the rich and give to the poor plans. He talks about poverty and has made a career out of representing the people who have no voice - no access to a lawyer, no lobbyists, and people who don't often vote.

There are plenty of things on John Edwards' resume that have convinced me that he will make a great President. None of them have to do with "leadership experience" but I have great faith in him as a leader who will do what's right for the country.

[jpgpenn]

81. actually...

your association of Edwards within the picture set does present him in a unflattering way! Why try to get the impression out to others he is a memeber of Teen Beat?

[DjTj]

83. I don't try to hide the weaknesses of my candidate...

...I'm very happy with the fact that all the criticisms of Edwards are very shallow, and as long as that's all people can bring, I have nothing to worry about. If all people are talking about is his hair and the fact that his resume doesn't look as nice as everyone else's, I take that to mean his character, integrity, and vision are perfect for the Presidency.

[Toucano]

36. The only people talking about Clark on this thread

are Edwards supporters.

[Lex]

44. And the only people worried about Edwards

on this thread are Clark supporters.

[Toucano]

46. That appears to be true.

But it doesn't answer the question.

[Lex]

48. The question has been answered

your unwillingness to be happy with it is fine. But it shows your agenda. Fine, vote for Clark then.

I suppose I could open a thread on "Why should we think Clark has the ability to win any election?" and be all wide-eyed and innocent about it.

No one has to convince you of anything.

Clark has to convince the voters.

[Toucano]

53. The question has not been answered.

If Senator Edwards were applying for a job managing a Burger King, he would be asked to cite examples from his life where he has demonstrated leadership.

I can't conclude from anything on the web that Edwards has ever led more than his staff at his law offices. That's just an assumption, too.

As soon as the media is done promoting Edwards as some sort of motivational speaker, he's going to face the white hot glare of true scrutiny.

The "Tiger Beat" candidate will melt under that heat if his supporters cannot do a better job of advocating his qualifications.

I think Edwards is running for vice-president and doesn't expect to be president. I further conclude that his support is as deep as a dixie cup.

[Lex]

60. Thank you

for demonstrating your contempt for Edwards. You're entitled to your opinion--everyone has one.

Know what? Don't vote for Edwards. Problem solved.

It might make you feel better to speak positively about Clark than to whine about Edwards. Or maybe not.

[Toucano]

72. I have no contempt for Edwards.

I respect him a lot. I even like him.

I think his supporters should just say they support Edwards for president despite his lack of leadership qualifications unless they can provide evidence that he has leadership qualifications.

I don't expect him to have the same qualifications as Clark, but even Kucinich and Sharpton can provide examples of leadership from their private and public lives. It isn't really asking too much for Edwards to do the same. Even the Lieberman supporters defend his record and qualifications.

I don't mean to take it out on Edwards supporters, but every time this issue comes up, they are evasive.

I don't think they know the candidate they are supporting very well.

[last_texas_dem]

69. Interesting

>>I further conclude that his support is as deep as a dixie cup.>>

For "dixie cup deep" support he certainly ran mighty close to Clark in NH, this *after* his second place showing in IA and taking into consideration that Clark had been concentrating the bulk of his efforts on NH.

[Toucano]

73. That's all true

but when someone asks a question about Clark's qualifications, his supporters trip over themselves and each other answering the question.

Edwards supporters seem to cover their ears and say "think pretty thoughts, think pretty thoughts"!

I haven't seen the media question Edwards' qualifications to any degree. It's suspicious.

[jpgpenn]

62. "worried" is that what you get from posts asking for...

information, that someone is worried? Has the idea that i'm looking for answers ever crossed your mind. I think it's a far stretch for you to make this assumption given the fact that not 1 person here has been able to provide and substantive site, link or article noting Edwards experience in anything.

[Lex]

66. Beating a Republican incumbent in the South.

Holding the office of United States Senator.

And all the other details mentioned on the several websites already given to you.

How about propping up your guy and quit trying to tear down the other guys?

[jpgpenn]

71. News Flash!

asking for information on a candidate is not "trying to tear the other guy"!

[Lex]

79. Sorry, your wide eyed innocence

on the topic just isn't convincing me.

You have been given more than enough information here.

[abburdlen]

42. Corrected

I should look closer at my sources :dunce:

Edwards did not out spend his rival in his senate campaign

[spooky3]

47. not true, according to this source

Faircloth spent $9.4 million, Edwards $8.3 million:

"Indeed, in 1998 Mr. Faircloth raised $7.7 million in contributions from individuals and political action committees. He supplemented that with only $1.7 million of his own money. Mr. Edwards wound up spending $8.3 million, nearly three-quarters of that from his own personal fortune."

Of course you are right that Bush will have more money. However, Edwards would not have to run against an entire country that is as conservative as a whole as North Carolina is. No offense is meant against any Democrat who lives in North Carolina, just that they are outnumbered. I wish there were more of them.

on edit--sorry somehow I deleted the link

http://www.jewishworldreview.com/cols/fund082401.asp

[Lex]

49. Ummm. Okay.

What's your source on this?

[spooky3]

59. thanks, abburdlen

[windansea]

39. I looked into Edwards foreign policy/military credentials

there isn't a lot to find for a guy who wants to be the leader of the free world or a heartbeat away from it.

Edwards served on the Intelligence Committee, appears rather hawkish in his voting record, but has no real foreign policy or military experience to speak of.

Military experience:
Edwards was assigned No. 178 for 1973, but the draft ended that year before his number was called.

Foreign Policy:
I'm sure he voted on some bills...took a few trips around the world...but am not aware of any foreign policy initiatives he has successfully sponsored and championed.

[surfermaw]

55. I beleive I have heard and read all the information you ask for

In fact he has a book out you can get for the asking, on his Web site, go back to DU home page and click on the link...

[Toucano]

57. Are you and Edwards supporter?

Do you tell people in the real world to "read his book" when they ask about John Edwards?

[jpgpenn]

65. after 8 hours of the original post...

No one has been able to show and substansive information pertaining to Edwards leadership ability. I have to say , i'm taken back by this!

[Lex]

67. Wrong.

Much information was supplied to you. You just refuse to acknowledge it or look at it.

[jpgpenn]

68. a candidates ideals, dreams and assertions ...

handc picked from his own site are far from what I call substansive information on his past and present leadership ability.

[Cuban_Liberal]

70. Give a coherent definition of 'leadership ability', please.

You might get an answer, if the question doesn't contain trite, shop-worn phrases.

[Toucano]

75. Indulge me with this one please.

"the process of influencing the behavior of other people toward group goals in a way that fully respects their freedom."

[Cuban_Liberal]

77. OK.

Trial lawyer who convinced jury after jury to return verdicts favoring his clients. He was able to do so repetadely.

[Toucano]

78. He's pursuasive, that's for sure.

That's a good answer, although I thought you'd come up with a different one.

I don't know that the jury became Edwards followers, though. He just convinced them to agree with him.

"He led juries to make fair judgements in favor of his clients." That might work. It's better than nothing.