Edwards on ABC double talking alien drivers's license issue

[creeksneakers2]

Stephanopoulos asked Edwards about driver's licenses for illegal aliens and Edwards tried to duck out by saying he'd let the states decide. Stephanopoulos didn't look satisfied with Edwards' answer and pressed for more. Edwards went on to say that he sees the driver's license issue as part of a larger national problem with immigration and the answer is comprehensive immigration reform. Stephanopoulos pointed out that's exactly what Hillary said, and Edwards tried to worm some more. Then Stephanopoulos asked Edwards point blank if he supports Governor Spitzer's program to give licenses to illegal aliens and Edwards gave a flat out one word no. That's exactly the opposite of what Edwards said a minute before about letting the states decide.

Edwards is accusing Hillary of double talking when Edwards is way worse than she is. Edwards says he wants to remove all combat troops from Iraq and then says he wants troops across the border who would engage in combat missions in Iraq. The only difference is that under Edwards plans the poor troops would have to carry all their equipment while fighting, have no bunks to sleep in and no hot Halliburton stew at the end of a hard life risking day.

Edwards was a total jerk for the entire Stephanopoulos interview, answering all the tough questions with meaningless slogans designed to make himself look like a great guy. I don't know how anybody can stand this jerk. All Edwards' Hillary bashing could do is drag Hillary down. It won't help Edwards, since he can't get about around 12% is is definitely going to lose. People just like Edwards less for his mudslinging.

[Evergreen Emerald]

1. I am glad someone has called him on it finally.

He got a free pass at the debate coupled with the attacks-via-silver-platter. Did he also question him about Iraq--his position is no different than Clintons or Dodds or Bidens or Obama's

[MethuenProgressive]

62. Edwards is OK up against 12 jury members - but in the real world...

his 12% is about as high as he'll ever get.
Democratic voters aren't as dumb as he wishes they were.

[Skip Intro]

2. He has foolishly set these traps for himself now

people in glass houses and all...

[liberalnurse]

3. Yes, he most certainly did his share of "double talk".

The big difference today, if comparing him to Hillary at the Dem Debate, is that he is not under pressure of a debate forum. Today, he sits comfortably in a chair, blue jeans on, coffee to slurp and George to nurture him along!

Yet.......he double-talks with ease!

[Adelante]

4. "All Edwards' Hillary bashing could do is drag Hillary down."

I disagree on that point. It won't drag Hillary down. There are hundreds of examples of Edwards double-talking and if one of the third tier candidates decides to make use of them in trying to break through in Iowa, he will be exposed for the bullshit artist he is. Remember, Iowans knew Edwards when and a good many have to be wondering where the hell the guy they liked has gone.

[BootinUp]

5. Bwahah! exactly, no one but Dodd took a position yet they all attack her

How fucking ironical.

Edwards supporters here who have attacked Hillary on this, please enjoy your crow.

[Adelante]

38. Actually Obama took a position in favor

Based on public safety concerns, it shouldn't have to wait for eventual immigration reform.

[BootinUp]

42. ok, I stand corrected.

the transcript is here if anyone wants to read it:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/30/us/politics/30debate-transcript.html?_r=3&pagewanted=all

[The_Casual_Observer]

6. Edwards is a pain in the ass,

At this point he's got to know he isn't going to win, so why keep trying to spoil Hillary's
campaign? He ought to be talking himself up instead of taking her down at this point.

[Adelante]

9. I disagree somewhat

There's nothing wrong with policy criticism and drawing differences among opponents. But not hurling insults and charges that can easily be turned on your own self. He seems to think nobody will notice how fake this all is and oddly, very sadly, here on DU, few do notice.

[ccpup]

7. and this surprises you?

my father, back in 2004, took one look at him and said "that guy's one very slippery snake". My dad's own harsh opinion, of course, but Edwards' ability to obfuscate and change positions with the wind -- like he apparently does in this interview -- isn't surprising to me.

[denem]

8. A real trap is the hundreds of vidio clips out there

arguning passionately for positions he has now reversed. Under scrutiny from the media "I was wrong" is hardly an inspiring campaign slogan.

[journalist3072]

10. Proud to be the 5th to recommend this thread. Glad that Edwards got called out

about his double-talk.

[Froward69]

12. Hear Hear!!!

:applause: :applause: :applause: 7th Rec.

[dogman]

11. It's hard to be a windsock in a tornado. N/T

[AzDar]

13. He said the States should decide. Then he was asked if he SUPPORTS

Spitzer's program, and he said 'no'.
How, exactly, is this doublespeak?
Driver's licenses SHOULD be decided by the States.
And I, for one, am encouraged to know that JE DOESN'T SUPPORT Spitzer's hare-brained scheme; as most Americans DO NOT EITHER.

[itsrobert]

17. Exactly

Good catch!

[Peregrine Took]

19. With Gore apparently not going to jump in (sigh) I'm liking Dodd more & more

Edwards has the phony factor, Obama the lack of experience and Hillary - where would she now be if she hadn't been married to Bill? A suburban matron playing bridge with the girls at the local country club.
I like DK but he's too strange. Biden? Never!

[juajen]

30. Hillary Clinton has always been involved in the world around her,

not sayin' there's anything wrong with playing bridge with pals in suburbia. BTW, is this any different then the all night poker parties that men are so fond of? Your misogyny is glaring out of this post.

She is a brilliant lawyer, who was accepted at both Harvard and Yale. Your question might be "Where would Bill be without Hillary". Get a grip! I love Bill, but think Hillary is smarter, and we are very lucky to have both of them in the Democratic Party. You should pick up her book some time. It's very informative.

[creeksneakers2]

29. Its a contradiction

Edwards says the states should decide, trying to get out of taking a position at all. Then, when he realizes he's in a corner, Edwards specifies how the states should decide it. Who should decide? The states or Edwards?

One could say Edwards is consistent because he won't dictate his opinion to the states. But Edwards also said it would be part of a comprehensive reform by the federal government, which means he does want the Federal government to decide it. So Edwards either double talked on that one or never meant that he didn't want his opinion enforced against the states.

[AzDar]

34. He said the States should decide. He said HE (an opinion) doesn't support

Spitzer's program. Seems pretty clear to me, but I'm not wearing Clinton-goggles.
Desperate for controversy much?:eyes:

[Evergreen Emerald]

31. he had previously said he DID support it...and his no was qualified

lots of "double speak" to use his own words.

[conservdem]

43. Why didn't he indicate this in the last debate?

He seemed to indicate his support for the idea and only Dodd came out against it.

[bvar22]

60. Logic and Facts won't deter the Hill fanatics.

They are blinded by partisan loyalty.

Actually, I thought the double speaking on the Driver's License in NY was a small issue made into a mountain by the Media.
For REAL Hillary DoubleSpeak ("HillSpeak") that affects every American and most of the World, try this:

"I will end the War in Iraq and bring the troops home" --Hillary

Troops will stay in Iraq to "... continue a training mission, ... do what we can to protect the Kurds...protect American (Corporate) interests... if we're making progress against Al Qaida in Iraq, we want to continue that."--- Hillary

Now THATS some grand doublespeak.
Hillary rightly deserves to be hammered on this deception.

Why isThe Media ignoring this piece of HillSpeak and focusing on the relatively minor issue of New York's Drivers License policy?

[Lugnut]

67. Thanks for pointing that out.

I didn't think I was the only one who understood what he was saying.

[chieftain]

14. The more Edwards talks, the less I like him. The more I see

of Obama the more I wonder whether he is up to the job. The more I see of Hillary, the more I like her, but the Iraq/Iran votes are almost impossible to overcome. The more I see Biden and Dodd the more I am convinced that either of them is what the country needs. Here's hoping that the voters of NH and the caucus goers of Iowa stop the march of inevitability of the "big 3".

[conservdem]

44. Agreed.

[karynnj]

47. My thoughts as well

Both Dodd and Biden have their flaws, but both are long term serious Senators. That both are on the SFRC and have been for decades means that they are extremely aware of the geopolitical problems. (Kerry's brilliant first debate was not just becasue he was a very skilled debater and had practiced, but because - like them, he has been on the SFRC for decades - and knew the issues inside and out.)

[creeksneakers2]

50. I like Dodd the best. And Biden is right up there.

Either one would make a great president.

[Boojatta]

15. As an American citizen, why is Edwards not entitled

to express an opinion about his preferences at the state level? Other people have opinions. If nobody had an opinion, then what would determine policy at the state level?

Then Stephanopoulos asked Edwards point blank if he supports Governor Spitzer's program to give licenses to illegal aliens and Edwards gave a flat out one word no. That's exactly the opposite of what Edwards said a minute before about letting the states decide.

[AzDar]

22. Egg Zactly. I get the feeling that some people in this thread will say

just about anything to try to shake THEIR candidate's widely recognized 'double, sometimes even triple-talking' label.
Must be embarrassing for them.

[Armstead]

16. That was a misinterpretation

Edwards was giving his full answer, when interrupted by George S.

He said at this point the states should decide, but he believes that is one of the issues that need to be tied to immigratin reform. He then elaborated by saying that if someone is working towards legal citizenship, they should be able to receive a license as part of that process.

When GS asked him the point blank question, Edwards did not equivocate in saying he did not agree with Spitzer. However, he did not contradict his earlier statement that it should be up to the states.

[BootinUp]

20. Bottom line

He wants to allow the states to do what they need to do, exactly Hillary's position.

[itsrobert]

23. Today it is. We never know with Hillary. She never gives

a straight answer.

[BootinUp]

25. She is far more consistent

than Johnny in her positions. And there is nothing necessarily wrong with not taking a strong position as Edwards just demonstrated.

[Adelante]

27. Well, somebody should do a count

On which of the campaigns has had to come out later and further explain (ie backtrack on) a statement in this primary. My money is on Edwards.

[Renew Deal]

71. Hillary's entire campaign is that she's the same as everyone else.

When in reality, she is not. Hillary asked if she supported Spitzers program and she said "it makes sense" and then spoke about it glowingly. Edwards simply said "no." That's not the "same position."

[itsrobert]

21. I guess this is part of the Clinton War Room Smear campaign

thanks

[goodgd_yall]

53. They need to get their own DU group n/t

[creeksneakers2]

65. Want to see a war room smear?

Here is how Edwards said Hillary should have answered answered the driver's license question:

"IT WAS A YES OR NO QUESTION"

What kind of smear is that? Hillary can only answer yes or no? She's deceiving people if she says more than that?

See for yourself, its right there on rushlimbaugh.com with the rest of the Edwards war room smears:

http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/today.guest.html

[goodgd_yall]

81. You are using Rush Limbaugh to make a point against Edwards??!!

Oh, brother---the truth is out!

[goodgd_yall]

59. Some people stink at critical thinking

This comes up every presidential election season---confused thinking, generalizations, the lot.

[Adelante]

18. Edwards campaign on Friday

Mr. Edwards wasn’t asked by the moderators in Tuesday’s debate for a yes-or-no answer to the question that has proved most contentious — about whether illegal immigrants should get driver’s licenses, as New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer and other states have proposed. Mrs. Clinton said it made sense, given the need to encourage all drivers to have insurance and be counted, but she refused to endorse the Spitzer proposal outright and called for comprehensive immigration law overhaul.

Edwards spokesman Eric Schultz on Friday said Mr. Edwards opposes the Spitzer proposal, due to several provisions, but “Edwards does support drivers licenses for illegal immigrants…as part of immigration reform if they are on path to citizenship, pay a fine and learn English.”

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119405134968581185.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

I would like to know what was in the ellipsis if anyone comes up with that.

[itsrobert]

24. I see the Hillary War Room campaign ramping up

Posting outright distortions. Good job, Hillary44.com!

[creeksneakers2]

26. Get a transcript

I'm doing my best from memory and there is no intent to distort or deceive.

[itsrobert]

32. So when you posted the Topic, you are going by memory

of what you thought you heard and not necessary what was actually said. But I didn't read a disclaimer in your original post. Maybe you should wait for the transcript next time? Did HillaryIs44.com put you up to this?

[creeksneakers2]

36. ABC This Week doesn't post transcripts

My memory seems to have done a decent job though because critics of my post who saw the interview dispute my conclusions but not the facts I've given. One post refers to a WSJ quote of Edwards in which he says the same thing I said Edwards said.

I don't think I was irresponsible to post what I saw. I believe the best evidence available should be used, but there is no better evidence. Should I ignore everything a candidate says if I don't have a transcript?

BTW: You've accused me of distorting. Where is your evidence? Did you even see the interview?

[itsrobert]

37. I seen the interview

You completely misrepresented what he said. And you also told me to get a transcript to disprove you. Now you tell me, they don't have transcripts. :eyes:

[creeksneakers2]

39. If you saw the interview, what exactly did I distort?

[itsrobert]

41. Almost everything

For one, he gave very clear answers.

[creeksneakers2]

49. Like when Stephanopoulos asked Edwards

what the difference is between taking money from lobbyists and taking money from the people who hire the lobbyists and Edwards said that lobbyists are trying to influence government but never said the people who hire the lobbysists aren't?

[AwareOne]

28. The fact is, Edwards is electable, unlike Hillary or Obama

Barack is a flash in the pan. Hillary is DOA in a general election. This is not complicated, you go down the list of Dems and you pick the first one that America will accept. Now I'm not a high payed political consultant but this fact is clear, If DEMs do not pick a candidate who comes from the same demographic as EVERY SINGLE PRESIDENT IN THE HISTORY OF THE NATION, then the American voting public will correct this anomaly and elect the white male Republican candidate for us. It's really that simple. To believe otherwise is to invite eight more years of Republican rule.

[creeksneakers2]

33. Some things are worth losing for

Racists and sexists should not dictate who the Democratic nominee should be.

I disagree with you though that Americans won't elected a woman or a black. Hillary and Obama poll very well against the white male GOP candidates.

The last poll I saw that asked the question, will you definitely not vote for ______, including both Edwards and Hillary, Hillary has 41% who said they definitely wouldn't vote for her. Edwards got 43% who definitely won't vote for him. Edwards is less electable than Hillary.

[AwareOne]

40. I hope you're right, I'm not a Hillary hater

I think she would be a great president. It's just that I've been watching politics for a long time and I have no idealism left. I also have seen massive anecdotal evidence among my co-workers, friends, family etc. of a serious disdain for Hillary, deserved or not. I have also seen a poll in the Christan Science Monitor where some 9% of people said they would not vote for a women for president. With these elections being so close, usually 49 to 51 percent, can we win without those 9%? I don't think so. As sad as it is, we need a middle of the road candidate with wide appeal. Only time will tell.

[karynnj]

54. That depends on the Demographic of the 9%

If they are all ultra conservative people who always vote Republican, this is great news. It loses not one single vote. If it is mostly people over age 65 and includes a significant number of FDR Democrats, it is a concern.

The 9% is the lowest estimate I have seen on this. I also prefer the question of whether your neighbors would vote for a (woman, black). The distancing helps get rid of the fact that people "know" the right answer and want to look good to the poller (even though they don't know them from Adam).

[karynnj]

52. THis is a sexist and racist opinion -

but lets assume, for a minute that it is true, Edwards is NOT the only white male in the race. If people decide, which I don't think will happen, to reject minorities and women - then they will focus on an alternative. A good portion of the Hillary Clinton people are looking for more experience than Edwards has - if they shifted, it could be to Biden or Dodd.

The difference in polling between Biden and Edwards is less than Edwards and the top 2 - if Edwards going negative and Biden having some of the best answers in the debate cause shifts - you may see that the top three will be seen as the top 4, or the top 2 - or if the shifts are big enough, a new top 3. Imagine that happened, then Dodd dropped out endorsing Biden. Biden could become the experienced alternative to HRC.

[Tellurian]

55. Edwards is unelectable in the GE..

He's out of money....polling in the 12 percentile, very few endorsements, doesn't have an organization strong enough in place to beat the Republican machine.

John Edwards should just bow out. The only reason for him contiuning is to help Obama get elected.

[last_texas_dem]

64. Actually, wouldn't Edwards bowing out be more likely to help Obama?

>>John Edwards should just bow out. The only reason for him contiuning is to help Obama get elected.>>

I don't understand how Edwards staying in the race is helpful to Obama.

[Tellurian]

66. A three was race is Naderesque..

Especially where Edwards is prone to deal making. It's his stock and trade. Edwards and Kucinich had a deal in 04' that Kucinich would give Edwards his votes, if the vote was close.

[rinsd]

74. Vote for the white man! Gotta love those Edwards supporters

:puke:

[itsrobert]

35. Sounds like your hatred for John Edwards has blurred your clear understanding on what John Edwards

said.

Why not post a transcript? It could only bolster your attack on another Democratic candidate, if what you say is actually true.

[liskddksil]

45. Sorry, No doubletalk here

Leaving a question up to the states, has nothing to do with personal support for a policy.

[creeksneakers2]

48. He doesn't leave it up to the states

He says the outcome should be part of a comprehensive immigration reform.

[cuke]

75. So even his supporters are confused by what he said

but it's not "double talk"?

[K8-EEE]

56. Yeah right I'll base my vote on a "drivers licence" question.....

For Christ sake.

Edwards still has my primary vote, due to my agreement with him on little tiny matters like war and peace and economic stability....

[GreenArrow]

46. self delete

gratuitous aspersion against weasels.

[goodgd_yall]

51. Thank you for your objective analysis

:rofl:

[BootinUp]

57. The video is up at ABC

Edwards spins his head off on the immigration driver license issue. And it is in contradiction to his position in '04.

He starts off saying the states should decide, then no it should be done within comprehensive immigration reform, then finally he is against the Spitzer plan.

The politics of parsing. I guess the states shouldn't decide.

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=3816551

[itsrobert]

58. Blinded by your hate

nice going.

[FrenchieCat]

63. Your personal attacks on the various DUers in this thread

does not do John Edwards any favors. Go and review all of your posts here, and you'll easily see that you are slinging mud at the posters instead of engaging in a rational debate defending your candidate. You should either debate the issue at heand, or you need to step aside.

And no, I haven't picked a candidate.....although, most know that for me, Edwards was never in the running. I'm not into pandering beauties promising the world to whomever will listen. Edwards has always tried to have it both ways....but with him, he has constantly been "for it" before he was "against it". His interview this morning is just more of the same. He will be so deconstructed if he wins the nomination until you'll have to move to the bottom of a mountain side in order to throw stones at all who will be tearing your good looking white guy from the south candidate apart.

[Boojatta]

78. "And it is in contradiction to his position in '04."

What's special about '04? Was that the deadline for thinking? Are all candidates required to simply reiterate the positions they held in that year?

[MGKrebs]

61. He's got a lot of "issues" in my book.

Elizabeth's health is a potential huge distraction. If the only choices were Edwards and Gravel, you might have to take your chances, but we do have other choices.

With Obama, we don't really know what we're getting because he's so new, but at least we KNOW we don't know what we're getting. With Edwards, his entire record is basically out the window, so we don't really know what we're getting with him either, except that we're supposed to know.

Taking public financing is a death blow. It's almost inconceivable that he could win the general with that gigantic disadvantage. They figured they would get more primary money this way than they could raise by themselves, so they did it to win the primary and decided to worry about the general later. So what happens if they do win the primary?

[goodgd_yall]

68. The video is up of the interview---worth watching to expose this OP for what it is

a pack of self-serving distortions.

Just to take one of your statements. Edwards said the states should decide on the issue of drivers licenses for illegal immigrants. When he was asked whether he agreed with Spitzer's plan he was giving his personal opinion. He believes each state should make its own laws on the matter, but his own opinion is giving illegal immigrants drivers licenses is not a good idea. There's no double-speak in that. It's really pretty simple to distinguish one from the other, if you're paying attention instead of listening to the noises in your head.

[ecstatic]

69. Did he slip in his "two Americas" meme again?

hehe

[Renew Deal]

70. Your post is unfair to Edwards

I just watched the immigration portion. He gave a straight answer to a specific question. He was asked if he supported the Spitzer program. He said "no." Hillary said "it makes sense" and then said that she didn't say it made sense.

[Cameron27]

72. Straight answer?

He was all over the place. He said almost exactly what Clinton said, until he finally said he didn't support Spitzer's plan. So what's different about the Edwards' plan and Spitzers?

[Renew Deal]

73. When asked specifically about the Spitzer program he said no.

Watch the video.

[cuke]

77. Edwards lied

He was for giving DL's to undocumented residents in 2004, but now he says it's a state issue, but only if have comprehensive immigration reform and the immigrants is taking steps to become a citizen. TOTAL BULLSHIT!!

If an immigrant is taking the steps to become a citizen as detailed in comprehensive immigration reform legislation, then that immigrant is NOT an undocumented alien. Edwards totally spun the question with a bs answer that doesn't address the issue of undocumented aliens. Coward

[Auggie]

76. This is a bullshit question very low on the totem pole of important issues

C'mon already...

[josh_edwards07]

79. Immigration is not

most people's top issue. I highly doubt people will determine a candidate based on immigration stance

[calteacherguy]

80. I wish I could recommend this. He is truly a phony. nt

[saltpoint]

82. Seems as if Edwards has drawn praise from some stalwart folks,

such as Paul Krugman and Mario Cuomo.

Several folks on DU and other blogs think highly of him.

I kinda like the guy myself.

[mtnsnake]

83. Great post!

It's one thing to disagree with Clinton in an honorable fashion, like Obama does, but it's another thing to paste her right out of the blue with vicious personal attacks like what Edwards did last week when he called her just another corrupt extension of the Bush administration if she's elected. It's no small wonder why Edwards doesn't stand a chance. I wouldn't be at all surprised if Biden overtakes Edwards for the third spot.