Kerry, Edwards joust on who can win

[Freddie Stubbs]

Debate features disagreement on death penalty

By Jeff Zeleny and Jill Zuckman
Tribune national correspondents
Published February 27, 2004

LOS ANGELES -- John Kerry protected his commanding lead in the fight for the Democratic presidential nomination Thursday night by dismissing rival John Edwards' suggestion that a Massachusetts senator could not win over people in every corner of America.

In a televised debate five days before voters in 10 states could settle the race, Kerry said he could appeal to independents, Republicans and Democrats across Southern states and other key battlegrounds. Edwards, who made no mention that Kerry had won 18 of the first 20 contests, pointedly questioned who was the better candidate to take on President Bush.

"Do you believe that change is more likely to be brought about by someone who has spent 20 years in Washington?" said Edwards, a first-term North Carolina senator who often reminds audiences of his roots as the son of a millworker. "Or by someone who is more of an outsider to this process?"

While the 90-minute session at the University of Southern California was the eighth debate since early January, it was one of the final opportunities for Edwards to slow Kerry's march to the party's nomination. But the senators largely agreed on a series of issues, from defending their votes on the Iraq war to their opposition to gay marriages, even as they aired their seldom-mentioned difference on the death penalty.

more: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/specials/elections/chi-0402270150feb27,1,4494345.story?coll=chi-news-hed

[Vagabond]

1. In my opinion,

Edwards could win because of his personality and his style.

Substance? We don't need no stinking substance.

[newyawker99]

2. Hi Vagabond!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast: