Reply #27: To me, "current" is not really the issue [View All]

[frazzled]

I am always happy when politicians change their minds when evidence or public opinion make such changes essential: the end results are obviously what we should care about. But in assessing them, I also look for reasons why politicians change their minds: is it conviction or politicking?

I, frankly, remain wary of Edwards's many years worth of support for the war, before he decided (d'oh) it was a mistake. He was a strong supporter of the Patriot Act--even in the face of Feingold's objections--until during his candidacy it became a very unpopular piece of legislation. I don't particularly care what his subsequent views were or are: I'm concerned about his having been gung-ho in the beginning. It's a question of judgment ... and I think that's a fair thing for me to consider.