John Edwards on MTP stood his ground, and clearly displayed leadership qualities.

[Ninga]

I am sure a video will be posted, and it will speak for itself for those who couldn't watch, but had to read oppositional comments about John's performance.


He re framed the debate, which is what a good listener, and strong leader does.

Each answer was prioritized, and given in order of strength. The hedge fund answer was a perfect example.

Edwards did not allow Russert to define his economic status by that question, but took control and gave an answer that put it into perspective.

All in all, a very solid and fine appreance on MTP for John Edwards.



:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Evergreen Emerald]

1. I agree with you. Although he did not answer some of the questions,

he was good at redirecting and getting out his agenda.

[Ninga]

2. He gave answers that addressed the question from his perspective. And so, I think that

might be a bit different than "answering a question with a statement about a totally different topic."

He didn't allow Russert to define him with the hedge fund issue. Buried in his answer, was a short statment about him getting out as soon as he found out.

[Carrieyazel]

6. Better than his last (bad) appearance on MTP, but still lacking.

He dodged and evaded a number of questions. (Like Hillary). He didn't sufficiently explain his answers. For example, when he was presented with Richardson's call-out on the war, he couldn't effectively explain why he was right and Richardson wasn't. On the plus side though, he didn't laugh like a banshee.

[AmBlue]

8. I thought he did a fine job

...of answering that question. He would maintain a combat force in Kuwait to pursue Al Qaeda in the region and to protect our embassy, but pull all combat troops out of Iraq. What was not clear about that?

[Carrieyazel]

9. Yes, but Edwards would still leave thousands of non-combat troops

at risk in Iraq. And he hasn't been clear on how long it would take to get combat troops out.

[AmBlue]

10. The point is de-escalation and ENDING the war

Non-combat troops are deployed for many embassies and for peacekeeping around the world. Should we have no embassy at all in Baghdad? After the instability that we have created, should we turn the other way if genocide occurs?

"We don't need debate; we don't need non-binding resolutions; we need to end this war. In order to get the Iraqi people to take responsibility for their country, we must show them that we are serious about leaving, and the best way to do that is to actually start leaving." -- John Edwards

Also from Edwards' website:

Edwards believes we should completely withdraw all combat troops in Iraq within nine to ten months and prohibit permanent U.S. military bases in Iraq. After withdrawal, we should retain sufficient forces in the region to contain the conflict and ensure that instability in Iraq does not spill over into other countries, creating a regional war, a terrorist haven, or a genocide.

Edwards believes we should intensify U.S. efforts to train the Iraqi security forces. He would also step up U.S. diplomatic efforts by engaging in direct talks with all the nations in the region, including Iran and Syria, to bring a political solution to the sectarian violence inside Iraq, including through a peace conference.

[Ninga]

3. And on some cable systems, MTP is repeated on CNBC every Sunday night.

[maximusveritas]

4. He came off bad because of Russert

I guess he did as well as he could have considering the questions, but all things considered, it was not a good show for him. What you see as reframing the debate will be seen as avoiding the questions by most viewers. The implication of those questions is what will stick with the viewer, not his attempt to reframe it. This is the same reason why it's a bad idea to go on Fox News. The deck is stacked against you and you'll have a hard time just breaking even

[Ninga]

5. In the eye of this beholder, he did a straight up job, and fielded the questions without

hesitation.

Without straying too far afield, he answered the questions with context he wanted stressed.

But answered them nonetheless.



If he does not win, it is because he did not have the leadership nor the strategy in place to pull it off.

[stray cat]

7. He and Obama are both coming across as populists and change agents

I thought Edwards came across really well.