John Edwards: MoveOn res. a "complete waste of time... use whatever power we have to end the war"

[jsamuel]

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/9/21/124315/190

John Edwards on Moveon resolution
by DrFrankLives
Fri Sep 21, 2007 at 11:49:39 AM CDT

Today John Edwards appeared on Ed Schultz and did exactly what you have been asking him to do. His statement was clear and unequivocal. This is a rough transcript, but it's pretty close.

Ed: What are 22 Senators doing voting for this resolution against MoveOn.org, John? Is there a vacuum in leadership among democrats in Washington?

Edwards: "What a colossal waste of time. I mean really. we have a war in Iraq going on and that' what the Senate wastes its time on? What a waste of time."

It gets better below the fold.

*

Edwards continued:

"The American People gave us a mandate in 2006 to end this war, so I believe we're going to have to use whatever power we have to end the war."

Ed: Would you use the money?

Edwards: "I'd use the money. I'd use whatever procedural lever we have. The american people expect the Democrats who control the Congress to force the president to change course.

Ed: Why this motion then? You don't think they'll pay a political price if they do that?

Edwards: It was just a complete waste of time. Look, Petraeus has a boss. His boss is the Commander in Chief. His boss is George Bush. George Bush got us into this mess. Democrats in Congress need to stand up to George Bush. The American People want us to fight George Bush. Pure and simple.

Ed: You don't think there is a price to use the money, to cut off funing?

Edwards: Well, if they say no funding without a timeline for withdrawal, I do not think there will be a backlash. I do not think so.

[DURHAM D]

1. Easy for him to say from the bleachers.

He is really starting to annoy me.

[jsamuel]

2. Oh, please. He has been annoying you for a very long time.

[DURHAM D]

4. Wrong - he was not my choice but I have just been observing

the campaign. I think, and have thought, for about six weeks that Trippi is doing a piss poor job.

After John's commerical last week and last night's debate I have decided that John is just shrill and annoying.

[kenfrequed]

9. Is that

Your condemnation of anyone that stands up too stridently against the pro war crowd and their nonsense bills to distract the American people from the reality of this measure-Specifically directed at Edwards or is it for anyone?

It would have took so little courage to stand up agaisnt this idiocy and point out the politicization of the military. Which of your favored candidates voted in favor of this pointless measure?

EDITED FOR SLIGHTLY INCREASED CLARITY.

[DURHAM D]

11. Honey - you are rambling. eom

[kenfrequed]

12. I edited it

Now I would ask again.

Where does this absurd "annoyance" come from. Is it annoying to have people stand up to nonsense resolutions designed to distract from the issue of the war? Resolutions that are at best political media games playing to a small audience that has already decided that they still want our men and women home from Iraq and that don't believe Bush, no matter how many generals he wraps himself in?

Is it really so important to castigate our own and drive away the fiery progressive populist spirit of the Democratic party?

[DURHAM D]

14. Let's see -

Here is what I get out of your post -

(1) You decided that my comment that John is annoying is "absurd" annoyance. Too bad for you, I am entitled to my opinion.

(2) You list three rhetorical questions - one of which rambles and another one that makes JE a god. You don't want an answer - you want to lecture me. Sorry, this is not a class and you are not the teacher. Also, those "questions" are out of left field as they show no relationship to my comment - they are gyrations from your own mind.

(3) You write for your own enjoyment - not to elongate a conversation.

[pioneer111]

17. He VOTED AGAINST funding in 2003

and has been against the war ever since.
The rest of the senators who stayed in the senate are slower to move.

Why are YOU annoyed? You are FOR the war????

No timelines, No funding. NO Excuses. Go Edwards.

[cali]

3. Easy for him to say

Sorry but it is, and his record in the Senate doesn't hold up to his brave words now.

[w4rma]

5. Edwards is saying and doing the right things now and you attack him for it. What is your agenda?

I can only assume you'd rather Edwards not be saying and doing the right things now.

[cali]

8. "what's your agenda"

I really have nothing but contempt for that line, but for the record, I don't have an agenda. He's the nominee, I'll vote for him, but I have been troubled by some things about Edwards. Of course there are things that trouble me about all the candidates.

[burythehatchet]

10. Ignore is your friend.

[mod mom]

6. He's right-END THE WAR! It's INSANE to allow this to continue!

[kenfrequed]

7. Hear Hear

Yes. You know I back Kucinich but I agree completely. Edwards is correct in this matter.

[MethuenProgressive]

13. Too bad he quit the Senate. He could've voted against it.

But, it's easier to "lead" from the sidelines, I guess.

[jsamuel]

15. So you admit he is right and that he is leading. Good.

Now your bias against those on "the sidelines" like you and me, I don't agree with.

[Beaverhausen]

16. Good for him. Sounds like he agreed with what Boxer said on Schultz yesterday

GO EDWARDS!

[Nutmegger]

18. R&K for Edwards...

:thumbsup::kick: