Obama vs. Edwards on excluding Democrats from the NH Debate

[jefferson_dem]

OBAMA: “The voters of New Hampshire deserve to hear all the Democratic candidates’ views on who can best lead America in a fundamentally new direction, and that’s why I urge these networks to allow full participation in this week’s debate.”

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/01/01/542614.aspx


VS.

EDWARDS: "I'm staying out of that. I don't get to set the rules for the debates. I'll let the people who are in charge of the debates set the rules. And I'll be there."

http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Debates%3a+Who%27s+in%2c+who%27s+out%2c+who%27s+mad&articleId=d54d1b4f-91bd-4342-aad7-3d11d99b4a05

[maximusveritas]

1. Nothing new. Remember when Edwards and Hillary were conspiring

to kick out the candidates who weren't "serious".

This is just a continuation of that.

[cyclezealot]

3. Unless they support hr 676 we are only marginally interested

our big issue. When others support the Conyers bill , we will be interested in watching. As of now, only Kucinich merits our attention. So Kucinich is the only reason we would bother to watch. One of the candidates is about as neausating as Bush.

[The Traveler]

2. I think JRE is taking the wrong stance

But I understand why. On CNN's all day show, I watched Obama talk for 10 minutes about his girls, thank his supporters, etc. Later, Edwards was covered speaking about 37 million Americans living in povery, and what we can do about it, for about 3 minutes. Then they switched to Mike Huckabee playing the bass. Then back to Obama talking about his family in a cafe. Lots of basking on Mitt Romney.

Edwards wants (and we deserve) more coverage of his approach to the issues. But this is not the right way to get it. Just my opinion.

** edited for typoes **

[K Gardner]

9. I saw that and it absolutely infuriated me. I also agree that all candidates

should be included and they should stand up for each other.

[Cowpunk]

4. It's Not Rocket Science

Kucinich Is telling his supporters to back Obama as a 2nd choice. Does Edwards want Kooch saying this to a nationwide audience?

I'd guess not.

[TeamJordan23]

5. k&r. nm

[stray cat]

6. Didn't Obama and Kucinich just make a deal

for Obama to support him in getting in the debates and Kucinich would throw some Iowa votes his way?

[MethuenProgressive]

7. Obama is paying back Kucinich for Dennis' support in Iowa.

Quid pro quo DLC triangulation politics, Chicago style.

[Yael]

8. Beat me to it

I see Deep Dish all over that quote.

[slick8790]

10. I don't see Edwards excluding anyone.

He is rightly saying that it's not his place to say who gets invited. Non issue, ffs.

[tammywammy]

11. Non-issue

[Didereaux]

12. De facto censorship/mnipulation Obama correct, probably for wrong reasons but...

correct none the less. Edwards being an Atty and a good one, knows full well that this issue is an election fairness one. Yes, the organizers 'own' it and can pick and choose. However the media does NOT have that option, I believe. If a fully qualified(in that state) candidate is excluded that is on the very face manipulation of an election. The broadcast media if they give 'air' to one candidate must also give it to all the others. Therefor it compells the media to NOT broadcast something that discriminates against other candidates. Edwards is being very disingenuous on this issue. And he damn well knows it!

I agree that Obamas stand does smell of Deep Dish quid pro quo, and since he never offered up any legal arguments I will not give him the benefit of the doubt. Simply give him the point for shooting at the right hoop.

[FrenchieCat]

13. Big difference between the two approaches....

One is that of a leader....who uses one "I" and discusses voters, Democratic candidates' views, America, a New Direction, and "urges" the Corporate media to do the right thing.

the other one is that of a follower who uses no less than 4 "I"s within three sentences justifying why he sits on the fence and wait for others to make decisions.....and stating that "he'll be there"....cause that's what is important to him; that his own voice be heard....fuck the rest.

Couldn't be clearer why I'm voting for the one offering the Leaderlike approach. I'm not sure why anyone would choose otherwise. :shrug: