By Mark Z. Barabak and Michael Finnegan, Times Staff Writers
Sounding alternately like rivals and potential running mates, John Edwards and John F. Kerry sparred Thursday over values, trade policy and their commitment to reforming Washington in a lively debate where they accused President Bush of playing politics with the gay marriage issue.
Edwards mostly used humor and an affable manner to draw contrasts with the more staid front-runner in the Democratic presidential race. Kerry, in turn, sought to minimize their differences by repeatedly insisting there was little separation between them on most issues.
The two were asked about the touchy matter of same-sex marriage shortly after the start of the 90-minute session at the USC's Bovard Auditorium. Both said that although they y opposed legalizing gay marriages, they also were against the constitutional amendment endorsed by President Bush that would ban them.
Edwards said no state should be forced to sanction a gay marriage recognized by another state. Kerry suggested the proposed amendment was unnecessary because "no state has to recognize something that is against
public policy."
more: http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/2004/la-na-debate27feb27,1,3547062.story?coll=la-home-headlines
![](http://www.suprmchaos.com/bill-clinton_nyu2_120302.jpg)