Kerry, Edwards Spar Over Trade in Debate

[Freddie Stubbs]

Kerry, Edwards find more common ground than differences in debate
LOS ANGELES - Democratic presidential rivals John Kerry and John Edwards sparred over trade, the death penalty and who has the best chance of defeating President Bush in November. But days before a 10-state showdown the two found common ground in opposing gay marriages along with Bush's request to make them unconstitutional.

Edwards had hoped Thursday night's debate would help emphasize differences in an attempt to galvanize support and narrow the large gap with the front-running Kerry.

"I know he's looking for some differences because you need them," Kerry chided Edwards at one point.

Both took nearly identical positions on the gay-marriage issue - voicing personal opposition but saying it should be left for states to decide rather than be banned by a constitutional amendment, as Bush called for this week.

more: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=1078&dept_id=151021&newsid=11034963&PAG=461&rfi=9

[Vagabond]

1. media spin

love the verb choice: "chided"

There ARE differences, small though they might be.