From The Road
December 15, 2007 3:00 PM

Edwards Claws Back at Obama

By
Aaron Lewis
Topics
John Edwards
(CBS)
(CBS)
From CBS News' Aaron Lewis and Maria Gavrilovic:

DUBUQUE, IOWA -- John Edwards shot back at Barack Obama today at Loras College in Dubuque, going after what he says was an attack on Edwards's willingness to fight with corporate interests instead of negotiating.

"I just fundamentally disagree," said Edwards in one of his more passionate stumps speeches in weeks, adding there is an "epic fight" ahead with powerful corporate interests.

Earlier today in Independence, IA, Obama told a crowd that he differs specifically with Edwards on the idea of fighting vs. negotiating.

"Well you know the key to getting this done is empowering the American people," said Obama. "You also have to have negotiations and you have to be able to listen, otherwise stuff is not going to happen."

Back in Dubuque, Edwards took particular issue with that sentiment.

"So we're gonna 'nice' our way to universal healthcare?" he asked rhetorically. "I'm here to tell you we got a fight on our hands and we're gonna win that fight together."

Edwards later continued to stress his position as the fighter in this race, comparing himself to Obama without using names.

"I believe we need a fighter, I do," said Edwards. " Not somebody who just thinks about it or just talks about it or is academic about it, but somebody who's been in the trenches in this fight."

Edwards's remarks came after his wife Elizabeth stirred up the pot herself. In her introductory remarks, Mrs. Edwards took shots at the GOP, with particular focus on the new frontrunner.

"Republicans should scare us in a lot of ways," she said before calling out Mike Huckabee. "[He] seems like a nice charming guy. Doesn't believe in evolution. And has some nutty views about what it is we should do in terms ending violence in our inner city: we should make sure all of outr yound people are armed."

Then after a long pause: "Republicans scare me."

Today's comments overshadowed what attracted many in the crowd to the college in the first place: an appearance by movie star Kevin Bacon. The movie star spoke little about Edwards, (saying not much more than "he's got a dream" and "he's got a plan") but pumped out a three-song set on the guitar with a couple of his friends, including a good cover of "Get Together" by The Youngbloods.

Add a Comment
by aajo1 December 16, 2007 7:06 PM EST
Why do these people think this idea of going to fight will get them votes? Mrs. Clinton is obsessed about going to fight the Republicans. Sen. Edwards is very obsessed with going to fight the big corporations. The Republicans are also Americans. People working in these big corporations are also Americans. Who is advising these guys?
Reply to this comment
by sthinker December 15, 2007 9:48 PM EST
Look, Barack Obama has had appalling judgment with his past votes on important issues, like voting to give Bush every dime that he wanted for Iraq, until 2007, and voting against the Kerry amendment that was intended to end the occupation of Iraq. Like voting for the Bush energy bill. Like supporting liquid coal, and making it harder for regular citizens to sue corporations.

All candidates have bad votes.

Obama''s no different, no matter how much some people are BLINDED by his smile.

And Hillary "corporate lawyer" Clinton is no different.
Reply to this comment
by nc_mom December 15, 2007 9:10 PM EST
I believe we need a fighter,...not somebody who just thinks about it or just talks about it or is academic about it, but somebody who%u2019s been in the trenches in this fight.%u201D

What exactly has Edwards actually fought for? What issue has he led from vision to success, at the local, state or national level? Has he secured health care for everyone in his home state? (As I recall he didn''t even help with the campaign to get the kids healthcare program, called Health Choice.) No, Edwards is ALL talk, mostly about himself, and NO ACTION.

At least Hillary tried to do some good (learning important lessons from failures) and Obama has at least 11 years of experience working in the trenches. And Biden, good lord, he has more experienc than them all put together.

Reply to this comment
by krsteen1 December 15, 2007 6:47 PM EST
Look, John Edwards has had appalling judgement with his past votes on important issues. He''s doomed if he makes it to the General Election.
Reply to this comment
by lanefiller1 December 15, 2007 6:11 PM EST
Anyone interested in a funny (but it really happened) column about what Huckabee is really like face-to-face should try:
http://goupstate.us/index.php/lanefiller/2007/11/02/title_14

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