Edwards: Lawyers Are Different Than Lobbyists
JOHNSTON, IOWA -- In an appearance on Iowa Public TV's "Iowa Press Show," John Edwards again defended his taking campaign money from trial lawyers and tried to draw a distinction between them and special interest PACs and lobbyists.
Des Moines Register columnist David Yepsen asked Edwards what the difference is between trial lawyers and lobbyists.
"Lawyers are around the country, David, doing work," replied Edwards. "Do they have an interest? Of course they have an interest. But they're not in Washington everyday getting paid for a living to influence legislation."
The issue was just one of a couple moments of contention in an otherwise bland 30-minute broadcast.
Earlier in the interview, Edwards rejected any notion that he's a different candidate from 2004. The general media consensus has been that the former North Carolina senator is much more vocal and tenacious than the bright optimistic disposition he held four years ago.
"I don't accept the premise that there's been some big change," he said. "I think am the same person I was in 2004. I'm fighting for the same causes."
The full interview with Yepsen, AP writer Mike Glover, and show host Dean Borg airs tonight on Iowa Public Television.