Kucinich Blasts Edwards Over Debate Rules

Ohio Congressman And Democratic Presidential Candidate Says Rival Shows "A Consistent Lack Of Integrity"

(CBS)  An angry Dennis Kucinich lashed out at John Edwards on Friday, saying his Democratic rival showed "a consistent lack of integrity" by suggesting fewer candidates should participate in presidential forums and then trying to explain his remark to reporters.
"This is a serious matter, and I'm calling him on it," Kucinich, an Ohio congressman, said in a telephone interview Friday. "Whispering, trying to rig an election, then denying what's going on and making excuses. It all reflects a consistent lack of integrity."

Kucinich's comments came after Edwards and Hillary Rodham Clinton were overheard Thursday discussing the possibility of limiting the number of participants in future presidential forums.

In an exchange captured on camera and open microphone by broadcasters after an NAACP forum in Detroit, Edwards approached Clinton onstage and whispered in her ear.

"We should try to have a more serious and a smaller group," Edwards said, and Clinton agreed.

"Our guys should talk," Clinton said, complaining the format had "trivialized" the discussion.

Kucinich, who typically polls in the low single digits, clearly felt the slight was directed at him. All eight Democratic contenders took part in the program, including Barack Obama, Bill Richardson, Chris Dodd, Joe Biden, Mike Gravel and Kucinich.

Both Edwards and Clinton were asked about the exchange Friday, and offered different explanations.

In New Hampshire, Clinton seemed to lay responsibility on Edwards.

"I think he has some ideas about what he'd like to do," she said, adding she liked participating in the forums.

For his part, Edwards told reporters in Iowa that he wasn't in favor of barring anyone from future gatherings. Rather, he said he wanted to see them separated into two groups of four each, chosen randomly.

"The result would be that we would have a much more serious discussion and people would actually be able to see what the differences are between us," he said.

Kucinich called Edwards' explanation "disturbing" and said he planned to contact Edwards and Clinton immediately to demand an apology.

"I accept their offer to participate in a debate with just the two of them," Kucinich said. "John should be happy with this, since he wants a small group."

Kucinich's bitterness toward Edwards was somewhat ironic, given the boost he gave Edwards in Iowa when they were both running for president in 2004.

Kucinich, who is very popular with a small but ardent group of liberal activists, asked his Iowa supporters to back Edwards if they didn't meet voting thresholds in any of the state's precincts. That effort increased Edwards' final delegate count in the state, putting Edwards within striking distance of winning the caucuses that year.

[feelfree1]

War mongering traitors like Edwards and Hillary have no patience for anyone who is not owned by AIPAC and big Corporations.

These two a-holes are deeply complicit in many of the most serious of the Bush regime crimes. I agree that fewer candidates should share the stage in the Democrat Party debates.

Edwards and Clinton should apologize to the people of the U.S. and the world, and resign in disgrace, or find themselves standing on the dock of a war crimes tribunal, next to the Bush regime butchers and traitors!

[donnie900]

Well that, or have longer debates.

[donnie900]

Time restrictions aren't really necessary, are they? I mean, you want to hear what these people have to say. Even if its the mundane.. Moderators are good for direction of the questioning.. maybe zeroing in. But the time restrictions for the answering isn't really necessary. If they ramble on, people can see that too.

One of the interesting things I find is how these people will never answer the questions.. specifically.

[randalds]

DETROIT (AP) - Democrats John Edwards and Hillary Rodham Clinton consider themselves among the top presidential candidates.

They were caught by Fox News microphones discussing their desire to limit future joint appearances to exclude some lower rivals after a forum in Detroit Thursday.

Edwards says, "We should try to have a more serious and a smaller group."

Clinton agrees, saying, "We've got to cut the number" and "they're not serious." She also says that she thought their campaigns had already tried to limit the debates and say, "We've gotta get back to it."

Probably NEVER will see this on CBS. Biased, biased, biased.
Posted by infidel_us at 10:06 AM : Jul 13, 2007


You were saying???

[pepperp1]

We should try to have a more serious and a smaller group, I agree.

[randalds]

We should try to have a more serious and a smaller group, I agree.
Posted by pepperp1 at 05:38 PM : Jul 13, 2007

I agree. First we should dump lars, didntinhale, mudrose, one_american, etc.

Anyone else?

[pepperp1]

We should try to have a more serious and a smaller group, I agree.
Posted by pepperp1 at 05:38 PM : Jul 13, 2007

I agree. First we should dump lars, didntinhale, mudrose, one_american, etc.

Anyone else?
Posted by RandalDS at 05:40 PM : Jul 13, 2007

Yes Donnie900

[tcoleman12]

When was the last time anyone cared what Kicinich had to say?

[space_poet]

Politics... We need mics everywhere. We need to know what is REALLY going on behind the scenes with both sides. I think we would be shocked to hear the way they talk behind the publics back. Would you keep a friend that did that to you?

[gkc99]

"War mongering traitors like Edwards and Hillary have no patience for anyone who is not owned by AIPAC and big Corporations."--Posted by FeelFree1

And Edwards real name is Edwardstein, his mother was born in Israel, and he secretly attends a synagogue in Carolina. His wife practices Kabalah. Hillary had Jewish ancestors who were part of the international Zionist banker conspiracy financed by the Rothschildts, who secretly financed a takeover of New York by Rudy Gulianovich.

I only hope there are some Aryan of sufficient racial purity for the ********* of the Left.

[feelfree1]

tcoleman12,

Re: "When was the last time anyone cared what Kicinich had to say?"

- Ending the illegal war in Iraq

- Ending corporate control of our government

- Impeachment of ******** Cheney

- Universal health care

- Repealing catastrophic and anti-democratic trade intitutions like NAFTA and the WTO

These are some of the issues that Kucinich brings to the forefront. If you don't know anyone that is interested in these issues, then you must live in a cave, or in Israel.

[randalds]

Yes Donnie900
Posted by pepperp1 at 05:50 PM : Jul 13, 2007

Of course! How could I have forgotten the court jester?

[feelfree1]

gkc99,

You make no sense at all. Edwards failed the people of America by abdicating his Constitutional responsibility to decide matters of war, to the unelected Commander-in-Chimp.

I did not say that he was an Israeli. I stated that he is unmistakably in the pocket of pro-Israeli extremist groups, like AIPAC.

Edwards is a stinking failure, who ran alongside idiot Kerry in 2004, on a platform which included the addition of 40,000 troops to the illegal, failed, and disgraceful war against Iraq.

If you are a fan of this useless failure, then I assume that you are also a supporter of Bush's surge, unless, of course, you only oppose Bush because he does not represent your own, pathetic and complicit sell-out Party.

[ajmarine1]

I agree. First we should dump lars, didntinhale, mudrose, one_american, etc.

Anyone else?
Posted by RandalDS

Do you think you might get bored without them around?

[thatchmo62]

Is anyone really surprised about this story? This is modern politics, regardless of political party. Put on a good face in front of the camera and be your real self when nobody is looking. If I were a politician, I'd have one of my staff members assigned to camera/microphone spotting.

[randalds]

Do you think you might get bored without them around?
Posted by AJMarine1 at 06:09 PM : Jul 13, 2007

Well....they are sort of fun to kick around when it gets boring here....sooooooo.......maybe.....

[tuckerndfw]

It seems to me we need more choices, not fewer.

If Edwards and Hillary are all the Democrats have in 2008, they can expect Mickey Mouse to win as a write-in candidate.

VOTE MICKEY MOUSE FOR PRESIDENT!!!

He can't be any worse than the one we have (or the ones who want to be).

[ajmarine1]

"Well....they are sort of fun to kick around when it gets boring here....sooooooo.......maybe....."

Posted by RandalDS

I thought you might; they keep your wit shape and your creative juices flowing

[randalds]

"Well....they are sort of fun to kick around when it gets boring here....sooooooo.......maybe....."

Posted by RandalDS

I thought you might; they keep your wit shape and your creative juices flowing
Posted by AJMarine1 at 06:27 PM : Jul 13, 2007

Nah, most of them aren't enough of a challenge to be anything more then light entertainment.

[revbates]

It is obvious that Kucinich is in the race to "be heard" ... I don't think anyone thinks that even he thinks he can win ... and this is useful in that it opens up the discussion on issues that the leading candidates may want to gloss over ... much like Tancredo for the GOP. It is important, especially this time around, that the American voter has a thorough understanding and knowledge of the candidates for President. So, thanks to Kucinich ... more will be known about them all.

[drummer94]

RE: "Nah, most of them aren't much of a challenge..." We gotta keep donnie900 around, just for grins. He gets WAAAAAAY out there sometimes. And muddy, when ya call him out on things, he gets all discombobulated- it's hilarious.

[name_verify]

DNC News Update

Gore's concert for benefit of transgender fish mutated by pollution in San Francisco Bay is called success by mainstream media.

Jesse Jackson unity of the oppressed speech in Pelosi's SF draws crowd of angry ***.

Barak says he's just as much a feminist as Hillary is a negro.

Hillary says you can't invalidate her feelings.

Edwards says Democrats aren't irrelevant, just misunderstood.

Don't forget to vote for the party who voted for it before they voted against it!

-----

[perception5]

John$400 and Hillary Rotten-Clinton simply don't care about people and they don't care about including other candidates.

They want more time so "talk" themselves.

Either one is qualified to be President of USA.

[name_verify]

DNC News Update

Gore concert for benefit of transgender fish mutated by pollution in SF Bay is called success by mainstream media.

Jesse Jackson unity of the oppressed speech in Pelosi's SF draws crowd of angry queers.

Barak says he's just as much a feminist as Hillary is a negro.

Hillary says you can't invalidate her feelings.

Edwards says Democrats aren't irrelevant, just misunderstood.

Don't forget to vote for the party who voted for it before they voted against it!

-----

[gkc99]

"Edwards is a stinking failure, who ran alongside idiot Kerry in 2004"--Posted by FeelFree1

Dear sir:

F88k you very much for your moronic comments. Kerry has more guts and integrity in one pound of his flesh than you have in your whole stinkin' carcass.

You are Nazi scum, or else an Islamist 5th columnist, with your anti-jewish lies and boolsheeyit.

Why don't you back your favorite heifer up to a stump and stick your head up its A$$.

Yours truly,

gkc99

[donnie900]

I don't get way out there. I'm the sanest person here.

[perception5]

Dear sir:

F88k you very much for your moronic comments. Kerry has more guts and integrity in one pound of his flesh than you have in your whole stinkin' carcass.Posted by gkc99 at 07:47 PM : Jul 13, 2007

Dear Sir,

gkc99 thank you much for your moroic comments.
Kerry is a "lazy rich white liberal snob" who is the "mother" of all flip-floppers.

How many "bills" has your hero, Kerry, sponsored in this 110th DO NOTHING DEMOCRAT CONGRESS with their record setting low Gallup poll rating of 14% ???????? What a nut.

[gkc99]

Clearly, there are people posting on this website who oppose George W. Bushit and his f**kup war for a variety of reasons.

There are Americans, and others who believe in the freedoms of the West, who don't like seeing a snivelling nobody like silver-spoon-up-his-A$$ George W. (Cheetah) Bushit, and his handler Darth "Chickenshithawk" Cheney, take our red white and blue from a symbol of freedom to a symbol of torture.

On the other hand, there are closet Nazis who still yearn for their Fuhrer and want to finish his great work, Islamists apologists for people who like to blow up little girls and shove your face into the dirt and pray to the Muslim god, and other ********* like British Israel / Christian Identity White Racist Cockroach Scum, who want to see the US and the freedom it stands for smeared in the dirt.

We got a fair number of prize *** on this site.

The world would be a better place if some of them had an electric cattle prod shoved up their A$$ until they choked.

You know who you are.

[gkc99]

"NOTHING DEMOCRAT CONGRESS with their record setting low Gallup poll rating of 14% ???????? "--=Posted by perception5

That's because they haven't impeached your Fuhrer yet, A$$wipe. You're right that the Dems need to quit being shy and go for the throat of the Debbil's spawn in the White House.

Once we get rid of the neocon vermin who infest our country, by any means necessary, opinions will rise. Nobody is lower than neocon scum, espeically your Tiny Texass Tyrant, George "Cheetah" Bushit. And John Kerry is far above your pathetic neocon comprehension.

[drummer94]

"I don't get way out there. I'm the sanest person here" posted by donnie900 See? (grin)

[randalds]

"I don't get way out there. I'm the sanest person here" posted by donnie900 See? (grin)

Posted by drummer94 at 07:59 PM : Jul 13, 2007

Compared to mudrose, perception5, etc., he is one of the sanest people here.

;-)

[randalds]

John$400 and Hillary Rotten-Clinton simply don't care about people and they don't care about including other candidates.

They want more time so "talk" themselves.

Either one is qualified to be President of USA.

Posted by perception5 at 07:22 PM : Jul 13, 2007

I agree. Either one is. So what's your point?

[drummer94]

I see mud isn't around but pwrslm is on another thread and sounds just like him. Hmmmmm

[brianp55]

Who cares? 2 x 0 = 0.

[djconklin]

One look at the language skills being used here gives very telling evidence why our country is going down the tubes.

[radiob-2009]

No way to talk about a "lady" now is it? 07:47 PM

[pepperp1]

Kucinich is making a butt out of himself, claiming Edwards is trying to rig an election demanding an apology what a goof, and it is not fair, fair to Dennis would be everyone always getting a ribbon all the same color no matter the talent or skill in the competition. I am with Edwards and Clinton on this one two many people to short of time to answer, raise your hand etc. I am off the debates until next year; same for the repugs it makes them all look silly.

[ajmarine1]

I am off the debates until next year; same for the repugs it makes them all look silly.

Posted by pepperp1 at 09:28 PM : Jul 13, 2007

I'm with you; I'm an Independent and all these debates are just "spring training." The season starts next year.

[radiob-2009]

Here is hoping that between here and then a person of integrity steps forward and runs for the presidency. As of now there is no one running that will earn my vote in any political party.

[ajmarine1]

As of now there is no one running that will earn my vote in any political party.

Posted by radiob at 09:44 PM : Jul 13, 2007

I'm waiting for someone to spell out what they are going to do and not just bash the present administration.

[nvme3]

kucinche is somewhat a spoiled sport. I think the american Idol style is pretty repugnant. randomly chosen top tier and bottom tiered candidates should have time to inform us of their innitiatives. this would give all candidates oxygen (air time). I would like to hear them elaborate. why not make it 4 groups of 4. then lets have tractor pull and monster truck rally. would love to see hill byatch slap romney and guilliani before the general election. that would be a hoot.

[radiob-2009]

I'm waiting for someone to spell out what they are going to do and not just bash the present administration.

Posted by AJMarine1


America is in need of a uniter, someone of great integrity that can rise above partisan politics and place America foremost. I have yet to hear or see anyone of this character.

[sjc_1]

As much as I like some of the things Dennis has to say from time to time, he still has to realize that he is a 3rd stringer at best. Contribute to the national dialog when you can and if you have to do it in another forum then so be it.

Quit whining and get on with it Dennis, you have no chance to win and now you are damaging your parties chances by bickering like this in public. Ralph Nader screwed up the country in 2000 and to a less degree in 2004. All you can do is mess things up and that is not good for anyone.

[donnie900]

You guys remind me of the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police). You can't be a candidate under 6 feet tall and looking good in a uniform. When in reality, its the guy who picks his nose and scratches his nuts and dates a lady 3 feet taller than he is who know all the answers.

[donnie900]

When I was a secret agent there was a fella worked there name'a "booger" who was the best god damned crime solver you ever saw. But he never didn't have his finger in his nose. It was always the right nostril, and in deep. And the stuff he pulled outta there would send a bear runn'n.

The democratic party has to stop this "appearances" crrrap, and get down to business. Thats the absolute unacceptable schlick politician schtick! The guy who only looks good, and its business as usual.

We want change 'round here, jack! We won't a democratic revolution!

[donnie900]

We got de biggest god damned noth'n.. ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH! Time to do somethin productive.. and ***** how de guy looks. ***** it.

[zootallures2]

Meanwhile.... 9/11 is still an inside job.

[forthepeopl1]

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said Saturday that the Iraqi army and police are capable of keeping security in the country when American troops leave "any time they want," though he acknowledged the forces need further weapons and training.

OK THE WHAT IN THE HELL ARE WE STILL THERE, AS THE PRESIDENT HAS STATED ONCE AL-MALIKI TELLS US HE DOESN'T WANT US THERE WE WILL LEAVE.

ITS TIME FOR OUR SEN/REPS TO REMINDE HIM OF WHAT HE HAS STATED..NOW LETS GET THE F/U/C/K/ OUT OF THERE.

[brianbwb-2009]

Here is hoping that between here and then a person of integrity steps forward and runs for the presidency. As of now there is no one running that will earn my vote in any political party.
Posted by radiob

Hey, I'd volunteer, but I don't have a septillion dollars for the campaign, but I guarantee I have more personal integrity than all of those rich wannabe richers...

[waynabq]

If you haven't already, e-mail Congress. Cut and paste the letter below if you wish.

Dear Madam Speaker/Representative,

I implore you to take action immediately and bring impeachment proceedings against President Bush and Vice President Cheney.

They have lied to Congress and the American people to start a war in Iraq that has cost the lives of over 3600 American troops and maimed 23,000 others and has destroyed the lives of millions of Iraqi families at a cost of $500 Billion taxpayer dollars.

We now have legalized warrantless wiretaps, sanctioned torture, kidnapping, secret prisons, and an escalation of the Iraq War that's leading to more death and destruction.

This administration has openly committed treason and commutated the sentence of a convicted conspirator, Scooter Libby, who committed perjury and obstructed justice in the Wilson/Plame scandal to cover treason committed by Cheney and Bush.

If this is not an impeachable offense, I don't know what is. Now the question is, do you value your political office more than defending our Constitution?

Do you have the leadership and courage to protect our Constitution and America? Or are you going to stand idly by while the criminals in the Whitehouse go unchecked?

Please, I implore you to take action now.
Posted by waynabq at 12:02 PM : Jul 14, 2007