Compromise is Concession on the Iraq Question

[ashlarah]

Last week Sen. Edwards ran an ad in the DC area that sent a message to Congress. It had citizens asking Congress to stand firm in requiring a hard timetable for the withdrawal of troops. Citizens from all over the country added to that ad on-line, letting Congress know that “We the People” want them to fund the troops but to bring them home.

Sen. Edwards announced today in a conference with reporters that he is bringing this campaign ad to Iowa. This ad will feature Iowans. Again, citizens are invited to add their own voices to the message on-line. He said that Iowa caucus goers pay attention to everything and know the difference between Congress using its Constitutional power to bring the war to and end and not using it.

One of the purposes of the ad is to ensure that every Iowan caucus goer knows where John Edwards stands on this issue. Congress has a mandate from the 2006 elections to bring the troops home: it is important that Congress stand its ground. “Compromise is concession on this question.” Another purpose of the ad is “I want the voice of Iowans to be heard in this debate.”

He said that regaining our moral authority in the world will make us stronger, not weaker. To regain that moral authority, we first have to deal with the “bleeding sore” that is Iraq by bringing our troops home in a thoughtful way. Then, we can become a stabilizing force in the world once again, addressing issues such as global warming, AIDS and world poverty.

In response to a question about whether he has an advantage over the candidates who are in the Senate by not having to cast a vote, Sen. Edwards responded ‘No.” He notes that as a candidate for president, he is held accountable for every position he takes. He has taken a “strong, unequivocal position and will live with the consequences.” He also pointed out that while he was in the Senate, he was one of a small group of senators to vote against the $87 million funding bill for Iraq. But, he added that this is all process. What matters is that we “are doing everything in our power to bring the war to an end.”

On the subject of poverty, he said he has spent a huge part of his life working on “causes of low income families” and will continue to do so “as long as I am breathing.”

IMO, Sen. Edwards is exemplifying what it means to be a leader. He has detailed, intelligent plans, PLUS, he works hard to engage citizens in OUR government. Bringing the vast potential of what is commonly called “ordinary” people into the process will transform our country and the world.

[be inspired]

1. Good report.

Thanks. This is a great report. The Iowa ad is up on YouTube now:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SuQRbUHySU

[ashlarah]

2. Thank you for the link!

I like this ad even better than the first one, especially the lady that says DON'T back down with such fervor! Go Iowans!

[ashlarah]

3. "What are you going to do?"

On the subject of citizen participation, I like this video with Danny Glover:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N07x6v51VY4

There are things each of us can do, even if we are busy with work and family. It may not seem like much, but if we all do something, together we will make a huge difference.

[seashorelady]

4. Very good report.

Liked the videos.

[ashlarah]

5. Thanks, seashorelady

It seems like videos are adding a whole new and exciting dimension to presidential elections. We can all participate, a feeling that used to be felt mainly by voters in the early primary and caucus states. We no longer have to wait for MSM to give us glimpses of the campaigns. We can watch the candidates on-line in lots of situations, not just the empty photo ops.

[machka]

8. that one is awesome. n/t

[sparkleon]

6. John Edwards Campaign Ads

Will be favorably received because he does include "we
the people" and he listens to what the people say, that
is why he will be a great President.  Just saw the first Iowa
ad on television as I write. :)

[dk2]

7. I think the videos are great

I like having people in the ads.

Instead of some huge advertising company, I like the people.

[ashlarah]

9. New CNN poll shows majority agree

"Former Sen. John Edwards said Congress shouldn't back down. "If we don't have the votes to override the veto, the Congress should send him another bill with the funding authority for the troops, with a timetable for withdrawal," the Democratic presidential candidate said.

The public agrees. In the new CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll released Tuesday, 57 percent want Congress to pass another bill with funding and timetables. "

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/05/08/schneider.iraq.poll/index.html

I don't know what is left for the people to do to show we want the troops home. We've voted, protested, written letters, made phone calls and been polled.

Now its time for the government of the people, by the people and for the people to respond.

[seashorelady]

11. John Edwards continues to give we the people a voice.

Finally a president that thinks the american people should have a voice, and are entitled to the truth.

[Canuckistanian]

10. "bleeding sore"

Got that right.

K&R.