Edwards seizes an opening

[jsamuel]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22656153/

Edwards seizes an opening
The front-runners’ determination to bury the hatchet gave Edwards an opening to further raise his profile after stronger-than-expected showings in the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary.

When Russert turned the discussion to the war in Iraq, Edwards noted that Obama and Clinton were voicing similar ideas about when and how to pull U.S. troops out of combat. He said his commitment to a U.S. withdrawal was stronger.

“I think there are real differences here, and they’re not subtle,” Edwards said, vowing to “have all combat troops out in the first year that I’m president of the United States.”

“I will end combat missions,” he said. “And while I'm president, there will be no permanent military bases in Iraq.”

While Clinton and Obama objected that their positions were largely the same as Edwards’, the exchange allowed him to go on the offensive and steal some of the intense focus from the front-runners.

Likewise, when taking his chance to question his rivals, Edwards pointedly mentioned the huge sums of money both Clinton and Obama have raised from drug and insurance companies, asking, “Do you think these people expect something, or are they just interested in good government?”

[balantz]

1. I thought that "are they just interested in good government" comment was perfect!

[AmBlue]

11. I noticed Obama didn't answer Edwards' question. n/t

[midnight]

14. Me thinks that a promise was already worked out.

[2rth2pwr]

2. What would they do if they didn't get anything in return? nt

[BootinUp]

3. Russert was mis-reporting what they said on Iraq after the debate

saying that they have changed their positions on Iraq since the November debate. Bunk, all three are saying the exact same thing as they were then.

[jsamuel]

5. yep, Russert needs to learn how to go to their websites

[itsrobert]

4. EDWARDS: THE CLEAR CHOICE

CLEARLY EDWARDS!

[Usrename]

6. It sounded like Clinton and Edwards disagreed strongly.

And it sounded like Obama agreed with both of them.

Go figure. But that's what it sounded like to me.

[creeksneakers2]

7. Edwards got a spanking on that one

Edwards tried to act like he has a stronger policy on troop withdrawal then the other two but Obama told on Edwards. Obama pointed out there is no real difference between Edwards and the other two. I was hoping Obama would bring up how implausible Edwards' idea about basing troops in one country to fight a war in another is, but at least Obama caught Edwards exaggerating.

MSNBC said Edwards scored because he actually got some air time out of the exchange. Maybe its better to look bad than not get looked at at all. That's MSNBC's case.

[jsamuel]

9. lol, Obama ended up agreeing with Edwards

after Obama just criticized Edwards Iraq position.

[fooj]

10. Actually, Edwards had the only plan that showed CLEAR difference.

No combat troops.

[Divine Discontent]

8. "gave Edwards a chance to lob potshots at the front-runners"

this Alex Johnson is a tool.

potshot - a casual or aimless shot.
a random or incidental criticism: to take a potshot at military spending in a speech on taxation.

[Stop Cornyn]

12. K & R

[onehandle]

13. kick. nt

[ursi]

15. K and R! Go John Edwards!