Kerry And Family Question Edwards’ Experience

Kerry Attacked Edwards’ Maturity And Experience; ‘When I Came Back From Vietnam…I Don’t Know If John Edwards Was Out Of Diapers Then.’ “‘In the Senate four years – and that is the full extent of public life – no international experience, no military experience, you can imagine what the advertising is going to be next year,’ Mr. Kerry said. With a grin, he added: ‘When I came back from Vietnam in 1969 I don’t know if John Edwards was out of diapers then. Well, I’m sure he was out of diapers.’” (Adam Nagourney and Jim Rutenberg, “With Hopes Up And Elbows Out, Democrats Give Iowa Their All,” The New York Times, 1/19/04)

Kerry Attacked Edwards’ Experience. “‘I think the American people want an experienced hand at the helm of state,’ said Kerry, who has spent 19 years in the Senate compared with Edwards’ five. ‘This is not the time for on-the-job training in the White House on national security issues.’” (Mark Z. Barabak, “Diverse States May Reshape The Democratic Race Today,” Los Angeles Times, 2/3/04)

Kerry Blasted Edwards’ ‘Lack Of Military And Foreign Policy Experience.’ “Kerry took aim at Edwards’s lack of military and foreign policy experience while responding to Edwards’s comment that both candidates shared similar plans to rebuild Iraq. ‘Well, I think he would like it to be that way,’ said Kerry, a decorated veteran, ‘but I think I have 35 years of experience in international security, foreign policy, and military affairs, and I think that makes an enormous difference here. I think that the world is looking for leadership that is tested and sure.’” (Raja Mishra, “Edwards And Kerry Emphasize Contrasts,” The Boston Globe, 2/23/04)

Kerry Mocked Edwards’ “Ambitious” Nature After Only One Term In Elective Office. “The veteran senator also questioned the former trial lawyer’s pursuit of the presidency after less than one term in elective office. ‘And people call me ambitious?’ a Globe reporter once overheard Kerry asking an aide.” (Glen Johnson, “Once a Rival, Edwards Staying Close to Kerry,” The Boston Globe, 6/10/04)

Kerry’s Stepson Voiced Concern Over Edwards’ Foreign Policy Credentials. “Kerry is likely to name a running mate within two weeks, [Chris] Heinz said, offering no inside information. ‘I was very pro-[North Carolina Sen. John] Edwards in the spring,’ he said. ‘But now I think we may need someone with stronger credentials on foreign policy.’” (Jack Kelly, “Chris Heinz On The Stump In City For Stepdad,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 6/17/04)

Never Held Elective Office, Politics Took Backseat To Legal Career

First Term Senator, Having Held No Other Elective Office. (CBS’ “60 Minutes,” 12/21/03)

Not Active In Politics. “Neither was [Edwards] active in politics for the first 44 years of his life, except for the occasional donation to a Democratic candidate. He never ran for office or worked on a campaign. Indeed, before he burst onto the political scene in 1998, he did not even vote in several local elections, because, he says, he was too busy with his legal work.” (James C. Mckinley, Jr., “A Journey From A Mill Town Ends With A Run For President,” The New York Times, 1/12/04)

Has Never Shown Much Interest In Politics. “[Edwards] had considered being a candidate for years, but never shown much interest in politics.” (Taylor Batten, “North Carolina, Meet Your Candidates For The U.S. Senate,” The Charlotte Observer, 9/27/9

During 1998 Race, Edwards’ Voting Record Became Issue. “[Edwards] failed to vote in half the elections he could have over the past seven years. One of seven Democrats in the May 5 primary, Edwards voted in nine of 18 elections since 1991, according to Wake County voting records.” (Taylor Batten, Carol D. Leonnig And Jim Morrill, “Edwards Gets Into This Thing Called Voting,” The Charlotte Observer, 3/22/9

Edwards Lacks Accomplishments And
Demonstrated Leadership Needed To Be President

Since Joining U.S. Senate In 1999, Edwards Has Been Lead Sponsor On:

ü 74 bills, NONE of which has emerged from Committee for a floor vote.

ü 78 amendments, 23 of which passed the Senate.

ü 6 resolutions, 4 of which passed the Senate.

ü No legislation Edwards has been lead sponsor on has become law.

(THOMAS Website, thomas.loc.gov, Accessed 5/20/04)

In March Of 2001, [Wilmington] Morning Star Noted Edwards’ Weak Record. “Our junior senator is smart, charming, a smooth talker, nice looking, and a progressive Southern Democrat. And did we mention smart? But his only experience in politics is two years in the U.S. Senate. He’s built a solid record on TV talk shows, but not a solid record of legislative accomplishment - yet.” (Editorial, “Let Sen. Edwards Learn His Trade,” The [Wilmington] Morning Star, 3/7/01)

In Late 2002, Cox News Service Noted Lack Of Major Legislative Accomplishments During Edwards’ Four-Year Senate Tenure. “Edwards is sponsor of a Patients Bill of Rights bill in the Senate, but has no major legislative accomplishments thus far.” (Scott Shepard, “Democrats Face Major Obstacles In Trying To Regroup After 2002 Election Disaster,” Cox News Service, 11/8/02)

New To Foreign Policy & International Issues

1998: Yitzhak Who? “One evening while he was campaigning for the Senate in North Carolina, Edwards was faced with a choice of several events he might attend. An advance man suggested, ‘Maybe we ought to go to the reception for Leah Rabin’ Edwards responded, ‘Who’s she?’ ‘Yitzhak Rabin’s widow,’ replied the aide. ‘Who was he?’ asked Edwards.” (Charles Peters, “Tilting At Windmills,” Washington Monthly, 6/1/03)

Asked About Situation In Afghanistan, Edwards Said His Response Would Be To “Show Leadership.” NBC’s TIM RUSSERT: “Let me turn to Afghanistan, and put on the board again your comments in Florida that I asked Secretary Powell about: ‘The rest of the country is going right back to chaos, right back to where it was under the Taliban.’ Words are important. Do you believe Afghanistan is going back to right where it was under the Taliban?” SEN. EDWARDS: “I believe if we don’t do something about it, there’s an enormous potential for that happening, because this is what’s occurring. General Powell mentioned a national army. We’re two years from having a national army. There’s an interim government there. We’ve gone over there, we’ve fought the war, we got rid of the Taliban. And right now, we have a 4,500 international peacekeeping force, small in size, located just to the area around Kabul. And everyone knows--I mean, I sit on the Intelligence Committee, Tim. Everyone knows there are huge parts of Afghanistan that are not secure, not in control.” RUSSERT: “So what would you do, send thousands of more American troops?” EDWARDS: “No.” RUSSERT: “What would you do?” EDWARDS: “No. What I would do is show leadership. I would go to our allies and say, ‘This peacekeeping force--we fought the war. We did it. You are our allies. This peacekeeping force needs to be expanded.’ We need to go to our allies, show leadership, ask them to expand the peacekeeping force not only in size, but in scope. Because if we don’t do something about this, Tim, we’ve got warlords out there. There are also drug lords. And it’s important to remember as we fight the war on drugs--which we do every single day in this country--that Afghanistan is an enormous source for heroin for all the world, including our country are our allies.” (NBC’s “Meet The Press,” 5/5/02)

Edwards Declines Foreign Leader Quiz. MSNBC’s CHRIS MATHEWS: “And back in the last presidential election, a Boston TV reporter, Andy Hill, asked the president -- presidential candidate George W Bush if he could name the four world leaders of four hot spots around the world. They were Chechnya, Taiwan, Pakistan, India. Do you think that was a fair set of questions to put to a guy running for president?” SEN. EDWARDS: “No.” MATTHEWS: “Do you think it would be a fair question to put to you right now?” EDWARDS: “No. Absolutely not.” MATTHEWS: “So you don’t want to go that route? That was the option you have. I have the answers here, if you wanted to try, but since you don’t want to try, we’ll move on. If you -- Are you sure? You don’t want to answer these questions? I know you know at least one of them. You know who’s head of...” EDWARDS: “Let’s don’t go there.” (MSNBC’s “Hardball,” 10/13/03)

“Yet Edwards Also Flubbed Some Foreign Policy Questions That Had Nothing To Do With National Security. It Took Him Three Tries, For Instance, To Offer A Thoughtful Response To The Crisis In Haiti.” (Arian Campo-Flores, “Out of Steam,” Newsweek, 3/3/04)

Vague Answers On Policy Toward Asia And North And South Korea. “Last week, Edwards offered vague answers in discussing U.S. policy toward Asia, and North and South Korea. Edwards said his approach would be ‘something different than what the administration has, which is almost a nonexistent policy.’ He also said Bush has ‘alienated a lot of the South Korean leadership.’” (Scott Martelle and Mark Z. Barabak, “Edwards Fumbles On Foreign Policy Answers,” Los Angeles Times, 2/24/04)

On EU Tariff/Corporate Credit Issue, Edwards Responds, “I’m Not Sure I Even Know What You’re Talking About.” “Sen. John Edwards, who has made international trade a key part of his campaign, stumbled Monday when asked about looming European trade sanctions, spotlighting doubts about his familiarity with foreign policy. … The EU, an economic and political association of 15 countries, has threatened to impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods next month if Congress does not repeal a corporate tax credit that the World Trade Organization has decreed is an illegal subsidy to businesses. ‘I’m not sure I even know what you’re talking about,’ Edwards said when asked if he supports the corporate tax credits. ‘If I understand what you’re asking, and I’m not sure I do ... I’m opposed to us using our tax system to give tax breaks to American companies who are shipping jobs overseas.’” (Scott Martelle and Mark Z. Barabak, “Edwards Fumbles On Foreign Policy Answers,” Los Angeles Times, 2/24/04)

New To Understanding Legislation & Presidential Powers

Edwards Sought “Dramatic Revision Of The PATRIOT Act,” But Cited Portions That Aren’t Part Of The Act. SEN. EDWARDS: “I support dramatic revision of the PATRIOT Act. The last thing we should be doing is turning over our privacy, our liberties, our freedom, our constitutional rights to John Ashcroft. Let me speak about this quickly. First, the very notion that this administration can arrest American citizens on American soil, label them an enemy combatant, put them in prison, keep them there indefinitely -- they never see a lawyer, never see a judge, never even get an opportunity to prove that they’re innocent and they did nothing wrong – this runs contrary to everything we believe in this country. (Democrat Presidential Candidates Debate, Baltimore, MD, 9/9/03)

ü A Year Earlier Edwards Praised PATRIOT And Said Broadening Surveillance Was “Correct Thing To Do.” SEN. EDWARDS: “[I] think the director of the FBI actually believes we’ve made progress in this area, partly, I might add, as a result of some of the work that Senator Hatch and others have done on the Judiciary Committee, on the Patriot Act, on the intelligence legislation which both of us were involved in which was passed earlier in the year. We broadened the extent to which this kind of surveillance could be done and gave the FBI and the CIA more authority to do it. I think that was right. It was the correct thing to do, and now we need to make sure that what’s – what can be done is, in fact, being done.” (CNN’s “Late Edition,” 7/14/02)

Ashcroft Corrected Edwards On “Enemy Combatant” Issue. FOX NEWS’ TONY SNOW: “I’m going to read you part of the quote. [Edwards said] ‘first, the very notion this administration can arrest American citizens on American soil, label them an enemy combatant, and put them in prison and keep them there indefinitely.’ That actually doesn’t have to do with the Patriot Act does it?” ATTY. GEN. JOHN ASHCROFT: “Absolutely nothing at all. The ability of the President of the United States to defend the country in time of war is part of his Article II presidential executive responsibility to defend the nation and that has nothing to do with the Patriot Act.” (FOX News Channel, 9/11/03)

Edwards Exaggerated Enemy Combatant Authority. SEN. EDWARDS: “Exactly. This is what they say. They can come in here and label one of us an enemy combatant.” (Sen. Edwards, Campaign Event, Mildrid, NH, 8/24/03)

Edwards’ Presidential Campaign Lacks Substance

Bill Clinton Advises Need For Big Message, The American Prospect Notes Lack Of Substance. “As Clinton said, according to a transcript on the Atlantic Web site, ‘I told him: John, you’re great on TV. You make a great talk. You can talk an owl out of a tree. But my opinion is, presidential elections are won by the strength of the candidate, and having a network of support, and then by the mega message, having the big message.’ In other words, Edwards looked and sounded good -- but there wasn’t much substance behind his words and image.” (Mary Lynn F. Jones, “Is John Kerry Peaking Too Early?” The American Prospect, 3/5/03)

Edwards Thin On Substance. “But Edwards seems quite thin on substance and will need a lot more tutoring from [Bill Clinton].” (William Greider, “Still Clinton’s Show?,” The Nation, 2/17/03)

EDWARDS’ ANTI GROWTH AGENDA

Edwards Has Lifetime Rating Of “Hostile” To Taxpayers From Citizens Against Government Waste. (Citizens Against Government Waste Website, www.cagw.org (http://www.cagw.org/), Accessed 6/15/04)

Edwards Twice Voted Against President Bush’s Jobs And Growth Reconciliation Tax Act Of 2003, And Twice Against 2001 Bush Tax Cut. (H.R. 2, CQ Vote #179: Passed 51-49: R 48-3; D 3-45; I 0-1, 5/15/03, Edwards Voted Nay; H.R. 2, CQ Vote #196: Conference Report Agreed To 50-50, With Vice President Cheney Voting Yea: R 48-3; D 2-46; I 0-1, 5/23/03, Edwards Voted Nay; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #165: Passed 62-38: R 50-0; D 12-38, 5/23/01, Edwards Voted Nay; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #170: Adopted 58-33: R 46-2; D 12-31, 5/26/01, Edwards Voted Nay)

In 1999, Edwards Twice Voted Against Implementing $792 Billion Tax Cut. (S. 1429 CQ Vote #247: Passed 57-43: R 52-2; D 4-41; I 1-0, 7/30/99, Edwards Voted Nay; H.R. 2488, CQ Vote #261: Adopted 50-49: R 49-4; D 0-45; I 1-0, 8/5/99, Edwards Voted Nay)

Edwards Voted 12 Times Against Full Marriage Penalty Relief. (S. 1429, CQ Vote #230: Rejected 46-54: R 45-9; D 0-45; I 1-0, 7/29/99, Edwards Voted Nay; S. 1429 CQ Vote #247: Passed 57-43: R 52-2; D 4-41; I 1-0, 7/30/99, Edwards Voted Nay; H.R. 2488, CQ Vote #261: Adopted 50-49: R 49-4; D 0-45; I 1-0, 8/5/99, Edwards Voted Nay; H.R. 6, CQ Vote #82: Motion Rejected 53-45: R 53-1; D 0-44, 4/13/00, Edwards Voted Nay; H.R. 6, CQ Vote #83: Motion Rejected 53-45: R 53-1; D 0-44, 4/13/00, Edwards Voted Nay; H.R. 6, CQ Vote #87: Motion Rejected 51-44: R 51-1; D 0-43, 4/27/00, Edwards Voted Nay; H.R. 4810, CQ Vote #214: Adopted 54-45: R 54-0; D 0-45, 7/18/00, Edwards Voted Nay; H.R. 4810, CQ Vote #215: Passed 61-38: R 53-1; D 8-37, 7/18/00, Edwards Voted Nay; H.R. 4810, CQ Vote #226: Adopted 60-34: R 53-1; D 7-33, 7/21/00. Edwards Voted Nay; H. Con. Res. 83, CQ Vote #79: Adopted, With Vice President Cheney Casting A “Yea” Vote, 50-50: R 49-1; D 1-49, 4/5/01. Edwards Voted Nay; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #165: Passed 62-38: R 50-0; D 12-38, 5/23/01, Edwards Voted Nay; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #170: Adopted 58-33: R 46-2; D 12-31, 5/26/01, Edwards Voted Nay)

Edwards Voted 8 Times Against Fully Repealing Death Tax. (S. 1429, CQ Vote #230: Rejected 46-54: R 45-9; D 0-45; I 1-0, 7/29/99, Edwards Voted Nay; H.R. 2488, CQ Vote #261: Adopted 50-49: R 49-4; D 0-45; I 1-0, 8/5/99, Edwards Voted Nay; H.R. 8, CQ Vote #196: Motion Agreed To 53-45: R 52-2; D 1-43, 7/14/00, Edwards Voted Nay; H.R. 8, CQ Vote #197: Passed 59-39: R 50-4; D 9-35, 7/14/00, Edwards Voted Nay; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #134: Motion Rejected 30-69: R 0-49; D 30-20, 5/22/01, Edwards Voted Yea; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #158: Rejected 42-57: R 2-48; D 40-9, 5/22/01, Edwards Voted Yea; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #165: Passed 62-38: R 50-0; D 12-38, 5/23/01, Edwards Voted Nay; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #170: Adopted 58-33: R 46-2; D 12-31, 5/26/01, Edwards Voted Nay)

Edwards Voted Against Child Tax Credit. (H.R. 2, CQ Vote #179: Passed 51-49: R 48-3; D 3-45; I 0-1, 5/15/03, Edwards Voted Nay; H.R. 2, CQ Vote #196: Conference Report Agreed To 50-50, With Vice President Cheney Voting Yea: R 48-3; D 2-46; I 0-1, 5/23/03, Edwards Voted Nay; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #165: Passed 62-38: R 50-0; D 12-38, 5/23/01, Edwards Voted Nay; H.R. 1836, CQ Vote #170: Adopted 58-33: R 46-2; D 12-31, 5/26/01, Edwards Voted Nay)

Edwards Twice Voted Against Making Estate Tax Repeal Permanent. (S.1731, CQ Vote #28: Adopted 56-42: R 45-2; D 11-39; I 0-1, 2/13/02, Edwards Voted Nay; H.R. 8, CQ Vote #151: Motion Rejected 54-44: R 45-2; D 9-41; I 0-1, 6/12/02, Edwards Voted Nay)

In 2000, Edwards Voted Against Temporary Suspension Of Gasoline Tax. (S. 2285, CQ Vote #80: Motion Rejected 43-56: R 43-12; D 0-44, 4/11/00, Edwards Voted Nay)

Edwards Opposed And Blocked The Bipartisan Energy Bill. (Eric Slater, “Edwards Opposed And Blocked The Bipartisan Energy Bill,” Los Angeles Times, 2/25/04)

Edwards Opposed Free Trade Agreements Such As NAFTA. EDWARDS: “I myself have been against NAFTA because of the damage it’s doing to our economy, against the other trade agreements that I don’t believe incorporate fair trade elements that need to be there.” (CNN’s “Larry King Live,” 2/3/04)

EDWARDS DOESN’T SHARE THE PRIORITIES
OF AMERICAN FAMILIES

Edwards’ Priorities On Medicare Prescription Drugs Benefit:

ü Edwards Voted Twice Against The 2003 Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Package. (H.R. 1, CQ Vote 459: Adopted 54-44: R 42-9; D 11-35; I 1-0, 11/25/03, Edwards Voted Nay; S. 1, CQ Vote 262: Passed 76-21: R 40-10; D 35-11; I 1-0, 6/27/03, Edwards Voted Nay)

Edwards’ Priorities On Malpractice Reform:

ü Edwards Led Fight Against Exempting Pro Bono Doctors From Malpractice Liability. Edwards sponsored a motion to kill a liability exemption for doctors providing pro-bono services. (S. 1052, CQ Vote #212: Motion Agreed To 52-46: R 2-45; D 49-1; I 1-0, 6/29/01, Edwards Voted Yea)

ü Edwards Voted To Kill Medical Malpractice Reform In 2002 And In 2003. (S. 812, CQ Vote #197: Motion Agreed To 57-42: R 6-42; D 50-0; I 1-0, 7/30/02, Edwards Voted Yea; S. 11, CQ Vote #264: Motion rejected 49-48: R 49-2; D 0-45; I 0-1, 7/9/03, Edwards Voted Nay)

Edwards’ Priorities On Education:

ü Edwards Voted For “No Child Left Behind,” But Now Attacks It. (HR 1, CQ Vote #371: Agreed To 87-10: R 44-3; D 43-6, I 0-1, 12/18/01, Edwards Voted Yea)

o But Now Edwards Attacks It, Saying President Is Leaving Kids Behind. “This ‘No Child Left Behind’? This President is leaving millions of kids behind every single day.” (Democrat Presidential Candidates Debate, Baltimore, MD, 9/9/03)

ü Edwards Says He Is “Opposed To Vouchers, [Has] Always Been Opposed To Vouchers.” (Sen. John Edwards, Democrat Candidates Debate, Baltimore, MD, 9/9/03)

ü Edwards Voted Against Creation Of Demonstration Public School Choice Voucher Program For Disadvantaged Children. (S. 1, CQ Vote #179: Rejected 41-58: R 38-11; D 3-46; I 0-1, 6/12/01, Edwards Voted Nay)

ü In 2000, Edwards Voted Against Creation Of Tax-Free Education Savings Accounts For Children To Be Used In Payment Of Public Or Private School Tuition. (S. 1134, CQ Vote #33: Passed 61-37: R 52-2; D 9-35, 3/2/00, Edwards Voted Nay)

Edwards’ Priorities On Life Issues:

ü In 1999, Edwards Voted Against Banning Partial-Birth Abortion. (S. 1692, CQ Vote #340: Passed 63-34: R 48-3; D 14-31, 10/21/99, Edwards Voted Nay)

o During 1998 Senate Campaign, Edwards Said Partial-Birth Abortion Should Be Banned. “‘I think partial-birth abortions should be banned,’ Edwards said. ‘These are terribly gruesome procedures. I think the only exception is where there is a grave, serious threat to the health of the mother.’” (“Edwards Campaigns On An Issue A Week,” The Associated Press, 9/19/9

ü In 2003, Edwards Skipped Vote To Ban Partial-Birth Abortions. (S. 3, CQ Vote #51: Passed 64-33: R 48-3; D 16-29; I 0-1, 3/13/03, Edwards Did Not Vote)

ü Edwards Voted To Allow Federal Money To Be Used To Distribute Morning-After Abortion Pill In America’s Schools. (H.R. 4577, CQ Vote #169: Motion Rejected 41-54: R 6-48; D 35-6, 6/30/00, Edwards Voted Yea)

ü Edwards Voted Against Final Passage Of Unborn Victims Of Violence Act. (H.R. 1997, CQ Vote #63: Passed 61-38: R 48-2; D 13-35; I 0-1, 3/25/04, Edwards Voted Nay)

Edwards’ Priorities On Gun Control:

ü Edwards Voted To Require Federal Licensure And Registration Of Gun Shows. (S. 254, CQ Vote #111: Motion agreed to 51-47: R 49-6; D 2-41, 5/12/99, Edwards Voted Nay)

ü Edwards Voted Against Voluntary Background Checks For Gun Purchases. (S. 254, CQ Vote #112: Adopted 53-45: R 52-3; D 1-42, 5/12/99, Edwards Voted Nay)

ü Edwards Voted To Require Justice Department To Hold Background Files On Gun Buyers For 90 Days. (S. 254, CQ Vote #134: Adopted 51-50: R 6-49; D 44-1, With Vice President Gore Cast The Deciding Vote For Passage, 5/20/99, Edwards Voted Yea)

ü Edwards Favored Broad Tort Liability For Gun Manufacturers. NBC’S TIM RUSSERT: “There is legislation pending which would limit the liability of gun manufacturers. The lawyers are very much opposed to that. Where do you come down on it?” SEN. EDWARDS: “Oh, I’m opposed to that, but it has nothing to do with the lawyers. I mean, why should we pick a particular class of Americans and say, ‘We’re not going to hold you responsible’? I mean, you and I are held responsible for what we do. Doctors, as we just talked about, are held responsible for what they do. Lawyers should be held responsible for what they do. Exactly the same thing is true of gun manufacturers.” (NBC’s “Meet The Press,” 11/9/03)

ü Edwards Supported Background Checks At All Gun Shows. MSNBC’s CHRIS MATTHEWS: “The Democrats can’t seem to be able to get any votes in the South. How are you going to be able to run as a Democrat in the South on issues like gun control? I mean the South just hates gun control, doesn’t it?” EDWARDS: “No, it’s easy. If what – if the values you believe in are such that they connect – talking about gun control specifically. When I’m asked, because I do at town hall meetings all the time about gun control. I say what I really believe, which is ...” MATTHEWS: “Right.” EDWARDS: “... first, I grew up in a small town here in North Carolina, people around me had guns, people all around me hunted. I think it is very important for Second Amendment rights to be protected. I don’t, however, believe that somebody who’s been convicted of a violent crime ought to be able to ...” MATTHEWS: “Yes.” EDWARDS: “... walk out of prison, walk across the street and buy a gun. I think we ought to keep guns out of the hands of criminals. I think we ought to keep guns out of the hands of kids. I think if you talk about these issues in a way that connects with mainstream southerners ...” MATTHEWS: “Yes.” EDWARDS: “... including the kind of people that I grew up with, they’ll connect and they’ll relate to it.” MATTHEWS: “Do you think a person should be able to buy a gun at a gun show without a background check because they can’t do a background check at a weekend gun show?” EDWARDS: “No, I don’t.” MATTHEWS: “So you’re against – you’re willing to stand up to the NRA on that baby?” EDWARDS: “Absolutely.” (MSNBC’s “Hardball,” 2/6/03)

Edwards’ Priorities On Social Issues:

ü Edwards Said He Would Not Support Defense Of Marriage Act. “I want to say a word in answer to the question you asked very directly. I would not support the Defense of Marriage Act today, if there were a vote today, which is the question you just asked Senator Kerry. I’m not sure what he said about that, but I would not vote for it.” (CNN And The Los Angeles Times Democrat Presidential Candidates Debate, Los Angeles, CA, 2/26/04)

ü Edwards Said States Should Decide Civil Unions Status. “Palmieri said Edwards believes states should decide whether to allow civil unions, a legal status conveying many of the same benefits as marriage, that was first recognized in Vermont during the tenure of Gov. Howard Dean, a 2004 presidential rival.” (“Edwards Heading To Atlanta,” The [Raleigh] News & Observer Website, www.newsobserver.com (http://www.newsobserver.com/), Accessed 5/8/03)

ü In 2001, Edwards Voted To Table An Amendment That Would Have Prohibited Use Of Public Funds For Needle Exchange Programs In D.C. (H.R. 2994, CQ Vote #328: Motion Passed 53-47: R 5-44; D 47-3; I 1-0, 11/7/01, Edwards Voted Yea)

ü In 2000, Edwards Voted For Amendment That Would Have Broadened Current Federal Hate Crimes Legislation. (S. 2549, CQ #136: Passed 57-42: R 13-41; D 44-1, 6/20/00, Edwards Voted Yea)

ü Edwards Voted Against Ban On Flag Burning. (S. J. Res. 14, CQ Vote #48: Rejected 63-37: R 51-4; D 12-33, 3/29/00, Edwards Voted Nay)

ü Edwards Believes In Right To Privacy When It Comes To State Sodomy Laws. ABC’s GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: “Here in the state of South Carolina, it’s a felony for two gay men to have sex in their own home. Senator Edwards, do you support the right of the people of South Carolina to keep that law on the books, or do you think that under the Constitution there’s a fundamental right to privacy that protects that right?” EDWARDS: “I believe there is a fundamental right to privacy. I do not believe the government belongs in people’s bedrooms. I think that applies to both gay and lesbian couples and heterosexual couples.” (Sen. John Edwards, Remarks At Democrat Presidential Candidates Debate, Columbia, SC, 5/3/03)

ü Edwards Supports Partner Benefits And Gays In The Military. MSNBC’s CHRIS MATTHEWS: “Are you for gay marriage?” SEN. EDWARDS: “I am not for gay marriage. I am for partner benefits …” MATTHEWS: “Are you for open gays serve in the military? EDWARDS: What I’m for is treating everybody exactly the same no matter what their sexual orientation.…” (MSNBC’s “Hardball,” 2/6/03)

Edwards’ Priorities On National Security/Defense:

ü Edwards Voted To Reduce Defense Spending By $3.1 Billion. Edwards was one of only 16 Senators to vote for the reduction. (S. 1122, CQ Vote #156: Motion Rejected 16-81: R 8-45; D 8-36, 6/8/99, Edwards Voted Yea)

ü Edwards Voted To Strike $110 Million In Spending For UH-1H Huey II Helicopters. (S. 2522, CQ Vote #140: Rejected 47-51: R 8-46; D 39-5, 6/21/00, Edwards Voted Yea)

ü Edwards Voted To Put Onerous Restrictions On Missile Defense Program. Edwards voted for an amendment that would “require the Pentagon to test the national missile defense system against reasonable decoys and countermeasures that the system could encounter in a launch, and establish an independent panel to review the testing.” (S. 2549, CQ Vote #178: Motion Agreed To 52-48: R 52-3; D 0-45, 6/13/00, Edwards Voted Nay)

Edwards’ Priorities On Homeland Security:

ü Edwards Sided With Unions Over Bush. Edwards sided with labor unions against Bush in the creation of a Department of Homeland Security, voting six times against the President’s plan. (H.R. 5005, CQ Vote #218: Motion Rejected 50-49: R 0-48; D 49-1; I 1-0, 9/19/02, Edwards Voted Yea; H.R. 5005, CQ Vote #225: Motion Rejected 49-49: R 1-47; D 47-2; I 1-0, 9/25/02, Edwards Voted Yea; H.R. 5005, CQ Vote #226: Motion Rejected 50-49: R 1-48; D 48-1; I 1-0, 9/26/02, Edwards Voted Yea; H.R. 5005, CQ Vote #227: Motion Rejected 44-53: R 1-46; D 42-7; I 1-0, 9/26/02, Edwards Voted Yea; H.R. 5005, CQ Vote #228: Motion Rejected 45-52: R 2-46; D 42-6; I 1-0, 10/1/02, Edwards Voted Yea; H.R. 5005, CQ Vote #241: Motion Agreed To 50-47: R 48-0; D 1-46; I 1-1, 11/13/02, Edwards Voted Nay)

EDWARDS VOTED AGAINST
SUPPORT FOR OUR TROOPS

Edwards Voted Against $87 Billion Supplemental For Postwar Iraq. (S. 1689, CQ Vote #400: Passed 87-12: R 50-0; D 37-11; I 0-1, 10/17/03, Edwards Voted Nay)

ü One Month Earlier, Edwards Said We Needed To Get Troops “What They Need.” “We have young men and women over there in a dangerous environment. They’re in a shooting gallery, very dangerous situation, and we have to make sure they get what they need. That’s pretty simple.” (CBS’s “Face The Nation,” 9/21/03)

The Supplemental Provided The Following: “$10.3 billion as a grant to rebuild Iraq, including $5.1 billion for security and $5.2 billion for reconstruction costs. It also would provide $10 billion as a loan that would be converted to a grant if 90 percent of all bilateral debt incurred by the former Iraqi regime of Saddam Hussein has been forgiven by other countries. Separate provisions limit reconstruction aid to $18.4 billion. It also would provide approximately $65.6 billion for military operations and maintenance and $1.3 billion for veterans medical care.” (S. 1689, CQ Vote #400: Passed 87-12: R 50-0; D 37-11; I 0-1, 10/17/03, Edwards Voted Nay)

Also Included In Reconstruction Package Were These Measures To Help U.S. Troops Involved In Iraq/Afghanistan Operations And Their Families:

ü Additional $17.81 billion to provide “for pay, allowances, subsistence, and other personnel costs for active component troops as well as guard and reserve troops activated for duty in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other areas in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Noble Eagle,” including $1.2 billion for Imminent Danger Pay (IDP), Family Separation Allowance (FSA), Hardship Duty Pay, and stop-loss programs. (Senate Republican Policy Committee, “Funding For Our Men And Women In The Armed Forces,” S. 1689, 2/04)

ü “[E]xtra money for body armor for soldiers, communications equipment.” (“Highlights Of Iraq, Afghanistan Measures,” The Associated Press, 10/17/03)

ü “[M]aintaining and operating equipment; buying missiles, vehicles and other items.” (“Highlights Of Iraq, Afghanistan Measures,” The Associated Press, 10/17/03)

ü $658 million for the Defense Health Program. (Senate Republican Policy Committee, “Funding For Our Men And Women In The Armed Forces,” S. 1689, 2/04)

ü Increase Imminent Danger Pay from $150 to $225 per month and Family Separation Allowance from $100 to $250 from October 1, 2003, through September 30, 2004. (Senate Republican Policy Committee, “Funding For Our Men And Women In The Armed Forces,” S. 1689, 2/04)

ü Ensure service members injured due to their actions in or support of operations do not have to pay subsistence charges while hospitalized. (Senate Republican Policy Committee, “Funding For Our Men And Women In The Armed Forces,” S. 1689, 2/04)

ü Travel and transportation allowance for family members of the Armed Forces who are ill or injured as a result of service on active duty in support of OIF, OEF, and Operation Noble Eagle. (Senate Republican Policy Committee, “Funding For Our Men And Women In The Armed Forces,” S. 1689, 2/04)

ü Reimbursement for service members for the cost of one round trip airfare incurred within the United States while on rest and recuperation leave from deployment. (Senate Republican Policy Committee, “Funding For Our Men And Women In The Armed Forces,” S. 1689, 2/04)

ü Continuation of non-TRICARE health benefits plan coverage for certain Reserves called or ordered to active duty and their dependents. (Senate Republican Policy Committee, “Funding For Our Men And Women In The Armed Forces,” S. 1689, 2/04)

ü Access to the benefits of the Family Medical Leave Act for a spouse, son, daughter, or parent of an employee who is a member of the Armed Forces in support of operations. (Senate Republican Policy Committee, “Funding For Our Men And Women In The Armed Forces,” S. 1689, 2/04)

Also Included In Reconstruction Package Was $18.4 Billion To Assist In Reconstruction Of Iraq With Funding:

ü “for equipping and training police and other security forces”;

ü “to establish a justice system and courts and investigate Saddam Hussein’s mass killings, other crimes”;

ü “to rebuild electrical system” and “oil industry facilities”;

ü “for water and sewage systems”;

ü “for transportation and communications”;

ü “to build roads, bridges, housing”;

ü “for health care, including “money for local clinics throughout Iraq”;

ü “for private sector development”;

ü “for refugees and human rights.” (“Highlights Of Iraq, Afghanistan Measures,” The Associated Press, 10/17/03)

And These Funds To Assist In Reconstruction Of Afghanistan:

ü $800 million “for an Afghan army, roads, schools, electric power, development of industrial parks, government buildings and equipment, health, disarming militias.” (“Highlights Of Iraq, Afghanistan Measures,” The Associated Press, 10/17/03)

ü “$858 million for operating expenses of the U.S.-run Coalition Provisional Authority now governing Iraq.” (“Highlights Of Iraq, Afghanistan Measures,” The Associated Press, 10/17/03)

EDWARDS PROFESSES TO BE SOUTHERN
MODERATE,BUT VOTES LIKE
NORTHEASTERN LIBERAL

In 1998, Edwards Promised People Of North Carolina
He Would Be Moderate Voice In Senate

Edwards Said He Would Not Cancel Out Senator Helms’ Votes While In Washington. “And Edwards again rejected Helms’ claims during the Faircloth campaign that he will cancel Helms’ votes because he is liberal. ‘We won’t be canceling each other’s votes,’ Edwards said. ‘There will certainly be things we disagree about. I think the reality is Senator Helms has been there a long time. He understands the rules and how things work in the Senate, and I’m interested in having his advice about that.’” (James Rosen, “Edwards Offers Peace To Political Foes,” The [Raleigh] News & Observer, 11/5/9

Edwards Called Himself “Mainstream North Carolinian.” (Scott Dodd, “Edwards’ Record Much Like Rivals’,” The Charlotte Observer, 1/3/03)
Edwards’ Record, However, Reveals Liberal Truth

Edwards Fourth Most Liberal Senator In 2003. “Judging by National Journal’s congressional vote ratings, however, Kerry and Edwards aren’t all that different, at least not when it comes to how they voted on key issues before the Senate last year. The results of the vote ratings show that Kerry was the most liberal senator in 2003, with a composite liberal score of 96.5. But Edwards wasn’t far behind: He had a 2003 composite liberal score of 94.5, making him the fourth-most-liberal senator.” (Richard E. Cohen, “How They Measured Up,” The National Journal, 2/28/04)

Edwards’ Voting Record Matches Those Of Senators Ted Kennedy And Hillary Clinton:

ü From 1999-2003, Edwards Voted With Senator Ted Kennedy 90% Of The Time. (CQ Senate Votes, 1/1/99 - 5/8/03)

ü From 2001-2003, Edwards Voted With Senator Hillary Clinton 90% Of The Time. (CQ Senate Votes, 1/1/01 - 5/8/03)

Edwards’ Liberal Record On Spending:

Sen. John Edwards Proposed Approximately $972 Billion In New Spending Over The Next 10 Years. (Increase Pay For Teachers, $30 Billion: Sen. John Edwards, Remarks At The University Of Maryland, 11/21/02; Improve Preschool Programs, $30 Billion: “Edwards Spells Out $3 Billion Preschool Effort,” Sioux City Journal, 11/3/03; Invest In School Choice Programs, $10 Billion: Sen. John Edwards, Remarks At The University of Maryland, 11/21/02; Afterschool Programs, $6 Billion: John Edwards For President Website, “Create New Afterschool Programs,” Accessed 1/20/04 and Drew Johnson, “The Return Of Fuzzy Math And Risky Schemes: How Presidential Hopefuls Would Deepen Deficits,” National Taxpayers Union Foundation, 1/19/04; Double Funding For GEAR UP, $2.93 Billion: Sen. John Edwards, Remarks At The University Of Maryland, 11/21/02 and www.ed.gov.gearup/gu-funding.html, (http://www.ed.gov.gearup/gu-funding.html,) Accessed 5/3/03; Enact The DREAM Act: Sen. John Edwards, Remarks At The University Of Maryland, 11/21/02 and “S. 1291 Development, Relief, and Education For Alien Minors Act,” Congressional Budget Office, 7/26/02; Expand TRIO Funding, $803 Million: Sen. John Edwards, Remarks At The University Of Maryland, 11/21/02 and “Budget Of The United States Government, Fiscal Year 2004,” Office Of Management And Budget, p. 335; Make First Year Of College Free, $30 Billion: Sen. John Edwards, Remarks At The University Of Maryland, 11/21/02; Increase Pell Grants, $11.405 Billion: Sen. John Edwards, Remarks At The University Of Maryland, 11/21/02 and “Budget Of The United States Government, Fiscal Year 2004,” Office Of Management And Budget, p. 341; Scholarships For Students Who Volunteer After College On Homeland Security Issues, $300 Million: Sen. John Edwards, Remarks At The University Of Maryland, 11/21/02 and S. 479, Introduced 2/27/03; Make All Student Loans Direct, $5 Billion: Jim Morrill, “Presidential Contender Proposes Cutting Out U.S. Subsidy To Banks,” The Charlotte Observer, 8/19/03; Create A National Competition For Biomass Ethanol, $500 Million: John Edwards For President, “Fueling America’s Future,” Fact Sheet, 4/22/03; $2,500 Tax Credit For Families With Newborns, $40 Billion: “Edwards Spells Out $3 Billion Preschool Effort,” Sioux City Journal, 11/3/03; Expand Family Leave, $800 Million: Sen. John Edwards, Remarks At George Washington University, 3/12/03 and S. 304, Introduced 2/5/03; Double Federal Support For Elder Care, $13.44 Billion: Sen. John Edwards, Remarks At George Washington University, 3/12/03 and “Budget Of The United States Government, Fiscal Year 2004,” Office Of Management And Budget, p. 437; Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programs, $500 Million: Sen. John Edwards, Remarks At George Washington University, 3/12/03 and Drew Johnson, “The Return Of Fuzzy Math And Risky Schemes: How Presidential Hopefuls Would Deepen Deficits,” National Taxpayers Union Foundation, 1/19/04; Federalize Nuclear Security, $126 Million: Sen. John Edwards, Remarks At The Brookings Institution, 12/18/03 and S.1746, Introduced 11/29/01; Enact Building Security Act, $41 Million: John Edwards For President, “Protect Our Most Vulnerable Targets” and S. 216, Introduced 1/23/03; Enact Emergency Warning Act, $10 Million: John Edwards For President, “Improve Domestic Readiness” and S. 118, Introduced 1/9/03; Increase Funding For Homeland Security, $50 Billion: Sen. John Edwards, “Sen. John Edwards Proposed Homeland Security Aid,” Press Release, 3/6/03; Strategy To Fight WMD, $20 Billion: John Edwards For President, “Fact Sheet: Edwards’ Strategy Of Prevention, Not Preemption,” 12/15/03; Enact A Program For Rural America, $7 Billion Philip Brasher, “Candidates Cautious When Discussing Agriculture,” The Des Moines Register, 6/1/03; Fueling America’s Future, $6.5 Billion: Sen. John Edwards, Remarks At Biomass Energy Conversion Center, Nevada, IA., 5/21/03 and Drew Johnson, “The Return Of Fuzzy Math And Risky Schemes: How Presidential Hopefuls Would Deepen Deficits,” National Taxpayers Union Foundation, 1/19/04; Increase Minimum Wage, $16 Million: John Edwards For President, “Fact Sheet: John Edwards Plan To Honor American Values And Expand The Middle Class,” 1/10/04 and “S. 277, Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2001,” Congressional Budget Office, 6/18/01; Provide Money To Help Disabled Find Employment, $200 Million: John Wagner, “Edwards Proposes Aid For Disabled,” The [Charlotte] News & Observer, 10/9/03; Job Training Program, $1 Billion: Glen Johnson, “Edwards Proposes $100 Million Job Training Program,” The Boston Globe, 10/7/03; Venture Capital Fund: Mike Glover, “Edwards Claims Momentum In Unveiling Investment Plan,” The Associated Press, 10/9/03; Provide Relief For Overburdened States, $58 Billion: Sen. John Edwards, Remarks To Fortune Global Forum, 11/22/02; Plan To Help Americans Save, $38 Billion: Sen. John Edwards, Remarks At Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. 6/17/03 and Drew Johnson, “The Return Of Fuzzy Math And Risky Schemes: How Presidential Hopefuls Would Deepen Deficits,” National Taxpayers Union Foundation, 1/19/04; Double Community Development Financial Institutions Funding, $750 Million: John John Edwards For President, “Fact Sheet: Saving The American Dream,” 11/5/03; Living With Dignity Initiative, $3.5 Billion: Thomas Beaumont, “Edwards: Improve Senior Care,” Des Moines Register, 10/24/03; Improve Rural Telemedicine, $100 Million: John Edwards For President, Press Release, 9/5/03; Health Care Plan, $590 Billion: Ronald Brownstein, “Edwards Weighs In On Uninsured,” Los Angeles Times, 7/29/03; Invest In Training And Support Of Nurses, $3 Billion: John Edwards President, Press Release, 7/25/03; Pass The Women In Trauma Act, $50 Million: John Edwards For President, “Standing Up For Women And Families” and S. 2559, Introduced 5/23/02; Increase Awareness Of Periodontal Disease, $30 Million: John Edwards For President, “Standing Up For Women And Families” and S. 2202, Introduced 4/18/02; Double NIH Funding For Minority Health Disparities, $1.93 Billion: Sen. John Edwards, Remarks To The Mexican American Legal Defense And Education Fund, 6/11/03 and “Budget Of The United States Government, Fiscal Year 2004,” Office Of Management And Budget, p. 417; Enact Employment Nondiscrimination Act Of 2001, $124.05 Million: John Edwards For President, “Supporting Civil Rights And Equal Opportunity For All Americans” and S. 19, Introduced 1/22/01 Ensure Equal Pay For Women, $12 Million: John Edwards For President Website, “Supporting Civil Rights And Equal Opportunity For All Americans,” Accessed 1/20/04 and Drew Johnson, “The Return Of Fuzzy Math And Risky Schemes: How Presidential Hopefuls Would Deepen Deficits,” National Taxpayers Union Foundation, 1/19/04; Election Reform, $6.24 Billion: John Edwards For President Website, “Supporting Civil Rights And Equal Opportunity For All Americans,” Accessed 1/20/04 and Drew Johnson, “The Return Of Fuzzy Math And Risky Schemes: How Presidential Hopefuls Would Deepen Deficits,” National Taxpayers Union Foundation, 1/19/04)

Edwards Even Acknowledged His Own Liberal Record

Edwards Could Not Recall Single Conservative Position He Has Taken As Senator. “‘I could give you an answer to that question if you give me a little time to think about it.’ - Democratic presidential aspirant Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina, asked by columnist Robert D. Novak in…the American Spectator to recall any conservative position he’s taken in the U.S. Senate [Mr. Novak likens Mr. Edwards’ plea to President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s request in 1956 for a couple of weeks to report some accomplishment by Vice President Richard M. Nixon].” (John McCaslin, “Dependably Liberal,” The Washington Times, 10/15/02)

EDWARDS IS PHONY AND DISINGENUOUS

Edwards Rural Populist Message … Just Another Gimmick?

“He Almost Has To Take A Populist Stance, As A Way Of Putting A Favorable Gloss On His Long Career As A Trial Lawyer.” (David S. Broder, “Tipping Left Toward 2004,” The Washington Post, 11/13/02)

Edwards “Just The Latest Politician To Declare Himself One Of The People.” “[Edwards] is just the latest politician to declare himself one of the people, a populist who will fight for the little guy in the circles of power. In reality Edwards is a multimillionaire, his money made as a high-powered trial lawyer. … We doubt you’ll find many calluses on that man’s hands.” (Editorial, “Man Of The People?” The Daily Oklahoman, 1/3/03)

Edwards Personal Fortune: $38 Million. “He became rich [representing plaintiffs], racking up more than $175 million for his clients from 1985 to 1997 and amassing a personal fortune of at least $38 million, according to North Carolina Lawyers Weekly.” (James C. Mckinley, Jr., “A Journey From A Mill Town Ends With A Run For President,” The New York Times, 1/12/04)

Populist Messenger Sells Million Dollar Embassy Row House To Hungary. “Edwards has finally found a buyer for his former home off Embassy Row in Washington: the government of Hungary. The Hungarian government reportedly paid $3 million for the red-brick mansion, which will be used as an ambassadorial residence.” (John Wagner, “Edwards In Media Tussle,” The [Raleigh] News & Observer, 7/4/03)

“[T]he Owner Of Four Houses Who Employs A Live-In Nanny And A Housekeeper…” (James C. Mckinley, Jr., “A Journey From A Mill Town Ends With A Run For President,” The New York Times, 1/12/04)

2002: Edwards Lodges At Swank Hotels. “Edwards is campaigning as the candidate for the common man, but some of the lodging bills from last year included $455 to the Beverly Hills Hilton and $412 to the San Francisco Hilton in November, and $896 to the Park Avenue Regency Hotel in New York, also in November.” (Kevin Begos, “Most Of Edwards’ Campaign Money From Out Of State,” Winston-Salem Journal, 2/4/03)

“During The Year’s First Quarter, Edwards Raised More In The Los Angeles Area Than Any Other Democratic Presidential Contender.” (John Wagner, “Edwards Donor Will Cooperate,” The [Raleigh] News & Observer, 4/25/03)

ü Los Angeles Was The Top Contributing Metro Area For Edwards’ Presidential Campaign, Totaling Over $1.3 Million In Contributions. (Center For Responsive Politics Website, http://www.opensecrets.org/presidential/geog.asp?id=N00002283&cycle=2004, (http://www.opensecrets.org/presidential/geog.asp?id=N00002283&cycle=2004,) Accessed 6/29/04)

ü Beverly Hills, 90210, Was The Ninth Ranked Zip Code Contributor To Edwards’ Presidential Campaign, Totaling Over $68,000 In Contributions. (Center For Responsive Politics Website, http://www.opensecrets.org/presidential/geog.asp?id=N00002283&cycle=2004, (http://www.opensecrets.org/presidential/geog.asp?id=N00002283&cycle=2004,) Accessed 6/29/04)

Hollywood Producer Stephen Bing Gave Edwards $907,000. CHARLES LEWIS: “[Edwards] actually has – as a freshman senator and only in politics for less than six years, he has the biggest single contributor in the entire book [The Buying of the President 2004], which is a real, you know, man-bites-dog fact, at least to me. Shangri-La Entertainment, Stephen Bing in Hollywood, who’s a big Democratic Party donor, has given him $907,000. Most of his other donors are $400,000 or under. But that’s somewhat interesting. That shows sort of the Hollywood thing that sometimes happens particularly with Democrats, where they get excited about a candidate or two. We need to know a lot more about Mr. Bing, which – you know, I’d like to know more. But that’s what we noticed right off.” (NPR’s “Fresh Air,” 1/27/04)

Dennis Hopper Hosted A Fundraiser For Edwards On October 29, 2003, With Co-Hosts Ashton Kutcher, Aaron Sorkin And Neal Baer. “The cash derby began Wednesday, when North Carolina Sen. John Edwards arrived in Los Angeles for two appearances and a fund-raiser at the Venice home of actor Dennis Hopper and his wife, Victoria. About 75 guests, most with Hollywood connections, mingled and admired the couple’s pop art collection as a three-piece jazz combo played. Guests, including actors Bill Paxton and Jeanne Tripplehorn, gave a total of $50,000. Listed as co-hosts of the $1,000-per-guest event were actor Ashton Kutcher, star of television’s ‘That ‘70s Show,’ Aaron Sorkin, creator of ‘The West Wing,’ and Neal Baer, executive producer of ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.’” (James Rainey and Hugo Martin, “Campaign Trail Leads To Golden State,” Los Angeles Times, 10/31/03)

Edwards Claims “Natural Connection” With Rural People, But Flunked Funk’s Rural Q&A. (Matt Bai, “Nascar-Lovin,” The New York Times, 9/15/02; Tim Funk, “Q&A With John Edwards,” The Charlotte Observer, 5/26/03)

ü Edwards Has “Never Done Any Serious Farming.”

ü Edwards Doesn’t Follow Weekly NASCAR Races, Adds He “Doesn’t Follow Anything Except Politicking.”

ü Edwards Hasn’t Hunted Or Fished “In Years.”

ü Edwards Has “In The Past Been A Country Music Fan.” (Tim Funk, “Q&A With John Edwards,” The Charlotte Observer, 5/26/03)

Edwards Can’t Even Remember Make Or Model Of His Own Truck. “In the New Hampshire interview, Edwards talked in detail on every policy question raised - but came up nearly blank when the questions turned to such everyday subjects as the people who had influenced him along the way, books he was currently reading, and even the make of his family’s vehicles. … And the family fleet? A Buick ‘with lots of miles on it’ (Edwards said he couldn’t remember the make; an aide said Park Avenue). ‘A bigger car, more like this’ (An SUV, an aide suggested, ‘probably’ a Ford Explorer or Expedition). A truck. Probably a Ford or a Chevrolet, Edwards says. ‘It’s white, and it’s sitting in front of my house.’” (Jon Sawyer, “Sen. Edwards Pitches ‘Real Solutions’ In His Populist Message,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 8/10/03)
Edwards Promises To Fight Against Corporations, Pharmaceuticals,
Insurance Companies But Doesn’t Mind Cashing Their Checks

Edwards Says We Need “The Backbone” To Fight Against, “Big Corporations, Pharmaceutical Companies, Big Insurances Companies, Big HMOs.” “We can’t deal with the health care crisis in America unless we have the backbone and courage to do what I have been doing my entire life; fighting against big corporations, pharmaceutical companies, big insurance companies, big HMOs.” (Sen. John Edwards, Remarks At Democrat Presidential Candidates Debate, Columbia, SC, 5/3/03)

But Since 1997, John Edwards Has Received Over $35,000 From Pharmaceutical Company Employees, Including $25,000 In Soft Money. (Dwight L. Morris & Associates Website, www.campaignfinanceanalysisproject.com (http://www.campaignfinanceanalysisproject.com/), Accessed 6/11/03; IRS 527 Search Website, http://eforms.irs.gov/search_result.asp, (http://eforms.irs.gov/search_result.asp,) Accessed 6/12/03)

Edwards Received Soft Money From Agnes Varis, President & CEO, Agvar Chemicals -- $25,000 – 2nd Quarter 2002 Report, New American Optimists 527 (IRS 527 Search Website, http://eforms.irs.gov/search_result.asp, (http://eforms.irs.gov/search_result.asp,) Accessed 6/12/03)

Edwards Owns Pharmaceutical Company Stock. According to his 2003 Senate Personal Financial Disclosure Report, Edwards owns stock in Johnson & Johnson and Merck. Edwards sold Bristol Myers Squibb stock, earning between $1,000-$15,000 in income. (Senator John Edwards, 2003 Senate Public Financial Disclosure Report)

Edwards’ Presidential Campaign Has Received $2,500 From Oil And Gas Company Employees. (Dwight L. Morris & Associates Website, www.campaignfinanceanalysisproject.com (http://www.campaignfinanceanalysisproject.com/), Accessed 6/11/03)

Edwards Owns Big Oil Stock. In 2002, Edwards bought between $1,000-$15,000 in ChevronTexaco stock, and owns between $1,000-$15,000 in ExxonMobil stock. (Senator John Edwards, 2003 Senate Public Financial Disclosure Report)

Since 1997, Edwards Has Received Over $53,000 From Insurance Company Employees. (Dwight L. Morris & Associates Website, www.campaignfinanceanalysisproject.com (http://www.campaignfinanceanalysisproject.com/), Accessed 6/11/03)

Edwards Owns Big Insurance Company Stock. According to his 2003 Senate Personal Financial Disclosure Report, Edwards owns stock in Jefferson-Pilot Corporation. (Senator John Edwards, 2003 Senate Personal Financial Disclosure Report)
Edwards’ Corporate Image Changes Over 5 Years

1998: “I Have Respect For Those [Corporate] People.” “Edwards said corporate heavyweights who backed Faircloth - ranging from Hugh McColl, chief executive officer of BankAmerica, to department store magnate John Belk - should give him a chance to represent them in Washington. ‘I have respect for those people,’ Edwards said. ‘I care what they have to say, I’ll listen to what they have to say. I think the reality is they just don’t know me very well. I have a responsibility to get to know them better, and I hope they’ll join me in that regard. These business leaders are very important to economic development and providing jobs for people in this state, and I fully recognize that.’” (James Rosen, “Edwards Offers Peace To Political Foes,” The [Raleigh] News And Observer 11/5/9

2003: “Enormous Problem With Corporate Culture.” “We’ve had an enormous problem with the corporate culture in America. Working people have been severely disadvantaged as a result of the greed and the corporate culture that exists….” (Sen. John Edwards, Remarks At Democrat Presidential Candidates Debate, Columbia, SC, 5/3/03)
Edwards Denounces Accounting Tricks, But Used Them In 1990s

“Hard Work And Responsibility, Not Accounting Tricks And Corporate Greed.” “I believe we can build a better life for our families, families like the family I grew up with, and communities like Seneca and Robbins, North Carolina. But it has to be based on the values of hard work and responsibility, not accounting tricks and corporate greed.” (Sen. John Edwards, Remarks At Democrat Presidential Candidates Debate, Columbia, SC, 5/3/03)

Edwards Sets Up Professional Corporation Where He Was Only Employee … Avoids Medicare Taxes On $5 Million. “Edwards, a trial lawyer, set up a professional corporation in 1995, in which he was the sole employee and shareholder. Edwards then paid himself a salary of $ 600,000 and $ 540,000 in 1996 and 1997, according to a personal disclosure statement he was required to file with the secretary of the Senate. At the same time he collected $5 million each year in dividends from his corporation. Edwards was required to pay Medicare taxes on his salary, but under this arrangement he was not required to pay Medicare taxes on his corporate dividends.” (Rob Christensen, “Faircloth Claims Edwards Avoided Payroll Taxes,” The [Raleigh] News & Observer, 10/14/9

“He’s Beating The System.” [E]xperts disagree on whether Edwards is courting an IRS audit. ‘There is nothing that says you can’t do it,’ says Andrew Blackman, a CPA and personal financial specialist with the New York City firm of Shapiro & Lobel. ‘I think that it’s the type of situation, if light is focused on it, the IRS will see as abusive.” “He’s beating the system by doing what he is doing,’ said Blackman, who is chairman of the personal financial specialist subcommittee of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. ‘Its not an uncommon thing to do. I’ve done it, but not in that sort of ratio (of salary to dividends).’” (Rob Christensen, “Faircloth Claims Edwards Avoided Payroll Taxes,” The [Raleigh] News And Observer, 10/14/9
Edwards Gives “Free Ride For None” Speech While Delinquent On Taxes

“[T]oo Many Of Our Leaders Have Walked Away From The Values That Got Us Here: Work, Responsibility, Country, A Fair Shake For All And A Free Ride For None.” (Sen. John Edwards, Remarks At Georgetown University, 6/17/03)

Irresponsible Edwards Forgets To Pay Taxes, Four Months Delinquent On Georgetown Mansion. “Sen. John Edwards … is four months delinquent in paying the property taxes on his Georgetown mansion … As of 3:30 p.m. yesterday, Mr. Edwards owed $11,092.46 with interest and penalties, according to the city’s tax collection office. (Charles Hurt, “Edwards Is 4 Months Late On Taxes,” The Washington Times, 7/31/03)

ü Also Late In Paying Taxes On Cars. “In 1995, for example, they were more than two months late paying their taxes on a 1989 Mitsubishi and a 1991 Acura. … Last year, they were late paying their taxes on a 1998 Volvo and a 1998 Buick.” (Charles Hurt, “Edwards Is 4 Months Late On Taxes,” The Washington Times, 7/31/03)

ü Assessed Late Penalties At Least Eight Times In North Carolina. “In at least eight instances during the past decade, the Edwardses have been so late paying property taxes on their Raleigh home and various automobiles that bill collectors assessed them penalties …” (Charles Hurt, “Edwards Is 4 Months Late On Taxes,” The Washington Times, 7/31/03)

Mill Photo Op Highlights Trade Hypocrisy

Edwards Holds Presidential Campaign Announcement Outside Of Closed Mill In Robbins, NC. The mill was owned by Milliken & Company and has been featured in an Edwards campaign ad. (The [Raleigh] News & Observer Website, http://www.newsobserver.com/edwards/latest_all/, (http://www.newsobserver.com/edwards/latest_all/,) Accessed 9/13/03)

Yet, Edwards Voted For Permanent Normalized Trade Relations With China, Even Though He Said “There Are People Who May Be Hurt By This.” (H.R. 4444, CQ Vote #251: Passed 83-15: R 46-8; D 37-7, 9/19/00, Edwards Voted Yea; John Wagner, “Pillowtex’s Closing Hits Campaign Trail,” The [Raleigh] News & Observer, 7/31/03)

ü Edwards said the trade relations bill with China was an “opportunity to sell goods to a billion new customers,” believing that “the people of North Carolina can compete with anybody.” (John Wagner, “China Trade Bill Passes,” The [Raleigh] News & Observer, 9/20/00)

ü Edwards also voted against an amendment establishing an annual certification process for establishing normal trade relations with China. (CQ Vote #236, HR 4444: Rejected 13-81: R 7-45; D 6-36; 9/7/00, Edwards Voted Nay)

Before Vote On 2000 Trade Bill With China, Unions Argued “That Textile Jobs Could Be Lost In North Carolina.” (Peter Wallsten, “Helms ‘Disappointed’ With Support For China Trade Bill,” The Charlotte Observer, 9/15/00)

President Of American Textile Manufacturers Institute Said Legislation Will Cost 150,000 Jobs. “[Roger] Chastain, president of Mount Vernon Mills and the American Textile Manufacturers Institute, said the legislation will ‘cost the United States 150,000 textile and textile-related jobs’ and his industry billions in lost sales.” (Woody White, “Local Views Mixed About China Trade,” The Greenville News, 9/20/00)

Even General Counsel For Company That Owned Robbins’ Mill Said Few Corporations Are Looking To Export U.S. Goods To China. “Most U.S. corporations favor the trade bill, [Milliken & Company’s General Counsel John] Nash claimed, because it would make it easier for them to build plants in China. He said few are looking to export U.S.-made goods to the Chinese.” (Rudolph Bell, “Delta Woodside President Backs China Trade Accord,” The Greenville News, 5/23/00)

One Year Later, Edwards Agreed With Bush, Not Clinton: China Is Competitor, Not Partner. NBC’S TIM RUSSERT: “Bill Clinton said China was a partner, not a competitor. George Bush says they’re a competitor, not a partner. Where does John Edwards come down?” SEN. EDWARDS: “I think that China’s a competitor, and I think that we need to do our best to have a positive relationship with them. But everything we do with China, Tim, we need to do with our eyes wide open. They do things we don’t agree with. Their record on human rights, their proliferation activities – I mean, there are lots of things that – what they have been doing with our servicemen and women, in this case, by keeping them illegally. These are not good things and we don’t approve of them. So we always have to recognize that any dealings we have with China have to be conducted with our eyes completely wide open.” (NBC’s “Meet The Press,” 4/8/01)

Edwards’ Campaign Finance Fiasco

After Calling Soft Money “The Worst Virus” In Our Political Process, Edwards’ 527 Committee Received More Than $3.2 Million In Soft Money From Trial Law Firms, Trial Lawyers And Their Families. This constitutes over 70% of total contributions. (Sen. John Edwards Website, “Restoring The Roots Of Our Democracy,” http://edwards.senate.gov/press/2000/columns/1112_restore.html, (http://edwards.senate.gov/press/2000/columns/1112_restore.html,) Accessed 7/16/03; Internal Revenue Service 527 Search Website, http://eforms.irs.gov/search_result.asp, (http://eforms.irs.gov/search_result.asp,) Accessed 5/03)

Edwards Denounced Negative Politics But Bashed Bush

Edwards “Not About Cynical Politics” Or “Petty Sniping.” “My campaign is not about this … petty sniping that’s been going on between other candidates. My campaign is based on the politics of hope, based on the politics of what’s possible, very specific ideas about how to – how to bring these things about to change America. No, I’m not –I’m not about cynical politics. People are sick of that. This is about lifting this country up. And that’s the reason this campaign has caught fire.” (CBS’ “The Early Show,” 1/15/04)

Said President Is “Hazardous To Your Health.” “This President ... is cutting funding, every single day for programs like prescription drug benefit. This is a President who says we can’t do anything about the healthcare crisis in America. This is a President who blocked the patients’ bill of rights. Here’s what we ought to do. We ought to go over to the White House and hang a big warning sign on the door of the White House that says, ‘this President is hazardous to your health.’ that’s what we ought to do.” (Democrat Presidential Candidates Debate, Baltimore, MD, 9/9/03)

Summarise in one sentence please,that's all it's worth.

Summarise in one sentence please,that's all it's worth.

Only to those who can't or won't vote.

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I'm not to surprised that Kerry added him to the ticket. Gephardt would have hurt his campain. Dean was insane. A democrat would never pick a minority as a running mate (though neithe major party has, its been the republican administrations that have been more ethnically diverse) becaues they have most minority groups in their pocket already and want to get segements of the population that they don't. He certainly doesn't want Hillary. Beyond that, there was nobody known (at least somewhat) on the national stage that could help his campaign.

The things Kerry said about Edwards and vice-versa will haunt them, but the amount he'll help will offset it.

Won't matter as Bush will get another four years :p













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Summarise in one sentence please,that's all it's worth.

Also if this was an anti-Bush post you would be there with your honeymoon hardon reading every word but since it isn't what you want to see or read you post a reply of this nature. Where is the argument to disprove what I wrote?


Shame on you Naki! You would be the first one saying where's the proof, that's nothing so I gave you both barrels worth of it.

Blah...who cares if Kerry is the second biggest bag of shite on the planet?He's still an improvement on what you've got.

OMG...paraphrase, cliffnotes or something

oooooh,don't ask,BLU CIVIC,you'll get self-righteously assraped for not absorbing ever last word.

now i usually read this stuff...but scrolling down for 5 minutes to get to the end :grinno:

Dean was insane.

Yeah he was, but I think I could have gotten used to his train-wreck personality. I thought he was hilarious, and not serious.

Edwards is also pretty funny. He keeps talking about 2 different Americas. One for the poor, and one for the rich and powerful. I suppose the 8 figures hes worth, and the half a billion Kerry and his wife are worth makes them there for the poor. They are all full of crap. These two probably wouldnt admit they are rich. In fact Edwards is convinced he just got lucky. Difference is, Bush and Cheney would admit they are rich as compared to average Americans.

Look at that rally last week at Radio City Music Hall for Kerry. It was such a disaster, and could be a political bombshell for Kerry, that his campaign is pressuring the media to keep the lid on it. They are out of touch.