Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

by Jerome Armstrong, Thu Sep 13, 2007 at 02:14:49 AM EDT

This is an interesting campaign move. Bush is going to talk about his handing off the Iraq war to the next president tonight, and John Edwards has bought two minutes of airtime to follow Bush:

Edwards has bought two minutes of air time on MSNBC, scheduled to air after Bush's 15-minute televised speech from the White House at 9 p.m. EDT...

"Unfortunately, the president is pressing on with the only strategy he's ever had -- more time, more troops, and more war," Edwards says in the ad, according to excerpts provided by his campaign.

The ad was taped at Edwards' home in Chapel Hill, N.C., in the style of an Oval Office address, with him sitting at a desk and speaking straight to the camera, with American flag in the background.

..."Tell Congress you know the truth," Edwards says. "They have the power to end this war and you expect them to use it. When the president asks for more money and more time, Congress needs to tell him he only gets one choice -- a firm timeline for withdrawal."

...In the ad, Edwards says Bush's refusal to end the war is another in a series of wrong moves, including the increase of troops in January and his veto in May of a plan to end the war.

"Now, after General Petraeus reports the surge has produced no progress toward a political solution, what does the president want? More time for the surge to work, when all of us know it won't," Edwards says.

The Republicans are in total denial about 2006, and if Democrats continue to make getting out of Iraq the issue of the '08 election, we will sweep out alot more Republicans in Congress.

Tags: John Edwards (all tags)

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Seems like a very solid move

to not only get his position out and get publicity for his campaign, but also to put the pressure on Bush (and Congress not to buy what Bush is selling).

Bush and the Republicans are going to be pushing hard "the surge is working" meme so however that can be countered effectively, I'm all for it.

by okamichan13 2007-09-13 03:13AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

Can anyone think of a reason that this isn't a brilliant move?

by david mizner 2007-09-13 03:25AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

No. And bold too.

by Shaun Appleby 2007-09-13 05:26AM | 0 recs

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The only negative I can think of

is who listens to Bush anymore?

Ipso facto

Most will miss JE as well

(As for me, I ususally read what Bush says cause I can't stand listening to him; tonight I'll mute Bush, read his remarks later and listen to Edwards)

by merbex 2007-09-13 06:01AM | 0 recs

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Re: The only negative I can think of

To answer my own question, a possible downside is that it could aggravate Dems in Congress, many of whom already dislike JRE. Still, a chance well worth taking.

by david mizner 2007-09-13 06:10AM | 0 recs

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Re: The only negative I can think of

They are aggravated because they don't want to step out of their comfort zone.
Edwards is threatening to them because he wants to change the game in DC.

by pioneer111 2007-09-13 12:21PM | 0 recs

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Depends on what Edwards says.

by oculus 2007-09-13 10:02AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

I can think of a reason why this could backfire. By leaking the text of Edward's speech, he's letting Bush cushion its blow with a last minute edit of his own speech. For example, "Don't listen to the speech after mine that hurts the troops"

Still, smart move by Edwards!!

by mbcarl 2007-09-13 10:25AM | 0 recs

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FUCKIN. BRILLIANT. MOVE.

And I support HRC. But THIS is fantastic!

BALLS. We need more of 'em!

by jgarcia 2007-09-13 03:49AM | 0 recs

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don't see a downside

except for all the whacks the right wingers will take at him, although it's clear Fox goes after him more than anyone else anyhow..

by TarHeel 2007-09-13 03:54AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

BREAKING NEWS: Hillary supporters on MyDD are planning to call the speech "lackluster".

by Will Graham 2007-09-13 04:09AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

I am a Hillary supporter. Does my response below imply his response will be lackluster? Really, you act as if people that support Hillary don't have the brains to realize when something is good even though it is provided by another candidate. I will judge Edwards by what he says when he says it. The fact that his response has been prerecorded does lower the bar a little because he will not be actually responding to what Bush says. But it is still a smart move by his campaign.

by DoIT 2007-09-13 04:14AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

I serioiusly doubt he was talking about you.

by Calvin Jones and the 13th Apostle 2007-09-13 05:18AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

Clearly you aren't the majority.

by bruh21 2007-09-13 05:38AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

This is a very smart move by Edwards. It may provide the boost he has been trying to get. I'm sure that is what his campaign intends. I just hope that people realize he is paying to respond to Bush and that he isn't offering the official Democratic response.

by DoIT 2007-09-13 04:09AM | 0 recs

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we'll all be able to compare it to

the Democratic response - but this time they won't be able to trot out someone "tough" like Webb or Tester or even likeable like McCaskill cause they'll all support more funding...

by TarHeel 2007-09-13 04:16AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

Once again, Edwards busts out of the box, establishes new standards, and demonstrates the kind of leadership and dynamism that his presidency will provide.

Go Johnny Go,

by jfoster 2007-09-13 04:21AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

WOW. That is a very smart move for him to make. I wasn't planning on watching Bush but I will change the channel to see what Edwards has to say.

by KimPossible 2007-09-13 04:27AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

I doubt it's as much about responding to Bush as creating buzz. Few people will see the ad on MSNBC, but it will be played over and over on every channel tomorrow and will probably be a topic on the Sunday news shows.

I don't know if it's a map-changer, but it will put Edwards in the spotlight for the first time in a while.

by Vox Populi 2007-09-13 04:32AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

The beauty part comes in because although MSNBC has the lowest viewership, which one is more likely to be heavily skewed with viewers who will vote in a Democratic primary?

by vcalzone 2007-09-13 06:07AM | 0 recs

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Jerome

if Democrats continue to make getting out of Iraq the issue of the '08 election, we will sweep out alot more Republicans in Congress.

I'd like to think, because I agree wholeheartedly with the substance, that Edwards actually believes what he says in this message, and isn't only trying to use it for electoral advantage.

by andgarden 2007-09-13 04:32AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

Smart move by the GOP's BreckMann©

Edwards LOOKS like he is the 44th NOW-

The fact the US Domesticated media only talks Coulter points solidifies who the next president ought to be-

Disney is going to hire a BreckMann© lookalike to piss on Mickey, and upload the "viral" to YouTube-

It is their only defense... smear ala scream style...

by RF 2007-09-13 04:33AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

It can be extremely effective depending on how the media portrays it. What shouldn't be missed here is that aspect of it. The media.

by bruh21 2007-09-13 04:51AM | 0 recs

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yeah

depends on the media once again

by TarHeel 2007-09-13 05:16AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

I have to admit this is a very shrewd move in terms of campaign tactics. He's surrounded by better campaign team(than Obama's).

by areyouready 2007-09-13 05:03AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

It does make him look like a presumptive nominee to those who are following less closely. However, as I have said before, Bush may be in a fantasy land, but Edwards did help to build the theme park. Check this out: http://www.antiwar.com/orig/zunes.php?ar ticleid=3074 I do not trust his conversion. That is my main problem with him.

by Todd Bennett 2007-09-13 05:35AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

Every diary you come into your spam it with that video.

by bruh21 2007-09-13 05:37AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

What's your point? The truth can be inconvenient? He helped to start this war. I can forgive him for that. But I can't trust him. Democrats need to know this man is one of the biggest reasons for the nearly 4000 U.S. military fatalities we have suffered. If you are antiwar, I am telling you Hillary, in spite of the fact she voted for the authorization, made clear she did it for leverage early on on this thing. Competence will get us out of Iraq safely, not grandstanding.

by Todd Bennett 2007-09-13 05:42AM | 0 recs

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no one but kucinich

is pure.

obama voted to fund the war 4 times.

Edwards voted against the only supplemental he saw.

Obama spoke out when he wasn't in the senate but voted the same as hillary, Edwards is speaking out while not in the senate vociferously.

by TarHeel 2007-09-13 05:55AM | 0 recs

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Re: no one but kucinich

True. Yet you have to admit John has more blood on his hands than the others. On many occasions he was a cheerleader for it. And as for as purity on this war, look no further than Al Gore. For whatever reason he is not running. Oh but how much more united would we be were he to change and decide to run.

by Todd Bennett 2007-09-13 05:58AM | 0 recs

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HIllary invoked a connection

between Saddam and Al qaeda on the senate floor no one else did that

by TarHeel 2007-09-13 06:21AM | 0 recs

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Re: no one but kucinich

As Tarheel points out the only candidate who can claim competely cleanhands is Kucininch so unless you are supporting him- what's your point of reposting this same video. Truth is tellng the full truth by the way- not just the part that you think proves your point. ie, whats happened subsequent, where are they now, etc. if you can't include all of that in your so called concerned over the war, then i don't believe this is concern over the war or the issues.

by bruh21 2007-09-13 06:36AM | 0 recs

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Re: no one but kucinich

So what is the truth, Oh Mighty One? What is the fucking truth? That Edwards did not mean to get 400 soldiers killed, that he is really sorry? Fuck that. He promoted this war. He packaged it. He sold it. And now he wants to do what? Apologize? Can all those people be brought back to life? No! So what in his past exactly would lead me to believe he has the sense to not use condoms as ballons at a birthday party, much less the competence it will take to get us out of Iraq in decent shape?

by Todd Bennett 2007-09-13 06:43AM | 0 recs

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Re: no one but kucinich

You show indignation because I call you on your deletion of all facts during and subsequent to what you are talking about, and you act as if I am the one out there on a limb reacting with grossly abusive behavior? Yeah, right. I am not interested in debating you or any other person who can't include both facts for and against their position. In other words, it's the balance of all facts, not the cherrypicking, stupid!

by bruh21 2007-09-13 06:56AM | 0 recs

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But recently someone here pointed out

Kucinich told his Iowa caucus voters to vote for Edwards in the second round in 2004. Not so pure, given Edwards' background re Iraq.

by oculus 2007-09-13 10:07AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

On any other site but this one that would be considered trollish behavior. You aren't interested in debate. Just indignation. We get it. But it has nothing to do with the diary's point- which is what to do now.

by bruh21 2007-09-13 06:34AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

Why would anybody provide credibility for Hillary who not only authorized this war, but failed to read the NIE. this is the report that made the decision by senator Graham to vote against the AUF.

HILLARY STILL FEELS THAT HER VOTE WAS RIGHT AND HAS NO REMORSE OR IS UN-WILLING TO ADMIT SHE MADE A MISTAKE

This is so Bush like.

by BDM 2007-09-13 06:54AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

Maybe she "failed" to read the NIE because her Husband was fucking President and was privy to things that went far beyond the NIE intelligence. Folks, here is how it works: if it happens to be something you, the everyday voter, knows to exist, it is not the real heavy stuff. Any real security document is not something you would even know the name of, much less the content of.

by Todd Bennett 2007-09-13 06:58AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

Your post makes no sense. Clinton was not President at the time

by bruh21 2007-09-13 07:03AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

Every former President is privy to the same national security briefing as the current President. At will.

by Todd Bennett 2007-09-13 07:06AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

President Clinton still gets the same information Bush does. Daily if he desires.

by Todd Bennett 2007-09-13 07:07AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

And you think he's just passing this along to his wife?

by bruh21 2007-09-13 07:13AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

Sorry, but I don't buy that argument at all. If Bill Clinton had some sort of secret incontrovertible evidence that proved the case for the Iraq War, that means George Bush had it too. And if Bush had it, he would have been more than happy to share it with the public to build up support for his war of choice. Bush made available to the public every bit of pro-Iraq War intelligence that was presented to him.

by Will Graham 2007-09-13 07:23AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

I'm not talking about trust. We all know this... I'm talking about pure campaign tactics.

by areyouready 2007-09-13 05:41AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

ITs important to consider the decision to purchase national time in context of camapaign strategy. 1. This shows that Edwards is not focused solely on Iowa, since he's actually not gone on the air yet in Iowa while almost all the other candidates have. 2. Its an original tactic that the other campaigns cannot replicate.

by desmoulins 2007-09-13 06:59AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

smart move by Edwards - I dont know what the reaction will be in the public

by sepulvedaj3 2007-09-13 07:09AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

John Edwards has been mobilizing publicc opposition to the war all year, starting with the surge. While the two frontrunners are afraid to lead, John Edwards just gets out and does it.

by TomP 2007-09-13 07:09AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

He had just better hope that MS(RNC) doesn't allow Bush's team to see what the video says before they air it tonight, because if they do, they are going to dissect it in Bush's statement and make John Edwards look like a fool.

I hope he has some agreement that the contents of this video CANNOT BE SHARED with anyone.

I know there are many people at MSNBC who have been kissing Bush's behind for 6 years. If they see the video, who's to say that they won't leak it to the Rovians?

Well, John Edwards had better have an agreement that says that they cannot, or else he will be made to look like an absolute fool.

With all of these "quotes" from the video, I think it's pretty safe to believe that the Bush team will make John Edwards look like a fool.

She should have done it LIVE.

by OE 2007-09-13 07:59AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

HE should have done it live.

by OE 2007-09-13 09:57AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

I think it IS going to be a live address. I think the leaked words are just the prepared text. A way of getting double the message out for the same cost.

by Vox Populi 2007-09-13 08:45AM | 0 recs

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Re: Edwards to respond to Bush tonight

Well, the AP was saying that it was a "video," I thought.

If it's a video, then what's to stop Bush's team from watching the video, and then taking it apart point-for-point in Bush's statement?

by OE 2007-09-13 09:58AM | 0 recs