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COLUMNISTS
TODAY'S STORIES
22.01.2008
Is This Debate Too Ugly?

Eve,

Yes, it did get ugly. But my standards are low. We weren't talking about idiotic process stuff. It was about how they voted on specific measures, their respective approaches to change, and so on. I can live with that.

Right now, John Edwards is talking about poverty. And that alone is reason to be thankful he's on the stage, even now.  From the day this campaign began, he's driven the policy agenda--not just by embracing ambitious policy initiatives but also by focussing everybody's attention on people who, frankly, don't get enough explicit attention in politics.

--Jonathan Cohn

Posted: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 2:20 AM with 5 comment(s)

Comments

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adamvaught said:

The first part got rough, but this second part is a love in.

January 21, 2008 9:38 PM

purcellneil said:

Jonathan

Exactly how I feel about Edwards.

Thank you,

Neil

January 21, 2008 10:40 PM

rozenson said:

It's one thing to focus on poverty. It's another thing to say it's your "life's devotion." Gimme a break.

January 21, 2008 10:53 PM

purcellneil said:

rozenson,

He said it because he meant it.

He's been working on this since 2004, has put forward a plan to address poverty in America, took the lead among the candidates on the question of universal health care -- and despite his wife's serious illness, has continued in this campaign because they have both determined that this is a cause worthy of this very precious time of their lives.  I find it all pretty convincing, and compelling.  Any particular reason you think otherwise?

Neil  

January 21, 2008 11:45 PM

ralphnelle said:

I loved this debate. We needed it.

January 22, 2008 12:32 AM