Spring Break
Edwards and Obama step up to front-runner Clinton
Stephanie Takach
Issue date: 10/31/07 Section: Politics & Policy
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Obama called to attention Clinton's change in her position on the North American Free Trade Agreement, torture policies and the Iraq War.
"She voted for a war, to authorize sending troops into Iraq, and then later said this was a war for diplomacy," Obama said. "We need honesty."
Edwards reacted to Clinton's positions with similar criticisms.
"Sen. Clinton says that she believes she can be the candidate for change, but she defends a broken system that's corrupt in Washington, D.C."
Clinton didn't directly respond to the criticisms, but focused on her leadership status in the polls, which has made her the conversation topic amongst Republican candidates. Since the last debate on Sept. 26 in Hanover, N.H., Clinton has become the clear front-runner in the polls and has taken the lead in fundraising, with Obama trailing her.
Clinton defended her Senate vote in favor of designating Iran's Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist group.
Both Obama and Edwards reacted to Clinton's recent vote in favor of designating Iran's Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist group. Edwards said he believes that vote gives President George Bush the first step in moving militarily on Iran.
Edwards defended his claim that Clinton engaged in "doubletalk," and later in the debate, he said, "A lot of us on this stage have learned our lessons the hard way: that you give this president an inch and he will take a mile."
Associated Press reports characterize Clinton's responses as evasive to the direct questions. Instead of specific responses, Clinton turned the issues into an argument with President Bush.
"I have stood against George Bush and his failed policies. They want to continue the war in Iraq; I want to end it," Clinton said in response to Obama's criticism of her stance in the war. "The Republicans are waving their sabers and talking about going after Iran. I want to prevent a rush to war."
Edwards was quick to relate the Iran issue with the Iraq War. He continued to question Clinton's Iraq policy.
"If you believe that combat missions should be continued in Iraq" without a timetable for withdrawal, Edwards said, "then Sen. Clinton is your candidate."
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