Edwards promises to name republicans to his cabinet [View All]

[cali]

Edwards promises to name Republicans to his Cabinet
By TONY LEYS • REGISTER STAFF WRITER • December 4, 2007

Waterloo, Ia. - John Edwards vowed Monday to include Republicans in his Cabinet if he's elected president.

"Here's why: because I'm looking for the strongest, most capable, most independent-minded people I can find. I want people around me who will say, 'You're wrong about this, and you could do grave damage if you do it. Mr. President, you need to change your mind,' " he said. "Because I'm not perfect, I'm capable of making mistakes."


The North Carolina Democrat, who was speaking before a couple of hundred people at Hawkeye Community College, said his policy of encouraging dissent in the Cabinet would set him apart from the current president's practice. "We've seen what happens with Bush, who's surrounded himself with a bunch of 'yes people.' They all tell him how brave he is and how smart he is."

Democratic rival Bill Richardson also has said he would include Republicans in his Cabinet.

Edwards said that in picking a vice president, he would choose someone whose views were in line with his. He said voters have a right to expect that if a vice president has to take charge, he or she would follow a path similar to the president's.



http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071204/NEWS09/712040382/0/NEWS09