Is Edwards's answer on driver's licenses for illegals better than Clinton's? (video)

[DeepModem Mom]

Stephanopolous asked for his answer on Sunday. Clearly, the poster of this video on YouTube thought Edwards's answer lacking. I'm not highly partisan here, and pretty much support all the candidates, but I was interested in discussion on this. It's a tough issue, as is the entire question of immigration reform. If anyone knows how other candidates have addressed the issue, please post that, too.

Link to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkseNDz1Cgg

[Evergreen Emerald]

1. I saw that on Sunday and just had to laugh

His answer was worse than Clintons--in fact he did not answer the question. He said he was both for and against it in a matter of minutes. And in the past--he has said he was for it.

That was the problem with the debate. The men were allowed to ridicule Clinton's answers but were not questioned with the vigor that Clinton was...and when he was (even in a quiet one-on-one setting) Edwards failed.

[Basileus Basileon]

2. It's not fair asking Edwards about anything he said in 2004.

Please. He's already apologized for anything and everything he may have said or done at any point in the past.

[Romulox]

3. Edwards is for complete amnesty, IIRC. That's (one?) area in which he and corporate America agree.

[Buzz Clik]

4. This tiny issue is not deserving of this microscopic analysis.

[DeepModem Mom]

5. But the press blew this issue through the roof after the debate. This and UFOs.

That was the discussion from the pundits post-debate. Also, I think we may have to deal with it because it's already being discussed as an issue the GOP will pound the Dem candidate with (whoever it is).

[Buzz Clik]

7. Nobody is going to pound anyone with the driver's license issue.

The press can run wherever they want, but this is a non-issue.

As Edwards mentioned further in the interview, the compelling subject is illegal immigration. Dems aren't losing sleep over it, but apparently it's giving Republicans and some in-betweeners nightmares.

Any candidate who has a clear position on immigration in general will be just fine.

[DeepModem Mom]

10. I hope you're right, Buzz! nt

[Evergreen Emerald]

6. I think there is a bigger issue here--hypocrisy and glass houses

the license was the catalyst for Edwards to accuse Clinton of being dishonest, and of refusing to answer a question. And, when he is forced to answer the same question, his response is worse than Clintons, and it is different than what he has said in the past.

[Buzz Clik]

8. It's just a vehicle for Edwards to get face time. He's in trouble, and he needs a foot hold.

[DeepModem Mom]

9. You're right. I would add your point to my post 5 about the issue just as an immigration issue.

How do any of our candidates address this?

[Adelante]

11. No, it was no clearer than Clinton's

I thought Clinton's answer was correct, if convoluted, however. Edwards seems to be saying he is in favor of licenses for illegal immigrants, once they are no longer illegal immigrants and when it won't matter, regardless of public safety issues in the meanwhile. He says the states should decide, and then opposes Gov. Spitzer's decision, undermining that state's right to decide. But this answer is not different from a multitude of answers Edwards gives on various issues, speaking from both sides of his mouth. Clinton is a model of clarity in comparison and on a regular basis. But for some reason people like to believe Edwards is being straight with them - they just like it.

Chris Dodd is clearly against and Obama is clearly in favor (both from the debate). Obama said, due to public safety concerns, licensing shouldn't wait for eventual immigration reform, which is basically as Clinton had concluded.

MR. WILLIAMS: Are you for it or against it?

SEN. OBAMA: I think that it is a -- the right idea. And I disagree with Chris, because there is a public safety concern. We can make sure that drivers who are illegal come out of the shadows, that they can be tracked, that they are properly trained, and that will make our roads safer. That doesn't negate the need for us to reform illegal immigration.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/30/us/politics/30debate-transcript.html?_r=2&pagewanted=all&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

[DeepModem Mom]

12. Thanks for your post, WesDem, and the link! nt

[DeepModem Mom]

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