Charlie Rose Science Series
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11/29/2007
John Edwards
Charlie Rose Special Edition: The Candidates
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Charlie Rose Special Edition: The Candidates An hour with John Edwards
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Both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have only a subset of the solid agenda that John Edwards had to help the working people of America to ensure a better future. It hurts to think about what America missed out on. The mainstream media are thoroughly corrupt and actively and concertedly steer the news. But just as the banking lobbyists tore down the regulations that would have prevented the sub-prime load crisis, the mainstream media will in the long run undermine America and therefore themselves.
Edwards suspended his campaign, but his agenda is still right on!
Just to let you all know, You can still vote for John Edwards. He is still on the ballot. He suspended campaigning but he did not withdraw. This means he can still win delegates. Vote For John
My fury with television coverage of John Edwards motivated me to turn off the television and search the Web. That fact is a perfect example of what Edwards said about corporate power during the interview.. Americans will be the losers if John does not become our president. This was a wonderful interview.
I just came back here on Super Tuesday 2008 to see John again. Wow. I still wish he was still in the race.
I believe Edwards will do something to change Healthcare. If you look at the Center For Responsive Politics campaign finance counter, it becomes clear that both Barack and Hillary have each accepted over 2 million dollars from the private Health Care industry. How will those two front runners fundamentally change health care if they have taken millions of dollars from people who don't want to see health care changed? Who cares about how much he pays for a hair cut? All of the other candidates probably do the same.
I've been leaning toward Barack, but also reading Robert Kuttner's "The Squandering of America," an excellent precis that parallels Mr. Edwards agenda for Americal. After watching and hearing Charlie Rose's interview my money and vote is for Edwards.
Edwards is the only candidate who's never taken a dime from lobbyists or PACs. We need this People's Champion in the White House.
Thanks for an hour-long conversation that reveals so much. Despite the interruptions and too much talking on the part of Mr. Rose, I now feel like I have a good idea of who Mr. Edwards is and what he wants for this country. And it makes sense. I will look at other interviews on this series. Wish the electorate had the patience to view them all, all networks required to air this type of interview, and all candidates were required to participate. Thanks.
God bless John Edwards.
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wow a lib and a consipercist I hear ya Cookie 9/11 was an inside job!
Carol J - Personally I think the *cough* moderator puts up false posts with the intent of taking them down to cover for the other deletions that are made. Make it seem like the control is necessary cause somebody crazy wrote something nasty.
Great interview. Clear, concise, direct. What America needs. I also believe, Edwards is the most electable. We can't surrender the Whaitehouse to the Republicans. Edwards for president.. Best hope for change.
Fan bloody tastic interview. Thats it for me. This interview decided me for John. Thanks Charlie.
I like the question "What five things would you do when you come in office". Curiously, free health care was not one of them. I do not understand why that isn't the #1 issue.
Thank you for doing this series on the candidates. I first saw John Edwards over a year ago and his passion and heart have led me to believe he will be the best candidate for the Democratic Party and for all of America. Not to mention his position on the issues. I feel the media is "hyping" Clinton and Obama because they fear they will loose their ability to persuade Edwards. They think they can beat Clinton or Obama. But they won't beat Edwards, he will go directly to the people and let them know the "dark side" of the opposition in regards to the issues.
I posted a message with a link to a website to purchase lawn signs and bumper stickers in support of John Edwards last night. The point of my message was that the public might actually stop believing this ridiculous two-person horse-race line the network and cable news people are feeding us if they saw visible support for other candidates in their own communities. To my dismay, this morning I find that my message has been removed from this website. If a reader reported my post as "abuse" or if the Charlie Rose comment moderator removed it merely because it contained a link to an outside web page, I am very disappointed. I was merely giving a suggestion as an interested voter in how people can participate in their democracy after being inspired by Charlie Rose's program. I am in no way officially tied to the Edwards campaign! I don't think there even is any Edwards campaign in Washington State at this time! Instead I am just a strong supporter based upon my careful review of all the candidates. If only this series was required viewing for all voters, we might actually get the candidate we need rather than the candidate the press preselects. I have not included the web link from this post out of concern that somebody might have a knee jerk reaction that such a link would mean this post is a campaign commercial rather than the comments of an interested citizen. Suffice to say, if you want to purchase yard signs or bumper stickers for your candidate (whoever he or she may be) you can find them on the internet. Be involved and let your voice be heard.
Edwards talks about talking "truth to power" but ducks all of the usual Democratic bugaboos. Merit pay for teachers? God forbid! Recognizing the obvious negative effect of illegal immigration on low income Americans? Not a chance! I'm not sure which candidate deserves the support of independents (and especially, thinking Americans), but Senator Edwards surely does not.
I regret that Charlie didn't let John Edwards finish his sentences. At least, John Edwards was gracious enough to smile and move on, yet, I felt the interview suffered greatly.
John Edwards was a great guest and a fantastic presidential candidate. Too bad you, Charlie, could not restrain your impulse to overtalk your guests to allow Mr. Edwards to expound. This is a most annoying tendency of yours. Please check the interview technique of Brian Lamb in his Q&A programs on C-Span. Notice whose voice and views is mostly heard -- the guest's. Watch the deft questioning technique of Lamb that allows his guests to expound and expand most informatively. You might learn a thing or two, Charlie.
Yes I understand you like to read these comments to hear what ohters think on the topic at hand. However, if they should make a smart ass comment that you deem cruel then you would rather have their comments earsed so you can sourround yourself with only those comments that please you and that you agree with. How very enlightend of you. Maybe thats the better part of the 2 americas where everyone agrees with everyoen else and those that dont are draged away in hopes that their ideas dare not to even exisit how very noble of you commerade.
Okay Mike Logan, hear it is (hopefully). The 2 statements I was referring to did not comment on the program, but stated something else. The party also used the name of W ? ? ? Ed? ? ? ? ?. My interpretation was the person was being smartas__ or just being plain cruel. Who knows what was in this person's mind. I like to read these comments to see what others think or possibly know about the person or persons or topics. End of story.
Yes your right its not censorship not to monitor ones own website so it shouldnt be to monitor ones own country, got it. Objectivity has nothing to do with anything either, its hwatever the powers that be decide is right or wrong, ok got that too. so while we are here to enjoy this great website part of whos allure is the fact that we can make comments on issues we must be careful not to make the wrong comments or suggest the wrong ideas because then the censor police will come and wisk you away? I know I'm obviously not as smart as you so please explain this to me agian slowly as if I was living in the worse of the 2 americas. Thanks!
John Edwards is the only candidate from either party that is talking about, and offering solutions for, what is happening to the working class here in the United States.
So many young Americans (college students and twenty-somethings) will not vote in either the upcoming primaries or the presidential election itself. My contact with this demographic indicates they feel they do not have the exposure they need to make an informed vote. If any one of these individuals spent one hour per day watching a candidate interview by Charlie, I believe they would have the know-how within weeks for an informed vote. It seems a small sacrifice given the great civic responsibility upon us to vote. If we spread this idea, we can make this election a more reflective one of the population's beliefs - after all, it is the America they, and us, will live in.
It is not censorship to monitor your own website. Objectivity had nothing to do with anything. I only made my comment after someone else had done so. There were 2 comments that were unnecessary and more than tasteless. Mr. Rose has a great website and I like to read the different comments, as do other persons. The programs on the presidential candidates is giving us more information on our choices for our primaries. If you want to be tasteless or obnoxious go find a website will want your input. That said enjoy this website for its value.
Objectivity aside if you feel somones comment is tasteless or baseless man up and offer a counterpoint or even debase yourself to their level and call them stupid... But dont go crying to the authorties to come in and censor just cause somoen said soemthing that you didnt agree with. or wait maybe I'm just alone in thinking we need to debate those that we disagree with instead of jsut cencoring them. ya I must be...
yes monitor the chat! dont let the masses see it! we must protect the collective good! evesdroppin FTW!
I see the comment I made earlier today has been deleted, along with the 2 comments that caused me to make mine. Thanks, but maybe you should monitor the site on weekends, so those type of comments are not seen by the mass.
The site has never promised objectivity. Be aware that this is a private site.
Censorhip > Conversation :)
John Edwards; our next Panderer-in-Chief? The fact that dopes like Edwards and Mike Huckabee are on a national stage provides working examples of why religion is so popular and why politics becomes more meaningless with every election. I can only hope Ron Paul makes it through for the Republicans and Bloomberg and Nader jump in as independents so the dems are forced to contend with some substantive issues.
Thanks, Charlie, for a fantastic interview with presidential candidate John Edwards. Our so-called mainstream media have done a crack job thus far of highlighting Mr. Edwards' wealth and giant home in North Carolina with little mention of the many financial and time contributions he's made to worthy causes. To Mr. Edwards' credit he does not trumpet his philanthropy. In this interview we see a genuine and sincere man with a sophisticated and nuanced understanding of what has gone so badly wrong in Washington DC. And he self-deprecates himself rather than smearing his main rivals when the opportunity presented itself in the interview. If these Charlie Rose interviews of the candidates were the public's primary access to the candidates instead of TV adds and the tragically thin on substance so-called debates, we might actually end up with the best candidate rather than the most skillfully managed one. Until that happens, we can at least recommend this site to friends and acquaintances.
Thanks Charlie. Viewing your program weekly from it's start. One question: Both parties refer to this great time of the US after WW2 as some great middle class time of improvement and morals. Pushing the 53 yrs old mark in age and having grew up blessed by parents who treated their children well, they enjoyed a reasonable long and happy life. I can not match their level of living or do I see any way that we can re-live this bubble in economic growth combined with the grass roots of a moral base. The Republicans talk about this period in some nostalgic light and again I am hearing the Democrats re-presenting the same dream. Simple fact: We The People have never owned the vote. We are predestined by the most powerful to fit their goals. Nothing more. Like sheep. Michael in Oregon.
Whoever made that comment posted under the name Wade Edwards is not funny. It takes a real loser to make jokes about a dead youth. Let the boy R.I.P.
I think all of the senate,and house should be recalled for not honoring their oath of office to the constitution,by honoring the special lobbying groups only and not the people as john edwards eluded to in his interview. I hope the people get together on the internet and demand them traitors!
What a fantastic interview! No other candidate of either party has the vision of what America can and should be or the passion to bring it about as John Edwards. It's been quite a while since someone so inspiring has been in a position to lead our country and the world. Now if we could just figure out how to get most of the voters to see Charlie's interview with John .........
A Canadian and avid viewer of Mr. Rose's program. While I cannot particpate in the U.S. elections, I follow closely. Edwards' views and assessments were genuine, impassioned, non-opportunistic, unrehearsed and thoroughly convincing. He has experience, knowledge and foresight. The man appears to have a sincere interest in the betterment of his country and the lives of its citizens, rather than suffering from hubris. I wish him success. Excellent interview - thank you, Charlie!
Charlie, As an Iowan, I very much appreciate your series on the candidates. You have made it clear that we are truly blessed to have a number of excellent candidates. While I have had the unique opportunity to listen to and shake the hands of many of them over the years, I am pleased to have you bring out the very best in them. While I will most likely not be voting for a Republican, I like and respect McCain and Huckabee, partly because I have grown to know them better through you. Joe Biden has the integrity and experience to do very well as President. Obama is a great human being. My wife and children had the opportunity to see him speak at a park a few blocks away in August. I had to teach. My 13 year-old son was very impressed and my 9-year old daughter thinks we need to have some children in the White House. She may be right. They go to bed before I do. However, if every Iowan (perhaps every American) had the opportunity to see your Thursday night interview of John Edwards, he would definitely be the Democratic candidate in 2008. You guys were both "on" and it was a joy to see. Thanks again, Charlie.
Charlie I love your interviews. I do not own cable TV. I get all my news from PBS and NPR however that being said I know the general public gets to meet most of the candidates from watching main stream TV. When you have Senator Biden on would you ask him why he doesn't try to get on programs such as the David Letterman show, the View, and the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Senator Biden needs to get the general public to know him and that means mainstream TV. Because Charlie in the long run we know it's not about the issues, it's about popularity and polls!
John Edwards has a clear view of the vision he intends to follow for our country. We have to fundamentally change things and go back to the ideals of John and Bobby Kennedy. They were loved by people all over the World. His morality, both personally and as a citizen of the World, will lead our country in a manner that we can be proud of. I am from Texas and I am appalled and what Bush and Cheney have done to our country. We have a lot of work to do to correct our course.
I am inspired !! LOVE JOHN. Hope he gets to be our president.Time to remove the oil mongers greedy money making self serving Cyclopic adminastration. Come on how dumb do they think the american public is. None of this should have ever happened.Time to remove the sores.
Re Comment by Christopher in DC: Please check out the "Issues" tab at www.johnedwards.com. for John Edwards' "specifics" with respect to i.e., ending the war in Iraq, strengthening the middle class, providing universal healthcare for ALL Americans, fighting worldwide poverty, reversing the effects of global warming, strengthening domestic defense, rooting out and shutting down terrorist cells, and restoring American leadership in the world. John Edwards has pragmatically provided Americans with a very detailed agenda of EXACTLY what a John Edwards Presidency would look like. Plus, John Edwards has already proven that he has the bull dog tenacity to take on entrenched interests and fight for regular Americans. For all the foregoing reasons, I'm supporting John Edwards. Remember - A VOTE FOR JOHN EDWARDS IS A VOTE FOR YOURSELF!
There is raw emotion in Edwards' desire to help America regain its power and reputation of the past. I agree with almost every view that he has and feels that he is probably the only candidate running that has the testicular fortitude to get the job done. Much work has to be done over the next month. As Edwards' supporters it is a must win for him in Iowa.
I like Edwards first off..He isn't near the ambulance-chaser he is made out to be..In a different time I see him as a great president..But is he hawkish enough to handle the things to come in foreign policy? That is my fear...I do not mean a Giuliani foreign-policy of neo-hawk idealism, but something more than protectionist/dovish idealism that I fear just as much on the far left and the unfeasible libertarianism as Ron Paul... There are huge domestic issues that will have to be faced in the next decade, but these will be nil if our foreign policy isn't handled in a rational way..Does Edwards have that? At the moment, I am not sure. I respect his stance that he won't commit to withdrawal all troops..But what does "all combat troops" mean? DO we still pursue Al-qaeda in Iraq? What about the vested interest we have to the Iraqi people to at least keep building infrastructure? Either way the Sunnis we now arm and the Shiites we have handed power to will finish this..5 years or 50 years, it makes no difference...But just doing an about face isn't going to help in the long run..
I like Edwards first off..He isn't near the ambulance-chaser he is made out to be..In a different time I see him as a great president..But is he hawkish enough to handle the things to come in foreign policy? That is my fear...I do not mean a Giuliani foreign-policy of neo-hawk idealism, but something more than protectionist/dovish idealism that I fear just as much on the far left and the unfeasible libertarianism as Ron Paul... There are huge domestic issues that will have to be faced in the next decade, but these will be nil if our foreign policy isn't handled in a rational way..Does Edwards have that? AT the moment, I am not sure. I respect his stance that he won't commit to withdrawal all troops..But what does "all combat troops" mean? DO we still pursue Al-quadea in Iraq?
Like many, I had been an early Edwards supporter then switched to Hillary, figuring she would win the nomination. I could support any democrat but Edwards is clearly the smartest and most passionate of any of them. He is the only one offering a real critique of government and the only one discussing poverty. It was an excellent interview and the forum is a great way to choose amongst the candidates. I watched the Republican YouTube debates in the same week and the contrast between both forums was remarkable in terms of the quality of the candiates as well as the difference in the forums. I really look forward to the other interviews. Would love to see Charlie have Obama and Edwards on the same show for a discussion of America's future.
I'd like to say that I will do what I can to support Edwards. What he says makes BY FAR the most sense to me; he's very different from the other Democrats, and light-years away from the Republicans. I'm even daring to be a little optimistic for my country after years of getting more worried about my own and future generations. So thanks for the interview, Charlie. However, I mean no offense when I say that the usual fantastic "conversation" that Charlie manages to conjure from all guests simply was not there. I can't tell if it was just that I don't like Edwards speaking style (but love the ideas and character of the man), or if there was bad "chemistry" in that interview. You two didn't seem to connect on a personal level. I felt Edwards was talking to a crowd, and Charlie was talking to himself. Both of you have been better, but that's the way conversations go sometimes... Disappointing, but you can be sure I'll tune in next time -- still on of THE best shows around. You're still the best interviewer, Mr. Rose. (and thank you SO much for internet availability!)
Charlie, you are terrific! I am delighted to tell you that I have become addicted to your show. You, with your wonderful conversations with people of such diverse intellect, skill and prominence. Thanks for making it possible for me to retire with so many marvelously stimulating things to think about. Your talent and skillful way of talking with your guests is terrific. And, I really appreciate you most when you become confrontational so as to reveal the truth. I am and will remain a devoted viewer.
Hello ! Hello ! I suggest you save yourself a lot of money and your viewers a lot of needless decision making and that you tell your viewers the Constitution of the United States says only the Electoral College will elect the President of the United States - not the people. Because of this you maybe should tell everyone you will no longer have canidates for the president on your show because it makes no difference how the people vote. D.A. Green nichevoo@hotmail.com
It is so comforting to listen to a young man say that truth and honesty is of primary importance to him, because he won't lie, even to himself, and sellout to special interest groups, nor the military industrial complex, nor the politicians and the corporate barons. It will also cause him to respect the Constitution and the rule of law in defending this country and protecting its people. I like the fact that he has spent his entire career representing the little guy, the severely maimed and the disenfranchised. He has knowledge of what it is like to be poor; to feel like an outcast; to be torn by tragedy; to be a champion and a leader of causes for the improvement of mankind. I believe he is the candidate destined to lead America back to the country of truth, integrity and respect. He will do so by representing all of the people justly and by pursuing policies in their best interest; by encouraging effective implementation of programs that will benefit Americans and America; by persuing a foreign policy that will re-establish our lost friendships, encourage diplomacy and by fulfilling his vision of the respected generous country the U.S. was post WWII. I encourage everyone, who speak of John so eloquently in these reviews and elsewhere to tell two friends/acquantences, or strangers to cast their vote for John Edwards. He is the only candidate that not only promises successful change, but lays out detail plans by which they can be implemented successfully. We need an aggressive, courageous leader with vision in the White House to be the people's champion. John is our man.
Dear Charlie: I missed you this evening. I only caught the last few minutes and I really wanted to see the show. Never mind. I am writing about the fantastic interview you did yesterday evening with John Edwards. I have had my eye on him since the last race in 2004. I have always liked him. Last night I think you did him a great favor by really pulling out of him exactly what the country needed to see in him and what he is now determining to do as president. When a person has suffered the loss of a child and is currently facing the possibility of losing his/her greatest love the truth has to come out. I believe him. I believe he means to do exactly what he said last night. He's quite pragmatic, too. I think he has vision and soul. And I think, finally, he has courage, a good thing for a world leader to have!!! I think that because you are both from North Carolina, that he felt comfortable with you so that he really opened-up in the way he needed to establish his deep sincerity because I hear a lot of people saying they don't trust him because he's become a rich attorney. Aren't they listening to the message??? You were great and gracious. Now I am listening to Tina Turner on the tube in the living room. I am a Nichiren Buddhist like her. I have practiced the Lotus Sutra these last 23 years. I also like Barack a lot and missed your show with him, too. How can I see this episode? The one with Barack. I want to see what you did with him. The chemistry, etc. You are like one of my best friends. It's that curiosity thing I mentioned to you once before. Our minds work somewhat alike. I hope you are well. Please take good care of your health. Regards, Leslie de Bonville-Moran-Provatas
Like Helen Shane described, I've gone through shifting loyalties with Hillary and Obama. It would be great to have a woman in the White House, and Hillary has certainly paid her dues in that regard. But I'm still choking on her lack of vision and insight regarding helping Bush take us into Iraq, and her unwillingness to change her mind about that unfortunate, even disastrous decision. Obama would be a great vice-presidential candidate, and with more experience in that seat, an unbeatable presidential candidate when it's his turn to step up. After hearing John Edwards in your interview tonight, Charlie, and hearing how he's grown in many ways since he was second chair to John Kerry eight years ago, I'm convinced that he's our man. He's the man of the hour, of the year, of the decade, and I hope the good people of Iowa will see it that way too and propel him into front runner status. He's right; we need to be willing to make the hard decisions toward major change. We need a leader in the White House with the vision and the courage to make it so. Thanks Charlie. You're providing an invaluable service with your interviews.
Edwards avoids specifics and talks up pipe dream philosophies on justice and revealed moral worth. Manifold America does not to be fixed, it needs direction with out hysteria, left or right; we are well damned if the next president is unable to conform his policies to reality; in our foreign affairs, economic and resource policy, and the peace of our domestic agency; the last thing we need is an idealizing populist bent on making us "see his way". It is quite a lot to qualify oneself as "understanding". Judging by his encompassing and plagiarized platitudes, John Edwards needs to understand more. There is too much at stake; avoidable suffering with which we can still contend; freedom with out revelation, imperative, and command, but of the poetic conscious of man.
Wonderful insightful discussion with the next President of the United States!
Thanks, Charlie. I've been leaning toward John Edwards for some time now. I went through my flirtation with having a woman for president, so Hilary looked good again. And then Obama came into the scene, and he is very attractive, and is a young, vigorous black man, and that felt good. Then I really began listening and watching for substance on the issues I care about. And I recalled that in 2004 early on, during the primaries, that I would have been satisfied with either of "the Johns" as my candidate. Last night John Edwards' opinions and demeanor on your show nailed it. I'm for John Edwards, and I am very comfortable with that. His attorney wife Elizabeth is a bonus, too. Thanks, Charlie, for providing the forum that enabled me to to make what will likely be the most important federal political decision of my life. John Edwards is right on the issues, he is presidential and will represent all the people.
Thanks, Charlie. I've been leaning toward John Edwards for some time now. I went through my flirtation with having a woman for president, so Hilary looked good again. And then Obama came into the scene, and he is very attractive, and is a young, vigorous black man, and that felt good. Then I really began listening and watching for substance on the issues I care about. And I recalled that in 2004 early on, during the primaries, that I would have been satisfied with either of "the Johns" as my candidate. Last night John Edwards' opinions and demeanor on your show nailed it. I'm for John Edwards, and I am very comfortable with that. His attorney wife Elizabeth is a bonus, too. Thanks, Charlie, for providing the forum that enabled me to to make what will likely be the most important federal political decision of my life. John Edwards is right on the issues, he is presidential and will represent all the people.
As a Canadian observing your Republican and Democratic candidates, it is apparent to me that John Edwards is by far the best person to be president in 2008. His character and commitment to democracy and a better America will ensure the real security of its people. The challenge for Americans as individuals is to assume true citizenship and less of the consuming society path to happiness and security.
There are two America's Mr. Edwards...and it is divided into two groups. Those that can and cannot afford $400.00 hair cuts!
Great show on John Edwards! He is absolutely presidential--intelligent, thoughtful, caring, and candid. He sees the "big picture" the way the others cannot and he is a true leader. He is the only credible candidate calling on his own party to reform itself, and says we can't trade "corporate Democrats for corporate Republicans." He wants to take our democracy back from the entrenched interests and place it back in the hands of the people. Deomcrats and Republicans, alike, are impressed with his candor, leadership, and stands for working class Americans. He will make a great president.
This was an excellent format for John Edwards. It gave him the opportunity to talk in greater depth than other venues have. He presented a very favorable impression on me. I got that he is a practical visionary, something America desperately needs after the last several years: a pair of mature eyes that can see what's immediately in front of them as well as what's in the distant future. I love, love, loved his response when asked to make judgements on other candidates; he immediately brought attention back to what he does or doesn't do. Self-responsibility. Brilliant. Why waste time talking about other people, but, rather, use it to discuss one's own ideas and aspirations. I wish others would follow his lead. I hope the American people will give him the lead. He deserves it. He has earned it.
I too, am excited to hear what John Edwards is saying. I thank Charlie Rose for having this series of interviews with the candidates. It seems a far more effective way of getting to know what the candidates stand for than the staged debates. But I have a concern and it is a big one: What can we do to be sure this election is not rigged like the last two? Perhaps Charlie Rose can get someone on his show to talk about that! I am gravely concerned about the loss of our democracy a la Naomi Klein's book "The End of America".
If Edwards can speak truth to power, win the American electorate to his side, and win this nomination, he can win all the other battles because he has the people on his side. If his message is successfully suppressed by the mainstream media for want of ads, if the people buy the Republican or competitions' propaganda, and thus he does not win the Democratic primary, I predict a great, slow slide/dive in America's prestige and ability to create a healthy future for its children. In the aftermath, Edwards will pursue his poverty mission and be revered like Al Gore, and he and his family will be fine. But I will deeply mourn America's lost opportunities and feel deeply troubled by America's lack of vision, though I will not be surprised. My feeling is that Edwards is right. Why? Because, right now, at this minute, neither Hillary Clinton nor Barack Obama is making any headway in persuading Republicans to compromise, even though the 2006 election said Americans want us to get out of Iraq. The Republicans have a seat at the table, are in the thrall of lobbyists, and are not budging. We Americans will simply have to vote them out.
It is so astouding and pathetic that Bush-43/Cheney won over Kerry/Edwards in 2004! What a commentary concerning the American electorate! And, the destruction wrought by the ignorant, childlike, selfish and inarticulate Bush and his gang! "Swiftboat" should be labeled "fast one." I have always thought that Sen. Edwards would make an excellent president. And, this was amply denonstrated on the Charlie Rose program last night.
To John Makel: and I'm tired of people in power who do nothing but MAKE problems they cant solve. We will need more than the magic wand of political glibness to clean up this incredible mess the GOP gorgefest has produced. I like Edwards - he is smart and obviously has worked hard all his life to make the most of his talents and gifts. I admire that. Very good conversation - Edwards gets points for refusing to let Charlie put words in his mouth. Charlie gets points for the whole hour.
In my opinion, John & Elizabeth Edwards are among the finest American citizens in our country. The fact that former Senator Edwards if fighting to give millions of average Americans their voice back really appeals to me because many of us feel like Rodney Dangerfield...Can't get no respect. Edwards grew up in a mill-town and through education & hard work became a success financially. He wants all of us, & those in future generations to have that opportunity. He could have retired and ignored the abuse of power in DC and the over-the-top influence of many politicians, lobbyists, multi-natl corporate leaders, etc, but he did not. I appreciate his sacrifice and Elizabeth's. They love our country and their supporters realize that. The media has not covered Edwards enough..his speeches, his work at the Poverty Center and his response to Katrina, are just some examples. Tonight was the best demonstration of what John Edwards stands for. I applaud you, Charlie, for shining some light on his vision tonight. As an educator, I agree w. his position on merit pay. As a daughter of a union worker on the NYCPD, I believe in his support of unions. Dad raised six children, had medical benefits and a pension. Workers had dignity then, and it is being ripped away by the bottom-line profiteers & the misguided priorities of this administration. Go John! Of those interviewed so far, your voice resonated loudest with what I believe in. 'Good night and good luck.'
In terms of sanity Senator Edwards a fresh of breath air, philosophically speaking he is the most attractive candidate in this presidential campaign. I predict that Edwards is a keeper and he will go all the way to the end. Everything he says is basic and commonsense, everyone can relate to him easily. A Southerner with such down to Earth personality and feisty as well as combative character will make this presidential race very interesting. Let me quote his best line in my opinion, "get rid off all the nuclear weapons in the world." As the way the world is going we are bound to have a major confrontation not too far ahead with another heavy muscle. The way the world is in this 21st century, many nations are looking for the "weapon of fear" to hind behind. What mankind need is sanity not weapon of fear, rather sanity. The way Senator Edwards framing his thinking makes me believe that he is ahead of his time. I am also surprised he has confirmed his desire as a running mate, Obama. I think this country need to go the direction of peace and reconciliation. Economic reconciliation is one of the most important elements to ensure peace and serenity. I would listen to him talk for hours, he has a very different leadership quality that makes feel he is alright. I also wish Charlie gives his guests the space for themselves to frame their thinking rather than him making ot for them, it is better for the audience to listen to the candidate talk rather than the journalist framing the candidates thinking for the audience to get a precise picture of thier candidate and support the best candidate that represents their ideals.
I enjoyed your very thorough interview of John Edwards last night. He did an excellent job answering. I yet to see or hear any of the Republican candidates being interviewed so pointedly, they've only been give softball questions, never to the serious issue facing America. Not suprisingly, Mr. Edwards has won a nation wide phone poll on NPR:AirAmerica for the last three weeks or better. I object to the news media giving the most air time to Clinton and Obama, saying they are sure to win the nomination. I think that those two are the two that corporation America wants as President so they can continue their march to privatize, sell off,do away with the middle class, etc. The SPIN that the teachers' union is so all powerful is just that SPIN. If the teachers'unions were as powerful as the corporations, we would have the BEST educational system in the world. It is SPIN to destroy America's Public Education. There are so many distressing issues facing the decline and fall of America: health care, education, immigration, securing our borders, restoring the Constitution, holding accountable this administration their 'high crimes and misdemeanors. Need I go on. A VERY CONCERNED AMERICAN CITIZEN Bonnie Egbert
Charlie Rose, Thanks for the interview and thanks for getting it on your website within 24 hours. I believe it is the best interview of a candidate to date.
Up until the airing of this program, I was torn between voting for Clinton or Obama. I have no doubt now that I will vote Edwards. I am a woman of color who has longed desperately to see a woman or black man win the presidency, but Edwards has captivated my heart and spirit. He is the real deal. He is not trying to smooth us over to win an election. This man really wants to take on the status quo and forge ahead with values that the Democratic Party should clearly articulate it really embraces: Global compassion and peace, economic and social equality, promoting the needs of the powerless, and protecting our beautiful earth. Debates with one minute answers do not give enough information to decide on a candidate. The Charlie Rose candidate series goes deep into the issues and the perspectives of the candidates. Thank you for the excellent quality of the show. More importantly, thank you for helping me make what was once an agonizing decision. Hillary or Obama. No, not either. I am with Edwards.
I think edwards said the right things. He is against poverty, abuse of lobbyist and for leadership, etc etc. Plus he confesses he was caught up in the power of the beltway. But he didn't offer any meaningful answers. I am sick of hearing about problems but no specfic solutions. I don't want to feel sorry for him and I don't want a president that is a idealistic attorney. There is no such thing anyway. I don't trust him.
Edwards heart and head are in this to make the best of America and the world. There is no other candidate that can unite people like Edwards for the common cause we must make. I believe he takes nothing for granted about how how hard he needs to work, I think his assessments are spot on and I think he can do the job and get the most people and world leaders together to move forward. He's a winner, a successful American who has overcome adversity; he's intelligent and can take us to success.
What a great interview! John sounded truly presidential. Thanks, Charlie, for providing this forum in what will certainly be an important and historic election.
John Edwards is my candidate, and I was so awed by this interview. Thank you Charlie for proving the platform for this brilliant man to speak for a full hour. This is where a true politician can come into his own. If ever there was a time in our history when we needed a president like John Edwards, it is now.
Thanks for doing these interviews with the candidates. I learned more about John Edwards in this interview than in everything I've seen or heard on television and radio before. I really liked what I saw. Edwards is everything I'm looking for in a candidate - energetic, compassionate, tough, smart, courteous and honest. Unlike the current office holder and most of the other candidates, I believe that John Edwards would really listen to and speak for me as president.
so frustrated last night! the republican demons must have been at work because "something" prevented your show with edwards from being taped! it was all static! wonder if anyone else had this problem? if so, would really like a rebroadcast. thanks, betsy
John Edwards is absolutley correct in his assesment of the corrosive effect of money on the American political process. However as a Populist canidate Edwards harkens back to the time of Post WW2 America which can be claimed to be Americas Golden Age. He also claims that the stage was set for this age of prosperity by FDR and Harry Trumans New Deal progressive programs. What Edwards forgets in his rhetoric is that America really didn't have a great deal of foreign competition after WW2, as much of the industrial capacity of the world was damaged or destroyed by the war. So as much as he would like to restore America to her former greatness,like Humpty Dumpty it will be impossible to restore America to her former economic hegemony in the world as the world has changed. In the final analysis what can be said of Edwards is that he appears to be a straight forward agent of change rather than a cynical Senator from New York who is a calculating manipulator of the political process. While Mr Edwards may not make it to the White House, he certainily is moving the political debate in America to the issues that he sees as being important.
Until tonight I have been torn between Clinton and Obama. But if I had to vote tonight, after Charlie's interview with John Edwards, Edwards would have my vote. While I disagree with a few of his ideas about improving education, I agreed with virtually every other thing he said. Loss is a great teacher; Edwards has experienced it and been distilled by it. There were echoes of Camelot in the air tonight.
Unbelievable! This is the first time I have watcst-worershed a Democrat in many years. Yes! it is true I voted for Socialist-Workers in 1968; but, I was only 21! I have voted Republican ever since I got sober...12/28/1973! (I actually do not remember 1972!)I became an International Field Rep for Valero till Jan.1987, then got an A.A. degree and passed TX exam to be an RN- till Dec.2002, then got on disability due to motorcycle wreck on June 1,2003! I'm going into detail to show that I've been hard-core Republican for the last 8 elections- mainly due to Pro-Life Issue. Now, I'm wondering if I could vote for Edwards, because watching tonite, I was reminded of when I went to see JFK @ Rice University! Simply amazing...go John go...send Hillary home to Arkansas and Barack can go live quietly with the non-militant Muslims, I hope!
Well.. the show was great.. but it seems I left my comment about it on the wrong post.. So lets try again. Prior to tonight my vote was with Hillary.. but I saw something in Edwards I do not see in Hillary. I think she would make a fine president but I think her heart is in the wrong place.. I get the impression her heart is not in the job itself but in winning the job.. to be the first women.. the first husband, wife team.. I see in John Edwards a deep sincere belief in the job of president of the United States and a genuine passion and drive.. I WAS IMPRESSED.. and he has my vote. I think John Edwards deserves the democratic nomination and hope others see this and get involved as well as involve others. Its pretty bad when our elected officals get less votes than an american idol contestant. B
Our trade with China that causes us a deficit and them a huge interest reserve is what has given them a 2 trillion dollar surplus to do all the things they are doing. Everyone is blindsided by the threat that terrorist are going to kill us all...the real threat is going to come in our imported food and goods. Think about what can come in our food. I don't buy anything that I don't know the source, and I will not buy anything from China!
CORRECTION: The show is on WHUT at 11PM tonight (Thursday) in Washington, DC.
I don't get it either --full page ad in the Washington Post today about the Edwards show and nowhere on DC's PBS station schedule tonight (WETA Ch. 26 or WHUT 32) Eric Clapton and Sheryl Crow ARE on. What a relief!
John Edwards is the candidate for change, not just from the ineptness of the republican party but from the status quo that glitzy MSM candidates offer. John speaks truth to power, he will win the democratic nomination.
re the 11/14/2006 interview with John Edwards: Interesting that he says China is focused on their own economic development and the education of their children more than anything else. Does anyone else notice that, at the same time, the cheap products and toys China has been exporting to America and her children are poisoning their brains and nervous systems. Verrrrrrry interesting.