With a deadheat in the Democratic race for the nomination in Nevada, Edwards, Clinton and Obama took the stage for the final debate before the Nevada Caucus. John Edwards' clearly delivered the most comprehensive answers at this evening's MSNBC Nevada Debate.
In fact, a focus group of Undecided Nevada Voters, declared Edwards the winner:
Edwards Declared the Winner by a Focus Group of Undecided Nevada Voters. On Fox News, Frank Luntz’ focus group from Las Vegas of thirty undecided Nevada Democrats declared Edwards the winner.
Luntz:
"How many of you thought John Edwards won?" [1/2 crowd raises hand]
"How many of you came in supporting Senator Edwards?" [About 3 people raise hand]
"On issue after issue, we’re going to show this to you tomorrow night, his language actually scored better than Senator Clinton and Senator Obama."
Fox News
Benefits for Veterans
One of the most substantial answers of the evening, was Edwards' remarks on benefits for veterans:
Iraq
On Iraq, Edwards "seized an opportunity" by distinguishing his plan to end the war from Hillary's by pointing out that he will not continue combat troops, whereas she will. In a somewhat heated exchange, Edwards made the case that his plan to end the war in Iraq, is the most aggressive.
Edwards seizes an opening
The front-runners’ determination to bury the hatchet gave Edwards an opening to further raise his profile after stronger-than-expected showings in the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary.
When Russert turned the discussion to the war in Iraq, Edwards noted that Obama and Clinton were voicing similar ideas about when and how to pull U.S. troops out of combat. He said his commitment to a U.S. withdrawal was stronger.
"I think there are real differences here, and they’re not subtle," Edwards said, vowing to "have all combat troops out in the first year that I’m president of the United States."
"I will end combat missions," he said. "And while I'm president, there will be no permanent military bases in Iraq."
While Clinton and Obama objected that their positions were largely the same as Edwards’, the exchange allowed him to go on the offensive and steal some of the intense focus from the front-runners.
Likewise, when taking his chance to question his rivals, Edwards pointedly mentioned the huge sums of money both Clinton and Obama have raised from drug and insurance companies, asking, "Do you think these people expect something, or are they just interested in good government?"
Nuclear Power
Edwards also differentiated his stands from the other candidates by explaining how he is the only candidate, of the three, who opposes Nuclear Power. While Hillary and Obama both agreed there is no safe way to dispose of nuclear waste, neither were able to say they do not support Nuclear Power. Clearly, Edwards holds the most progressive stand on this issue.
By contrast, both Clinton and Obama, believe that nuclear power should be part of our energy plan. It should be noted that one of Obama's top donors is the Nuclear Giant Exelon.
Reno Gazette-Journal’s Anjeanette Damon
Edwards Steeled His Credentials "By Pointing Out He Is the Only Candidate to Explicitly Oppose the Construction of New Nuclear Power Plants." When "the inevitable Yucca Mountain question is broached...Edwards attempted to steel his credentials by pointing out he is the only candidate to explicitly oppose the construction of new nuclear power plants."
Economy
On the economy and solutions to lift up the poor and strengthen the middle class, Edwards again, led with his answers regarding his detailed, bold plans.
NBC's Chuck Todd
"Head vs. gut on first economic answer...Edwards made the answer personal and talked about people; Clinton talked about the problem in more technical terms." 9:45: "Watching both Edwards and Clinton handle this first economic question really shows the difference in their personalities. Edwards made the answer personal and talked about people; Clinton talked about the problem in more technical terms. A head vs gut answer; both campaigns are probably pleased with the contrast."
Watch here:
Lifting up the Poor and Strengthening the Middle Class
http://www.youtube.com/...
Money and Politics
Each candidate was allowed to ask another candidate a question. Senator Edwards directed his answer to Obama asking him about money and politics. something Edwards certainly "finds his voice" on.
ABC’s Rick Klein
"Edwards finds his voice when he talks about money in politics -- it's effective stuff." "Edwards finds his voice when he talks about money in politics -- it's effective stuff, to a point."
Greatest Strength
Only two somewhat personal questions were posed tonight to the candidates, one of which was "What is your Greatest Strength?"
Check out John Edwards' answer here:
John Edwards is a fighter. He understands that it takes more than just hope to bring about transformational change, it will take a fight to restore our democracy. He has the "heart and guts" to make it happen.