Clinton and Obama Duel Before Iowa Democrats

[babylonsister]

I went to bed before either speech so I don't know how accurate this article might be.

Clinton and Obama Duel Before Iowa Democrats
Paul Sancya/Associated Press


By ADAM NAGOURNEY and JEFF ZELENY
Published: November 11, 2007

DES MOINES, Nov. 11 — In back-to-back speeches Saturday before thousands of Iowa Democrats, Senator Barack Obama pointedly suggested that Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton was running a “poll-driven campaign” out of fear of what Republicans might say about her in a general election.

Mrs. Clinton suggested that Mr. Obama did not have the credentials or the experience to bring about the change he was promising.

The dueling exchange between the two presidential contenders offered an intense conclusion to a Democratic dinner here, nearly eclipsing a long night of speeches by other presidential candidates that focused largely on attacking President Bush and the Republicans seeking to succeed him.

“I watch the Republican candidates — Giuliani, Romney, McCain — and I what I see is George Bush on steroids,” said John Edwards of North Carolina, who has been waging a strong campaign in this state, whose caucuses begin the nominating contest on Jan. 3.

Neither Mrs. Clinton nor Mr. Obama mentioned the other by name. But given the recent tenor of the campaign, the subtext of their remarks was apparent to thousands of Iowans who either sat in rapt attention or responded in extravagantly orchestrated displays of cheers, signs and chants, in keeping with the tradition of the annual Jefferson Jackson dinner here.

“Not answering questions because we’re afraid our answers won’t be popular just won’t do it,” Mr. Obama declared. “Triangulating and poll-driven positions because we’re worried about what Mitt or Rudy might say about us just won’t do it.”

“If we are really serious about winning this election, Democrats, then we can’t live in fear of losing,” he said. Mr. Obama, an Illinois Democrat, said the party succeeded if it led “not by polls but by principle, not by calculation but by conviction.”

more...

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/11/us/politics/11cnd-dems.html?hp

[MethuenProgressive]

1. "Edwards, who spoke first, quietly left the hall and did not return"

Reflecting the tradition of this dinner, the candidates sat in the audience to be available at the end of the night, when they returned to the stage in a display of unity with Democratic leaders and the master of ceremonies, Nancy Pelosi, the House speaker.

That meant Mrs. Clinton was in Mr. Edwards’s line of sight when, addressing Iowa voters, he offered what appeared to be a rebuke of her campaign. “You’re in a place to judge who is trustworthy, who is honest, who is sincere, who can restore that trust relationship,” said Mr. Edwards, who spoke first, quietly left the hall and did not return until the end of the night.

Perhaps he was checking the insta-polling, or visiting hair and makeup?
I'd hate to think he did it out of fear or disrespect.

[Inspired]

2. You entertain the idea that he did it out of fear?

Your comments about Edwards are immature.

He has nothing to fear. He has already faced the worst that life has to offer.

This election pales in comparison. He certainly doesn't fear Hillary Clinton.

[Stuckinthebush]

3. Don't do that

"...visiting hair and makeup?"

That's beneath you or anyone on a progressive message board.