CNN

To heck with the "top tier" – the second tier is where it's at, and I blame the media for not recognizing that all the experience, wisdom, and integrity is in the SECOND TIER. JOE BIDEN has more experience that Hillary, Edwards, and Obama put together, and his integrity is unimaginable.

After 35 years of serving in the senate (HE did not USE the position as a mere stepping stone to the presidency as the top tier all did), he is still the second poorest senator. That's because he does not take money for votes – he owes no one a favor. When he first ran for senate, he got money from a group and gave it back when he realized they were doing so because they wanted him to support them when he won. Joe Biden is not bought! He made a promise early on to a constituent that he would not buy stock so that it woudn't effect his vote. This man's friends are not of the wealthy or of Hollywood; they are like you and me. Is it any wonder his campaign doesn't have much money?

What kind of country do we have when we cannot all support someone who is the person we always wanted of a president? He has been the senator who supports the common person. He is already the leader who is respected by both parties and by international leaders with whom he already has personal relationships with. He has proven records on both foreign policy and domestic issues.

SHAME on the media for not putting this guy out in front! And shame on the people for not taking their responsibility to choose the right person seriously enough to CREATE a level playing field themselves!

I have met every Democratic candidate (and a couple of the Republicans) many many times. NO ONE comes close to JOE BIDEN!

I think Obama is a little upset that he is going to end up as VP to Edwards' Presidency...Edwards/Obama 08!

Media coverage for Obama has been overwhelmingly positive much manufactured by reporters, but fails to inspire, suggested divisiveness in Washington stems from struggle of 1960s. that’s naïve. national crisis when Americans come together, politics has always been a divisive affair. Obama Has Not Won a Tough Contest, his ability to win in a difficult contest is reason for concern. Republicans will eat him alive ask John Kerry, Al Gore, or Michael Dukakis. Obama can't hope for change; you must fight for it. His first opponent, Jim Ryan, pulled out of the contest following the release of details from divorce. Obama has only faced ONE difficult battle for Congress against Rep. Bobby Rush. receiving only 30% and lost. Obama's inexperience hurt him.

His speech opposing Iraq war "I am not opposed to all wars. I'm opposed to dumb wars. War protesters have not been able to count on him, during his ballyhooed speech at the 04 Dem convention; he failed to decry the war, followed form and strongly supported John Kerry. When asked how he would have voted on Iraq resolution, don’t know said Obama. Since arriving in the Senate, Obama and Clinton have had identical votes on Iraq. His health plan, lacks a universal mandate, echoing his conservative peers, insists Social Security is crisis that needs immediate attention, not true, Social Security Trust Fund would run out 2046.

Obama Takes Black Voters for Granted, when a controversy erupted over the Jena Six. Obama chose not to take up the mantle of past civil rights leaders by not joining the Jena Six protest, Jesse Jackson (Obama supporter) said he's acting like he's white. Was a unique moment for Obama to show support for the black community, but didnt. Now he must explain to Democratic voters why he doesn't want to continue the fights of the 1960s - included battles over civil rights, the antiwar movement, expansion of Social Security and expanding health care (Medicare). This is not the time for obama

My goodness, people – haven't the last 7 years taught us the dangers of having an inexperienced president?

Remember when we all rationalized the bad choice by saying, "Well, at least he's surrounded by experienced advisors."? Yeah – that worked out swell, didn't it?

I have nothing personal against Sen. Obama – but it's not his time yet. Let him gain some experience in the Senate for 8 years, and we'll see where we're at in 2016, after President Edwards' two terms.

Wow, that is what edwards got from obama after edwards paid his compliment to obama about his policies. Back stabber!

Guess edwards wont be obama's running mate if he gets nominated.

CNN: "Obama Jabs Edwards"

Same story reported by NY Times:

"New York Times: Obama and Edwards Engage, Gently, on Special Interests

Senator Barack Obama and former Senator John Edwards, two Democratic presidential candidates courting many of the same undecided Iowa voters, added to their efforts Monday to distinguish between each other on the issue of reducing special-interest influence in Washington."

I think NY Times got it right. CNN, instead of creating this ridiculous story about negative politics, just report the facts. Thanks.

What can you expect to Obama? All I have seen so far is trying to undermine every candidate that he can think of. Why? it is so simple. Obama knows his own qualifications. Obama knows he does not have the experience and knowledge to run this country as president. I could understand Obama to be very ambitious. It is not bad to aim very high but Obama needs to know that we are not in showbiz. To be President is a very critical and serious position. The lives of the American people are at stake. An experienced and knowlegeable candidate is needed to run our country, that on the first day, could run the country in usual business. The candidate so by far has that is Hillary Clinton.

We don't need a celebrity to vote for President. We are not here to vote to become a celebrity. Obma will continue to use other candidates to hide his less qualifications to be President of the United States. I am a democrat and I love democrats. I am not against of the democrat candidates, but I am here to vote for the candidate ready to roll on the first day of job in the White House.

Congress is a mess, and has been under the thumb of Repulicans for nearly two decades!! I really don't think you can blame John Edwards individually, when some compromise needed to be done for the greater good. He also left that mess in Congrees to pursue a position where he could truly change the paradigm in Washington–as President.

Can the American people honestly say that any legislation over the past 10 years or more has "really" had the best interests of the American people in mind?

More "Hillarylike spam directly from Mr. Obama's ("lets keep it clean")lips. I am amazed Mr. Clean Cut (almost white) Obama allowed himself such indulgence.

I remind you sir, congressional records are public and you can get quite a bit of info. there–including your convenient absences from votes on nearly every piece controversial legislation!!! Yep–commitment shows on the record–both ways!!

We'd love to be able to study Obama's Senate record. The problem is, his voting record, expecially with major matters, makes it hard to do so. I would suggest that until he can make it to work and make it to Senate votes on a regular basis, he really needs to stop bashing the vothing records of others.

hmmmm....I'm afraid your record is as bad, Obumble.

The only real difference is you chose not to show up to conduct business.

As an example: you're out here on the 'campaign trail' instead of being where you promised to be...assisting Sen. Dodd in Washington with a noble effort that could benefit the American people far more than the hot air you're expelling can do.

Just another committment you've failed to perform.

What do you know, the true color of Senator Obama is finally coming out of the closet. He is another type of Pres. Bush waiting to happen. We can't afford another disaster in American politics or go down deeper and lose respect from around the world. Wake up America – Voting for Sen. Obama is staying the course that Pres. Bush is currently taking only the Senator has less experience both domestiscally and internationally. Sen. Obama is like a suicide note and a tragedy waiting to happen. Let's not go back to Pres. Bush era, let's move forward and elect a President who has the most experienced and who can lead America to the 22nd Century.

At least Edwards has some record to jab at. Obama needs more than just a fresh face and celebrity endorsement to be taken seriously by more than the starstruck teenybopper crowd. It's called EXPERIENCE. Call us when you have some.

Allan, why is she the best candidate? And don't say she is the most experienced. That is a load of crap. Only Edwards has less experience than Hillary. And to anonymous who wants to see Obama's records...we asked Hillary first. Show us yours and we'll show you ours. Obama has already said though that most records he kept as a state senator are gone. He didn't know there was an Official National Barack Obama State Senator Library...

I, for one, believe that BOTH Barack Obama and John Edwards are very good men and not the typical politicians!
I'm an Obama supporter and proud of it, but admire John Edwards.
As far as HRC being the only candidate that can beat the republicans--HOGWASH!

Unbelievable!

Senator Obama, who has been in the U.S. Senate for less than a year; and voted less than half the time is going to give someone else grief over their record?

This man, Senator Obama, is an empty shirt. He is the least qualified of all the candidates to be President. And he is certainly not qualified to pass judgement on anyone elses Senate record.

What gall! I look forward to February 5th when we can bid Senator Obama farewell.

Pity the poor folks of Illinois that are stuck with him for the next five years.

hey I'm geting to like John Edwards better all the time if you fight lobbyist and special interests you fight for working people obana get in touch clinton or edwards 08

HILLARYLOVER:

'At least Hillary doesn't lie to us about where her money comes from'.

Haha! Wow. That's the best line I have heard today- and the Clintons are born liars. Her money has come from more dark places on this planet than Dubyas! Her donors are comprised of pardoned former felons, Chinese lobbyists, etc.

Vote Obama. Enough of the Bushes and the Clintons.

By Susan Page, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — Democratic voters increasingly are focused on nominating the most electable presidential candidate, a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds, and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama fares better than New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton against prospective Republican rivals.

HILLARYLOVER NY NY :

hear, hear.

Obama is so full of juice himself. Why didn't he vote to cap credit card interest rates at 30%? Credit card companies can't make a living if they can't charge 55% or something? Why not let credit card companies eat their cake if they can't figure out who to extend credit instead of just sticking them with crazy interest rates and not allowing them to renege on them via bankruptcy.

Speaking of bankruptcy, Obama pooh poohs Paul Wellstone's efforts to have tried to stop the current bankruptcy bill which does not allow individuals to shed their pre-bankruptcy filing debts (e.g. the crazy credit card loans with 55% interest rates).

And one more thing for the Senator, he supports the Hamilton Project which was funded by the head of Citigroup, you know that behemoth of corporate interest. What kind of poor man's advocate is he?

That's the kind of politician he is. A liar like many of his brethren. He can talk the talk. But he knows he can't walk the walk in DC. There are too many opposing forces.

All you Obama supporters who decry negative attacks except when your guy is doing it (in which case it becomes just highlighting differences) get a clue somewhere.

For all you political junkies out there! Edwards started this round of sparring first. Obama responded appropriately. First off you have to look all the Congressional presidential candidates voting records in a window that encompasses when they first announced their bid for presidency till they ended their bid for presidency (or VP).

So when Obama got into the Senate (all those many years ago?) he saw a lot of back-scratching from Lobbyists??? And he thinks that's going to change???

Guess he's back to smoking reefer again because he's having delusions of grandeur.

I don't understand this, so if you don't take any money from PAC's or special interest you will be what? more open to be againts them? is that what this is about? don't you all know that laws are passed by congress and ratified by the president? there are check and balances people! these two are grasping, I particularly like Biden a lot, but his numbers are not rising, and he himself seems to like Sen. Clinton so I beleive I will vote for her.

Now we know what Obama is all about. Win at any cost. GO Biden.

I know the media really likes to paint things as sharp back-and-forths, but this is pretty tame on both sides. Edwards and Obama have nothing on Hillary when it comes to attacks. I've never seen Edwards or Obama attacking anyone for kindergarten essays...

2 -QUACKERS HERE!! CAN THEY EVEN CHANGE A LIGHT BULB OR RUN THE COUNTRY? ANSWER–NO!!!!!!!!!!!

Obama jabs, its ok. But Edward jabs its negative. Cmon obama fans, give me a break. You are no different than the rest of politicians. Vote Hillary. She's the best person for President. Obama and Edwards supporters, dont kid yourselves.

when did stating differences become synonymous with "going negative"?? if all candidates where exactly the same, then i guess we could randomnly pick one and be at peace with that choice. At ease people...he should "take a jab" and the other candidates and vice versa...

Why do people think pointing out policy differences and approaches as negative? It is not!

What is negative is PERSONAL ATTACKS – calling people dishonest, corrupt....

John Edwards Voting record speaks for itself no one has to jab at him, He full of crap!!!!!!!! Plus the 400.00 Dollar Haircuts , Lets get real . This guy a done a 360 since 2004 so Please Barak needs to call him out, all he is doing is blowing his VP Chance. PS HE CANT EVEN WIN HIS OWN STATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Doing something about lobbyists is the responsible of the Congress, not that of the President. Those who want to do battle with the lobbyists should probably run for Congress because that is where the decisions will be made and put into law.

Fighting the Corporate intersts as a lawyer should not be considered the same as dealing with Lobbyists while being President. It is a different ball game.

Maybe Edwards was at least there to vote. Obama tends to be too tardy to cast many votes. Just a hunch as I haven't looked up Edwards' attendance records.

It would be so wonderfull to see Obama and Huckabee get their parties nominations. America has become so cynical about our political systen because for the last two decades only the very rich and connected could even think about being president. How refreshing it would be to see an African American run against a Humble man of modest means. To me it would mean nothing less than the restoration of American democracy.

"Why is Obama going negative? He is no different from Clinton in tactics.

Posted By Tim, Richmond, VA : December 17, 2007 7:00 pm"

This not going negative, that's differentiating.

Its fair to say both men have laudable records in fighting special interests. But Mr. Obama NEEDS to punch back if not, you're knocked out in politics. You cant just be a nice guy. In the words of Bill Clinton, politics is a contact sport. They're both good men.

Birds like worms. With that being said, I will be directing all birds to flawk to Washington to enjoy the feasting that Obama will reveal, as he becomes the first Democratic President that will represent all the people of the nation fairly, sharing the can of worms. Hmmmm cant wait!

Stating the truth is not going negative.
Senator Obama is simply comparing his record to Senator Edwards' record. I do not see this as a personal attack.

Also, Senator Obama and Senator Coburn, recently sponsored and passed a key piece of legislation in regards to earmarks.

Wake UP, America...We cannot afford to make another mistake – good grief, have the past 7+ years taught us nothing.

John Edwards is THE ONLY ONE who can beat the republicans...Is that not what we all want????? Hillary cannot win, Obama cannot win...EDWARDS CAN AND WILL. Not only that, his coat tails will be strong enough to help us up and down the ticket – can't say that for the others, that's for sure.

Wake UP and support Edwards! GO JOHN GO!

This article made me fall asleep.

I'm still trying to figure out how both of them can say with a straight face they don't take money from corporations or lobbyists or PAC's when the informational breakdown of where their campaign money comes from is widely available on the internet.

I was surprised at the millions of dollars they both take from lobbyists. They try and nuance the issue and say they don't take "Washington" lobbyist money but will readily take it from the registered "Washington" lobbyists' employees or from a local lobbyist affiliated with the "Washington" lobbyist. At least Hillary doesn't lie to us about where her money comes from.

HILLARY 2008 AND BEYOND!

Obama should look at his record first before taking a jab on Edwards. He could barely cast US senate votes and where's his illinois state senate records? Where's his results? Most of his speeches are empty. Can't just charm his way to the white house. Obama needs to show his records.

Why is Obama going negative? He is no different from Clinton in tactics.

CNN stop your biased reporting. Obama is not taking jabs at Edwards he is simply calling out the differences by actions. As soon as Obama got to the Senate before even thinking abut running for Presidency, he passed the reform law with a bi-partisan vote.

How awesome is that the Senate had to bow to a new kid on the block to do the right thing. This action by Obama makes me take him at his word that once he becomes POTUS all hell will break loose in D.C because he will change a lot of things and Americans will see how corrupt the BUSHES/CLINTONS and other members of congress have been.

Vote Obama, Edwards didn't change ethics or propose it while he was a senator. Please America vote Obama and be warned to get ready for the can of worms that his administration will reveal to bring us back to decency.

Obama is the real deal. Who is afraid of real change? Obama has nothing to lose and America will thank God he is President.

Whatever happened to Obama's promise that he would not engage in politics of slash and burn!! He is an opportunist and a wolf pretending to be a sheep.

Both men are inexperienced to be president. Obama only has two years in the Senate and Edwards couldnt even get re-elected. If the central theme of the campaign is experience than the only people on the Democratic side that is experienced enough to hold office is Dodd, Biden, and Richardson. Likewise for the Republicans it would only be Romney, McCain, and Paul.

I personally have received two snail mail letters from the Edwards camp speaking against Obama in the last month. Pretty sneaky. Edwards then started criticizing Obama at the Des Moines debate without actually calling him out. As a result, I do not trust Edwards. I agree with Obama. Compare the Senate votes of Edwards with Obama's. And then thank Edwards for voting to authorize the Iraq war.

It should be stated in all fairness that Edwards jabbed Obama first about not "really being against special interests."