In doing this diary, my intent is not to create a flame war about Obama. Rather, it is to point out that there are some very large differences in how Senator Edwards and Senator Obama are dealing with the serious issues facing this country. Approaches that warrant our close attention, especially for those who remain undecided about whom they will support for the Democratic nomination.
While reading Taylor Marsh's post on the differences between Edwards and Obama it struck me that these are legitimate issues to discuss.
In his interview with the Union Leader, Edwards calls on Bush to accept a withdrawal of troops from Iraq. Conversely, Obama laid out what the Dem's strategy should be if Bush doesn't accept withdrawal. Most thinking people know better than to hand feed your strategy to the opposition!
Further, there is the health care issue. Edwards has a plan. Obama doesn't.
To quote Taylor Marsh:
The differences between Edwards and Obama are real. Again, see the quotes above. Edwards says what he means straight out. Obama is triangulating. It's Mr. Bush who is not funding the troops if he vetoes this bill. But in the end, no matter what develops, the point is that you never tip your strategic hand to your adversary, not ever. Edwards knows this instinctually. Mr. Obama obviously does not. Watch for a serious bit of backtracking on Obama very soon, because his comments the last couple of days have hurt him. However, he can certainly learn. He can start by reading what Edwards said yesterday and finding his own way to deliver a message that goes beyond self-serving triangulation. Edwards can show him the way.
These are real issues, and they're serious. This isn't a popularity contest, we need to weigh these issues carefully as we head further into the primary season.