Edwards bashes Bush's stimulus plan

Posted: Monday, January 28, 2008 1:27 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC/NJ's Tricia Miller
CHATTANOOGA, TN -- Edwards used the occasion of President Bush's State of the Union speech tonight to bash 1) his economic stimulus plan and 2) Washington.

"Well, there a couple of things wrong with his stimulus plan," he told an enthusiastic crowd. "Number one, it leaves tens of millions of Americans who most need the help out of this stimulus plan. Second, it does -- it'll take months for it to actually kick in, and as all of you know without me telling you, people are hurting right now. They need help right now."

Edwards then said that the stimulus plan illustrates how Washington is out of touch with ordinary Americans.

The former North Carolina senator began speaking 40 minutes after the rally was scheduled to start. It was held in an IBEW hall, and he noted that his brother is a card-carrying member of the IBEW local in Raleigh, NC. In his speech Edwards also covered education, global warming, trade policy, and withdrawing troops from Iraq.

Edwards, who used to take questions from audience members at almost every event, has not taken questions from audience members since before his first town hall back in South Carolina on January 19. In Chattanooga, he didn't take questions from reporters, either.

From Chattanooga, Edwards flies to Nashville and then Springfield, MO.

*** UPDATE *** Republican National Committee spokesman Alex Conant replies with this statement to Edwards' remarks: “John Edwards’ attacks are nothing more than desperation from a candidate frantically seeking attention. The tax refunds Edwards is so quick to discount may not cover more than a few of his haircuts, but they would be valuable relief for millions of Americans.”

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Comments

Thank goodness at least one candidate is talking about the issues.

Let's not be deceived by Obama's great speeches. Who is his speech writer, anyway?

Maybe that's the change Obama keeps talking about-
if he's president he will give better speeches than Bush.

Wendy PA (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:37 PM)

Who is Edwards?

D Andrews, Charlotte, NC (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:37 PM)

Edwards needs to gracefully withdraw while people still remember who he is.

American Voter (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:40 PM)

When will he face reality and just drop out?

http://www.political-buzz.com/

matt (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:43 PM)

I was at the event in Chattanooga and the crowd loved every minute of his speech. Why would the fact that he was 40 minutes late have any bearing on this report? Why would the fact that he took no audience questions have any bearing on this report? The fact that his schedule is now spread out to many other states I'm sure has shortened his speeches. Has Obama or Clinton ever been late? Get real Tricia.

David, Chattanooga, Tn (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:49 PM)

He was our VP nominee in 2004, the one who advised the Presidential nominee that he had to fight back against the Swift boat smears.

Sam Kaplan, Spring Hill, TN (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:51 PM)

yep he fails to mention what his plan is that will "kickin" faster. Just loose talk from an overpaid lawyer

TruthnMedia (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:51 PM)

Thanks for the negative reviews, because of how much you guys have ignored him by sacrificing america's future to ensure you have high rating and by proxy, higher ad sales, he's trying to be heard by as many people as he can so there isn't much time for questions. Unlike the other democrats and every republican, hes outlined his plans on most issues anyway.

Brett, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:54 PM)

I'm starting to think that alot of these Edwards supporters are going to be voting for Mitt Romney or John McCain in the fall . . .

Nashville_fan (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 1:54 PM)

The one candidate keeping the 2 prima donnas honest. He won't win the nomination, but the nominee will be better prepared because of his presence. that's for sure.

Blaine (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 2:03 PM)

I have heard Edwards speak before and he is genuine in what he says. I haven't any negative thoughts on Obama but I guess there are plenty of people who do. At least the grade point average will go up when this election is over!

K. Hampton, Tyler, TX (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 2:06 PM)

Edwards bashes the plan because it will take too long to implement? How exactly would he propose cutting more than one hundred million checks faster?

I don't like any of the plans because none of them will stimulate the economy - and even if they could, I'm not sure we should. They're political bandaids and an economic non-factors.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 2:07 PM)

I continue to support John Edwards financially because he has led the Democratic field in articulating the issues that are critical in the US at this time. I think that he is the only candidate that understands the economic situation facing the US and the type of reforms that are needed. Highly respected analysts like Paul Krugman continue to point out that Edwards leads on economic issues, and that Obama's plans are not up to par. The economy is the most important issue in this election, and will be the most importanat challenge facing the US after the elecion, and Obama does not seem to understand this. This election is not American Idol, where it is okay to choose the winners based on their audience appeal; this is serious business. The "audacity of hope", the "ready for change" mantras will wear thin and the glory will fade, and the President will be left with the messes that have been building up for decades. I am not poor, and I have good medical insurance, and I have never been disenfranchised in any way, but I see the issues facing the country the same as Edwards, and the solutions that he proposes are in my best interests too. Obama is not a JFK, but even JFK was not really what the post-assassination image would have us believe. Obama is not a Martin Luther King. Like the other candidates, Obama is a politician. He will not be able to overcome the chasms between Republicians and Democrats with his rhetoric. I will continue to support Edwards and encorage him to stay in the race because I have not heard the kind of substantive and well-thought out ideas from Obama that I expect of a Presidential candidate.

Heartlander (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 2:12 PM)

I believe Obama could just as easily speak impromptu, without benefit of a written speech, as he obviously not only has a heart but an exemplary brain as well.

Debby Belcher (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 2:20 PM)

The stimulus package is a SHAM! I won't be getting anything because I make more than $75K. And the type of people getting the rebates - in the lower income levels - wont use the money to make purchases...they'll use them to pay their bills or fill up their cars with gas.

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 2:24 PM)

the next president......??

justanotherdummycrat (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 2:26 PM)

I truly believe that edwards doesn't want the people of the us to have an incentive to spend more to boost the economy. Furthermore I have complete faith in President Bush and fully support him on this plan and hope that supid people dont mess this up

Nick Connors Concord NC (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 2:28 PM)

Edwards is selling his 9 million dollar mansion to pay for 80-90 habitat for humanity homes...jez joking...he's going to need somewhere to cry when he drops out

Rick, WS, NC (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 2:31 PM)

Who is Edwards?

He's that little fellow that continues to come in third, has great hair and has hedge funds that kicks people out of their houses.....

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 2:32 PM)

TO HELL WITH HIM HE SPENDS MORE ON A HAIRCUT THAN I WILL GET HE S REALLY FOR THE UNDERDOG 1200 FOR A FAMILY WILL PAY THEIR GAS FOR A YEAR=40 GALLONS A MONTH=ABOUT 800 MILES A MONTH OR 28 MILES PER DAY=THIS IS THE SECOND TIME BUSH HAS RETURNED OUR MONEY=A DEMOCRAT WOULD FIND A WAY TO STEAL IT

DAVID ANDERS , PHARR, TX. (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 2:43 PM)

Why is he wasting time bashing Bush? Bush is soon to be yesterday's news. He should be bashing Hillary, she is the one who lied on his record at the last minute in SC and she is running against. Oh, wait, I forgot - no one can bash Hillary - or else she shrinks into a shrinking violet and the other person looks like a bully.

Tammy, Tx. (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 2:49 PM)

A DEMOCRAT WOULD FIND A WAY TO STEAL IT

DAVID ANDERS , PHARR, TX. (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 2:43 PM)

Don't forget David, the state and locals are going to want their little piece of that pie as well.......

So that $1200 is more like $600 in some states....

Don't you liberals forget to pay your bills for all those plasma TV's you bought instead of paying the electric bill......

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 2:51 PM)

Last I checked, the Republicans weren't POOR either...Besides, how a person spends the money he/she has earned, be it a politician or private citizen, is no business of the public...... It's the second time alright, at the urging of the Democrats. Think about it.

Tammy, TX (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 2:53 PM)

Is this guy still in the race? Will somebody please shake him and tell him it's down to two candidates and he's not one of them? All due respect but this guy really can't take a hint. I used to like him but now he's just wasting his contributors money and our time.

Larry L (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 2:56 PM)

If any politician, including Edwards and Bush, wants to remain at all relevant and leave any kind of positive legacy before he or she departs from the stage, they could speak up in support of restoring the federal government’s commitment to medical and health research.

Early in his first term, Bush recommended budgets that strengthened research through the National Institutes of Health. However, since then, he has proposed budgets that undercut decades of sustained investment in research which has drastically reduced early deaths from heart disease and stroke and even reduced cancer deaths. In his final State of the Union speech, he can show the nation a renewed commitment to this vital public priority.

There economic stimulus plan now on the table might be of short-term help, but an increase for research funding should be an integral part of our longer-term growth package.

Research ensures our ability to compete in the global marketplace and helps fuel local economies all over the country. Yet for five years, the federal research budget has been flat. When federal funding for research stalls, private research spending ultimately stalls, too, resulting in a downward spiral that costs lives, costs jobs, and deters smart young people from choosing careers in science. We must reverse the current trend.

Research!America, the nation’s largest not-for-profit public education and advocacy alliance working to make research to improve health a higher national priority, has good information and analysis on the impact of federal research support on the economy. www.researchamerica.org

Ira R. Allen, Bethesda, MD (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 3:03 PM)

Edwards may be more and more a long shot candidate but he's still keeping at least a portion of the Democratic contest focused on the endangered middle class. THAT is the issue that will win the White House for the Democrats.

John B, Des Moines, IA (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 3:03 PM)

Edwards again exhibits he is the candidate for all of the people, the voice for mainstream America, yet he continues to be ignored by the press in general who favors focusing on the race vs gender issue. Although Obama and Hillary have followed Edwards lead about'CHANGE' there is still a great difference in the Edwards vision of change. While Hillary talks about reversing course to the 1990s style of politics and Obama focuses on a new direction, the Edwards focus is on a 'NEW DEAL' entirely, a new way of doing business in Washington, a new set of stringent ethical codes for politicians, a new set of trade guidelines that protect American jobs and the competitiveness of home based companies that rely on American workers, a new way of dispersing wealth and prosperity more evenly amongst those who toil to keep America great and fight the wars to preserve our liberty, and a new way of providing health care for all and make the American education system the envy of the world once again. NO, it is not just change that is needed to cure what ails us, it is the Edwards vision of a 'NEW DEAL'!!!!!

Ellis B. Kingman,Az. (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 3:09 PM)

If Bush really wanted to stimulate the economy he would find someone to dramatically lower the cost of gasoline; he could suggest pricing controls; monitoring the overspeculation of the oil markets or finally creating a manhatten project to ensure that America was independent of foreign energy sources within 5 years, not 20. From Repubicans, never will happen as they are happy with the status quo. Want chagne, vote Democratic - a progressive party; not one that wants to ensure petroleum dominance for decades to come.

Thomas, Skokie Il (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 3:25 PM)

If what-his-name has a problem with the stimulus package, he ought to start off on Nancy Pelosi and the House Democrats who agreed to it and said what a great deal it was.

Mike W, CA. (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 3:40 PM)

Debbie "believes" Obama could speak with out the notes written by his white, 20-something speechwriter. Baloney! Look at how he does in debates. He stutters and stammers. MT suit. The trouble with Obamites is they "believe" everything and know nothing.

SN, MN (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 3:44 PM)

Does anyone else here doubt DAVID ANDERS, PHARRRRT, TEXAS does not pay any taxes?

Jerry/corpsu christi texas (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 3:45 PM)

It should be noted that Pelosi didn't stand up and demand that UI benefits be extended as well as more food stamps be given out. If they were, then those people who are needing those benefits can spend the money on food as well as classes to get themselves retrained to do something else. That is something John Edwards should be talking about as well.

S.B.Stein E.B. NJ (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 3:52 PM)

Uncle Larry (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 3:54 PM)

Edwards has been the leader throughout the entire primary season. Edwards came out with an economic stimulus plan in early December. Reporters, McCain, Rudy and Romney laughed at him saying the economy was just dandy. In early January, Obama copied Edwards stimulus plan and the media went crazy calling Obama brilliant. In Feb. of last year, Edwards came up with an universal health care plan that will lower health care costs for every American. Last fall, Hillary Clinton copied Edwards plan and the media called Hillary's plan brilliant. Both Obama and Clinton have also copied Edwards stump speech. Yes Obama gives a good speech but alot of what he says, he copies from other people including Edwards. So how is Obama or Clinton qualified to be President when they have to copy plans from rival candidates and they have to copy parts of their stump speech from a rival? I hope the democrats wise up and nominate the leader and not the followers (Obama and Clinton).

Jane Smtih (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 3:54 PM)

He forgot he was trying to win an election and let barack steal his campaign if barack was white he would be john edwards

kenn (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 4:39 PM)

The linked article below may give some a different perspective on the upcoming election.

http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200712/obama

Todd, New York, NY (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 4:54 PM)

I think Hillary and Edwards are confused...They aren't running against Bush.

Lo in OR (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 6:14 PM)

Congress also supports the rebate, and in fact, they're the ones who have to vote for the plan before Bush could even sign it into law. So it isn't just Bush who's returning the money: it's Bush AND the Democratic Congress. And actually, a lot of Democrats wanted to return even MORE money to the people, but they ended up knuckling under and supporting Bush's less generous plan. Therefore, it's dishonest to say that Bush is the only one returning the money and that the Democrats would want to give less of it back.

LJZ, New York, NY (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 6:26 PM)

We need Edwards as plan B when Clinton and Obama crash and burn after attacking each other too much. Edwards is right to attack the real target, the Bush "legacy" and the Republicans.

nuanced (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 7:15 PM)

if bush didn't support his cronies and their oil riches, we wouldn't need the extra money back in the first place. anders admitted the money would pay for gas! we are funding the worldwide oil scheme!! bush gladly gives money to americans who will pay for his oil blunders!\
ok, let's continue to pay for exxon to make record profits...

mj mccarthy austin texas (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 7:27 PM)

I glad to see the posters from the clinton/obama team are in full spin this afternoon. Edwards must be beginning to like a threat. Pharr, Tx, do you realize that money that is being returned to you is being borrowed, so your kids and grand kids can pay that back at least 3 fold. It's not your money, your money has already been spent and then some on seven years of deceitful governmental policies like out of control pork spending just to name one. In response to your $400 haircut, that was $400 dollars back into the economy probably to a working woman while he was on the campaign trail. Sounds like spreading the wealth to me. Jerry, on the hedge fund issue, John probably uses a broker who was told by bosses to move hedge funds to insure broker's bonuses. He sold some to John as well as i'm sure other wealthy investors, all of them not knowing that those hedge funds were packed full of questionable loans. Investment bankers gave these funds a high rating as well to sweeten the sale. Reits also have investments in hedge funds which can be part of your 401k, so you might have invested in them and never have even known it. But, I realise you two are republicans who probably have more to fear from him than the democrats other two candidates. Your right he is a trial lawyer, and it appears the republicans worst nightmare. Stay with it John!

Joe, Houston (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 7:52 PM)

I attended this rally; my first. I went because I believe Edwards is the champion for the "little guy", and I consider myself to be one. He has money; so what. Many Republicans have money too. Have they championed the causes of the Working Class. NO! Instead they are squeezing us out of our homes. I left this rally confirmed in my belief that John is a Working Class hero. He sets himself apart from Hillary and Obama with his No Compromise With Corporate Greed kick ass stance. He is the best choice for me. I early voted for him today.

Stephen Simpson, Chattanooga, TN (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 8:50 PM)

The Blogs are getting rather vicious.Perhaps it is because of all those "supid" folks Nick of Concord is talking about.

Senior Citizen (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 8:56 PM)

Oooohhhh! Edwards obviously touched a nerve on the republicans. Conant gets personal on the president's and his party's behalf.

President, Republicans, Conant ... the package is weak! Not stimulating, at all. You can't possibly be stimulated and excited about what you will get out of it.

Lawdog90 (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 11:11 PM)

Edwards did not pay 1200 for one haircut. As I understand it, his campaign had his long time barber transported to Edwards, for two haircuts, at $400.00 each. This price included the barber's travelling costs as well as his hair cut fee. Edwards had said he did not know the costs of those cuts.

Anyway, the whole issue is silly. Edwards is indeed wealthy, and he is spendng his life's energy on the noble idea of helping to eliminate poverty for others.

Lura, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Monday, January 28, 2008 11:31 PM)

Obama will never get elected President.It semms like all the young people gather around him but you forget the baby boomers and the senior citizens.Obama has all of the people that worked for President clinton helping him get elected president working for him.He got well known for the book he wrote the Audocity of hope which was full of lies as told by some one who was there.He also has said after being up in Washington scince 2006 that ,he never got into Washington but that he knew it needed a change.How in the hell would he know that if he never got into it.He talks like Bush too, Bush couldn't speak a whole sentence,Obama says a bit and then says aah before he can speek again.He brags about the church he goes to of which is all black and the preacher Reverend Wright speaks only about Africa. he is a muslim but his spokesman said that Obama wasn't a practicing one.The head muslim in the middle East has said that the Muslim will be attacking us from within our own countryScary!!

Dolorees Fleming (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 9:50 AM)

Edwards is correct, The Bush/Pelosi Stimulus Plan leaves out many who need and deserve and is too little, to late. Besides that the plan will have little long term effect, it will be like throwing a drop of gasoline on dying ambers. Many will just use the stimulus ckeck to catch up on back bills and many will use a portion buying Chinese or foriegn made goods. The way to make a stimulus plan have a long term effect is to invest in America, use the money to create jobs repairing American roads, bridges and power generating facilities that are outdated and in disarray. As they say, " Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you will feed him for a lifetime." Do not give us a fish, give us the oppertunity to do for ourselves. Let John Edwards write the plane to stimulate the economy !!!

Ellis B. Kingman, Az. (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 1:09 PM)

The best stimulus plan would be a major tax cut for all indididuals. The government already takes way too much of our money. The real way to stimulate the economy is to let the people who earn the money deciede how to spend it. We need to cut the waste in Washington D.C. and stop the handouts.

Brandon, eugene oregon (Sent Tuesday, January 29, 2008 9:38 PM)

The fact is that this stimulus package is designed to bail out Bush for screwing up the economy to begin with--that is the underlying truth! Dem leaders are merely bailing him out now that he has no other recourse, i guess this will be part of his legacy! Another interesting fact on the tax issue after listening to his LAST SoU speech, bush was touting makin his tax cuts permanent. He reasons that 118 million americans stand to lose $1800.00 per year if not extended. Well this is another one of his half-truths. After doing a little research, 3 million(1%) of of that 118 mil stand to lose $30,000.00 per year, the other 115 million stand to lose $500.00 per year....that averages out to $1800.00 per year. The remaining 182 million americans stand to gain nothing from making his tax cuts permanent. Seems to me the Bush tax cuts may have had a little to economic crisis we have now!!... ;)
BTW - edwards is probably the best choice of the main stream candidates, i just know i won't be voting for the fiscally irresponsible pubes that are responsible for the astronomic(record) deficit that we now have ....ohhh for the good ol' days of budget surplus, does anyone remember them??

Tim Zajac, bolingbrook,il (Sent Wednesday, January 30, 2008 10:12 AM)

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