According to CalPundit, John Edwards, in an act of sheer desperation, has determined that he would rather have some short term headlines rather than be considered a serious leader:
In a conference call with reporters, Edwards said that Bush’s policy there had failed and that he would oppose the aid request to pressure Bush to change course.
….Edwards said he did not want the United States to withdraw from Iraq, but believed that a congressional vote denying Bush the funds would compel the administration to develop a new reconstruction plan that provided a larger role to the United Nations and ensured that the rebuilding “will not be exploited as a means to give sweetheart deals to [the president’s] friends.”
For the record, Oliver- stating “that Bush’s policy there had failed” is not only politicizing the situation in Iraq, but an abject lie. The 87 billion requested includes 20 billion for the reconstruction of Iraq, and 67 billion for military needs, all to continue to finish the job that EDWARDS himself voted to start.
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Howard Dean also has said that he would vote against this money. I am not suprised that at least one of the senators are trying to stay with him – just to see if they gain any traction.
I am more interested in seeing how Kerry and Gephardt vote (I think Lieberman will support it). And how they spin their vote…