by Rick Pearson
DES MOINES—The foreign media have descended on Iowa, using last night's state Democratic Party's Jefferson Jackson fundraising dinner as a springboard to crop up at the events being held by the presidential contenders.
But John Edwards delivered perhaps the most brutally honest response to a foreign reporter today when questioned after an event at the Iowa Historical Building, where he delivered a speech calling the reform of Washington a great "moral test" for Americans.
A reporter from German television asked the former North Carolina senator what he would do about "trans-Atlantic relationships."
"How many voters over there in Germany?" Edwards asked, using the question as his key to end a question-and-answer session from reporters.
Traditionally, presidential contenders have shunned much of the international media for the same reason. They see little reason to engage with foreign journalists figuring there isn't much political bang for the buck.
During Vice President Al Gore's 2000 bid for the White House, foreign television reporters regularly pleaded for an opportunity to sit down and interview the candidate but their requests were ignored.
Earlier today, in the back-and-forth with reporters, Edwards did field a couple of questions from an Irish television reporter, whom he complemented on her accent.
After responding to why he should not be viewed as a "corporate" candidate, Edwards appeared caught short when the reporter asked, "Do you find it’s a bit of a disadvantage in this campaign not being a woman?"
Laughing at the inquiry, all Edwards could say was, "No, I don't. You know for 54 years I haven't been a woman."
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Comments
How many candidates for Chancellor of Germany take the time to do an interview with an American newspaper?
Darn few.
So why should anyone be surprised that American candidates act the same way?
Posted by: Bruce | November 11, 2007 3:02 PM
DES MOINES—The foreign media have descended on Iowa, using last night's state Democratic Party's Jefferson Jackson fundraising dinner as a springboard to crop up at the events being held by the presidential contenders.
Wingnut Rudy Julieannie doesn't care about them there "fore-ners" in the media because like his Neocon hero Dick Cheney, he'd rather blow up their countries than talk to them:
http://www.thecarpetbaggerreport.com/archives/13262.html
Leave it to another Republican (George W. Bush 2000: I don't believe in Nation building) to base his whole 2008 campaign strategy on lies about what he did before, during and after 9/11.
http://www.villagevoice.com/news/0732,barrett,77463,6.html
Posted by: The Smirking Chimp | November 11, 2007 3:40 PM
other countries have public hangings does it we should too bruce? lord, why does it hurt so much to field a few questions. especially since you don't care for the UN ICC IAEA but you want to police the world. seems to me a few questions won't hurt from the to be leader of "the free world." and especially since it would show some diplomatic tact answering questions without hurting your reputation. "How many voters over there in Germany?" how many German Americans make up the American community in the US? how many are on vacation in Germany but will be here in time to elect your snubby but? how many still read the native German papers? what arrogance.
Posted by: oh joy | November 11, 2007 6:48 PM
But John Edwards delivered perhaps the most brutally honest response to a foreign reporter today when questioned after an event at the Iowa Historical Building, where he delivered a speech calling the reform of Washington a great "moral test" for Americans.
Better ask Dick Cheney for permission.
Posted by: Alberto G | November 11, 2007 7:48 PM
"Laughing at the inquiry, all Edwards could say was, 'No, I don't. You know for 54 years I haven't been a woman.'"
And before that?
Posted by: John W. | November 13, 2007 3:28 AM