Why I support Edwards over Obama

Both John Edwards and Barack Obama would, in my view, make fine presidents. Both stand a good chance of beating the Republican nominee, although, to judge from the polls, Edwards has the tactical edge. Obama first came to my attention when he spoke at the 2004 Democratic convention, at which time he spoke stirringly about the need to bury partisan rancor. "We are the UNITED States of America!" he bellowed -- to great applause.

But.

He said these non-partisan words at a partisan event, a dichotomy which, at the time, struck me as odd. The Republicans did not exactly return the sentiment when they had their own convention.

Obama's cry for unity could thus be taken as a willingness to surrender. I said "surrender," not compromise: Politics is compromise, especially when differing parties control the White House and Congress. But if the Democrats achieve control of both branches, surrender cannot be an option. And we cannot allow a spirit of cross-party unity to inhabit the White House during the brief period (it will be brief, if history is any indication) of Democratic party control.

We need to take irreversible steps toward socialized health insurance, although we cannot use that term. Neither the Republicans nor the insurance industry have anything helpful to say on that matter.

Here's Paul Krugman on Edwards:

The argument began during the Democratic debate, when the moderator — Carolyn Washburn, the editor of The Des Moines Register — suggested that Mr. Edwards shouldn’t be so harsh on the wealthy and special interests, because “the same groups are often responsible for getting things done in Washington.”

Mr. Edwards replied, “Some people argue that we’re going to sit at a table with these people and they’re going to voluntarily give their power away. I think it is a complete fantasy; it will never happen.”

This was pretty clearly a swipe at Mr. Obama, who has repeatedly said that health reform should be negotiated at a “big table” that would include insurance companies and drug companies.

Obama is a good man, a smart man, and an inspiring speaker. If he wins the nomination, I will proudly vote for him. But we need someone in the office who understands the nature of the enemy -- who is willing to admit that there is an enemy, and to treat the foe as the foe has treated us. Without apology.