The Hiller Instinct: One-on-One with John Edwards

Andy Hiller, Manchester, NH
"Senator Edwards, thanks for joining us. Let me start out by saying that I consider you the peace candidate, not the war and peace candidate, but as the person who’s trying to keep peace among the democrats. So my first question is, do you think the tone of the democrats primary campaign, presidential campaign has hurt the party’s chances to win back the White House?"

Sen. John Edwards (D) Presidential Candidate
"It depends on what happens from this day forward. I mean my message has been from the very beginning a positive, upbeat, uplifting message of hope. You know, the politics of what’s possible with specific ideas of bring real change to this country. I think when politicians are talking about each other, sniping at each other, criticizing each other, what voters know is they’re not listening to them. And my focus is not on these guys that I’m running with but the voters because that’s what they want to hear."

Andy Hiller, Manchester, NH
"So the tone won’t hurt if you’re the nominee?"

Sen. John Edwards (D) Presidential Candidate
"It will not"

Andy Hiller, Manchester, NH
"So far we’re not seeing any bounce here from your second-place finish in Iowa. We always look for the Iowa bump. What do you think is happening?"

Sen. John Edwards (D) Presidential Candidate
"I think it just takes time. It takes time for it to get through, that that is what happened in Iowa. What happened in Iowa by the way is instructive about what is possible here. I mean what happened in Iowa in the past week to ten days, this positive message focused on the voters and their lives got through."

Andy Hiller, Manchester, NH
"So you still dream of coming in third here?"

Sen. John Edwards (D) Presidential Candidate
"Oh I don’t predict finishes, that what you guys do."

Andy Hiller, Manchester, NH
"Big debate here tomorrow?"

Sen. John Edwards (D) Presidential Candidate
"Yeah."

Andy Hiller, Manchester, NH
"How big for you?"

Sen. John Edwards (D) Presidential Candidate
"It’s big. It’s big for me, it’s big for everybody because the voters here in New Hampshire will be watching. I enjoy the debates, because it gives us a real chance to express ourselves directly to voters instead of having to go through guys like you."

Andy Hiller, Manchester, NH
"Do you think, speaking of going through guys like me, do you think Howard Dean is stable enough to be president?"

Sen. John Edwards (D) Presidential Candidate
"Oh, I think he is, you know, that’s not my judgement to make, that’s the voters judgement to make."

Andy Hiller, Manchester, NH
"How can you claim to be an outsider when you are inside the U.S. senate?"

Sen. John Edwards (D) Presidential Candidate
"Because this is the reality, I spent most of my life outside of the senate, outside of politics in the real world, fighting battles, winning those battles. I’ve been in Washing long enough to know what’s wrong with it. I know what needs to be changed and I also know enogh about the way the congress operates to know how to bring about that change."

Andy Hiller, Manchester, NH
"If you don’t get the nomination would you agree, accept an offer to run for vice president?

Sen. John Edwards (D) Presidential Candidate
"No."

Andy Hiller, Manchester, NH
"Last question, and remember senator, we are in New Hampshire, who do you want to win the Super Bowl?"

Sen. John Edwards (D) Presidential Candidate
"Oh, you told me you weren’t going to ask that question?"

Andy Hiller, Manchester, NH
"No sir I told you I wouldn’t tell you the question. That’s what the tape will show and you’re a lawyer."

Sen. John Edwards (D) Presidential Candidate
"I’m for Carolina for the Panthers."

Andy Hiller, Manchester, NH
"You are?"

Sen. John Edwards (D) Presidential Candidate
"Yes, I am… At some point you have to stop being a politician and tell the truth and this is the truth, I’m for the Panthers."

Andy Hiller, Manchester, NH
"Sir, I don’t speak for our audience, but I admire you for taking this stand and I hope you’re wrong. Thanks again."

No matter where Senator Edwards finishes next Tuesday, well, virtually no matter where, he's guaranteed a ticket out of New Hampshire. His second-place finish in Iowa is his reservation. So we'll be seeing the senator in South Carolina and, he hopes, well beyond.