Edwards Distances Himself from Clinton, Says Giuliani Will “Never Be Elected”

In an effort to bolster his argument that terrorism is on the rise, Edwards cited a resurgent Taliban and the growing presence of Al Qaeda in the Middle East and Europe. The former Senator says the Bush Administration’s mismanagement of the war in Iraq and neglect of Afghanistan has turned both nations into breeding grounds for terrorists.

"There’s been a 29 percent increase in worldwide terrorism from 2005 to 2006 according the Bush Administration’s own State Department,"  Edwards said.  "The number of deaths due to terrorism has climbed 40 percent."

"Today we have more terrorists and fewer allies," Edwards repeated twice.

Edwards said as Commander in Chief, he would strengthen the military, get advice from top military leaders instead of having it "filtered" through civilian leaders.

Referring to the Republican presidential candidates, Edwards said they seem to want to "one up each other, each trying to become a bigger, badder George Bush," Edwards said.  "They want to become George Bush on steroids."

Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani has criticized Edwards for calling President Bush’s global war on terror a "bumper sticker slogan."

When asked about Giuliani’s criticism, Edwards shot back saying, "If Mayor Giuliani believes what President Bush has done is good and wants to embrace it..  then he’s allowed to do that," Edwards said.  "He’ll never be elected President of the United States.  I think America is looking for something different."

The Giuliani camp responded to Edwards’ criticism Thursday. "John Edwards’ track record of predicting election outcomes speaks for itself. We are glad to see Rudy’s criticism of the democrats not "getting" the terrorists’ war on us is starting to register with them," spokewoman Katie Levinson said in a statement.