Edwards on Reporter’s Access: ‘My Campaign Is Open and Transparent’

Raelyn Johnson reports: For the reporters covering John Edwards’ presidential bid, driving around a snow covered Iowa may be an issue, finding a hotel room when all of the candidates have descended upon Des Moines may be in an issue — but access to the former senator isn’t one.

Edwards holds several press availabilities a day and staffers often survey reporters to see if they have a need for additional press time.

Today during the second press avail of the day in Algona, Iowa, I asked Edwards why he gives reporters so much access to him, as it was recently revealed in The Washington Post that the campaigns of his top rivals are giving reporters more limited access.

“My campaign is open and transparent,” said Edwards to a group of reporters. “If you want to be president of the United States, you ought to be willing to answer not just voters’ questions but the questions from hardened cynics like all of you.”