Edwards Says His Vote on Iraq Was Wrong

The Associated Press

Thursday 17 August 2006

Former Sen. John Edwards said Thursday he made a mistake in 2002 when he voted to authorize President Bush to attack Iraq.

Edwards was the keynote speaker at a rally with Greenwich businessman Ned Lamont, the Democrat who defeated U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman in last week's primary. Edwards said Thursday he also believes the U.S. needs to withdraw its troops from the war-torn country.

"I voted for this war. I was wrong," Edwards, of North Carolina, told a crowd of about 300 people gathered outside the Yale University School of Medicine. "I should not have voted for this war and I take responsibility for that."

Lamont was able to defeat Lieberman by criticizing his support of the war. Many Democrats also believe Lieberman, a well-known centrist, has been too supportive of President Bush and the Republicans.

Lamont defeated Lieberman, an 18-year-incumbent, by 10,000 votes. Lieberman is now running in the general election as an independent.

Edwards, the 2004 Democratic vice presidential candidate, said he believes Lieberman, the 2000 Democratic vice presidential candidate, should end his independent run.

"My belief is that Senator Lieberman ran as a Democrat in the Democratic primary. The voters spoke and he should honor their decision," Edwards said.

Meanwhile, Edwards was coy about his own political future and whether he'll run for president in 2008.

"Thinking hard about it. Haven't decided yet," Edwards told a group of Internet bloggers before the rally.

Edwards is touring the country, talking about efforts to eradicate poverty in the U.S. and abroad.