Next in our series of interviews with 2008 presidential candidates is a Q&A with Senator John Edwards. We were not able to schedule time on the phone with Senator Edwards, but he has agreed to do a written interview and answer all questions we put to him.
I first met Senator Edwards in April 2006 when he visited Silicon Valley and met with a group of bloggers. This was not a fund raising event – he came simply to hear what was we thought were the biggest issues from our perspective.
As we did with Mitt Romney, I’d like to ask for reader comments with suggested questions on technology-related issues (hear the podcast with Mitt Romney here). The core issues I’d like to address are below; please help me fill this out with issues and questions that are important to you.
Issues to cover:
- China human rights issues – specifically the Yahoo issue that developed earlier this week.
- Net Neutrality
- Digital Divide
- Education/ensuring our children are technically literate
- H1B Visas
- Identity Theft
- Mobile Spectrum Allocation
- Internet Taxes
- Venture Capital Tax Rates
- Intellectual Property Issues – both copyright and patent law evolution
- Renewable Energy/Carbon Emissions
- Mac v. PC, why Macs are superior
We’ll take comments today and over the weekend and finalize the questions on Monday.
Also, we’ve recorded a podcast interview with Senator John McCain, which we will post on Monday. There are some real zinger sound bites in that discussion.
i would ask about the NSA, A.T.&T monitoring that cropped up this week, that’s a bit more than a net neutrality issue….
Please ask Senator Edwards what his plan is for saving the dollar. Our economy is at a tipping-point, and we could see, during the next President’s term, inflation skyrocket.
The dollar is at record-lows against other nations currency, and Senator Edwards has some bold social plans that will dramatically increase the Federal Budget.
How does the Senator plan on paying for his social programs when the economy isn’t doing too great and with the value of the dollar sinking?
Oh yeah, what will he do if OPEC decides to trade Crude in Euro’s instead of USD?
(Sorry, not a tech question, but it’s a SERIOUS question that nobody seems to be asking.)
1- The Cookies and Privacy debate about limiting the amount of tracking.
2- The Patriot Act in terms of online monitoring and requesting Search Histories from Search Engines and Website Histories from ISPs
3- Bloggers being protected as Journalist when it comes to revealing sources
4- The Google Monopoly controversy
5- What is your favorite Political blog?
two questions:
1) I understand that John Edwards is seeking to end poverty (in the US). How would he propose doing this considering that the population is against raising taxes and social programs usually get cut on local, state, federal levels in favor of other programs?
2) John Edwards is trailing Clinton and Obama. Why should I consider Edwards as the democratic nominee?
Net Neutrality is my big one for Edwards. Especially in light of recent reports that Comcast chose one traffic stream and slowed down another (BitTorrent).
I am especially excited to hear Sen. McCain’s podcast. Apparently he has been moving up quickly in the polls (especially after that classic line blasting the Woodstock museum… “I am sure Woodstock was a pharmaceutical and musical event. I wasn’t there… I was tied up”.)
Looks like on the Republican side it is narrowing to Giuliani and McCain:
http://www.john...landing/a21.htm
I wonder if Edwards thinks courting the tech crowd might help him out in California? has anyone that has seen his numbers out here care to comment on his current position in the top 3 Dem. hopefuls?
Thank you TechCrunch for asking the candidates to weigh in, and thank you candidates for doing so!
i would like to see the yahoo stuff.
Actually, in regards to privacy, I would like him to weigh in on the Yahoo case where data was turned over to Chinese authorities. How does he feel about the case, and would he be in favor (for real, not talk) of punishing companies that do business in Communist states and contribute to human rights abuses because of their actions? (Even if they were “just following the law of the country”)
Just curious, are you or the other TC writers planning to officially endorse a Presidential candidate during the general elections?
@ #8 jay:
AWESOME question– I am getting more excited about the candidates answering questions here (as evidenced by my multiple posts in this thread) precisely because we all know how influential TC is in the New Media/Business world– It would be exciting to see how influential an endorsement would be as well.
How about it Michael? Care to dip your toe a little further into the political fray and endorse a candidate? Or do you prefer to stay as neutral as possible? Enquiring minds want to know…..
Just wanted to chime in and say that we at the Edwards campaign (where I am tasked with blogging and online communicatios stuff) are thrilled to be participating in this interview and look forward to the questions from Michael and the Tech Crunch community!
Edwards is only trailing Obama and Clinton because the GOP is the more afraid of him than those two. They’re trying to influence who they run against.
Would you pledge now that as President you would only put forth nominees to the FCC that held the view of opening up the “walled gardens” of the wireless carriers’ networks so that consumers could enjoy the incredible innovation we have seen on the WWW on mobile platforms? Would you pledge to only back nominees who would attach conditions on future spectrum auctions to ensure that they were truly open as Kevin Martin recently did halfway for the upcoming 700 MHz auctions?
Universal broadband coverage.
We’re falling behind and aren’t even trying to catch up. Should be in Dem platform.
Ask him his stance on the reintroduction of the PIRATE Act.
Also, S.1353/H.R.2060, the Internet Radio Equality Act.
Net Neutrality!!
Internet Taxes
Renewable Energy/Carbon Emissions
I would be interested in these 3 for sure.
@ #10 Tracy:
Thank the whole Edwards team for us (And John as well). It’s great to see that candidates like Edwards and McCain see the value in reaching out directly to voters in this way!
I am looking forward it!
I know this isn’t really a technically-oriented question, but if you get on the topic of taxes, please ask him why Democrats are afraid of the Fair Tax proposal? They are trying to paint it as a partisan/republican/conservative idea, when to me it seems like something every party should like — fully funds the government at the current levels, provides relief for low income households through the prebate, encourages businesses to move back to our shores as a tax haven, encourages saving and investments, taxes the people that currently avoid the income tax (everyone buys new things). I just don’t see how it’s not 10x better than the system we have now.
The hilarious thing is when someone does question a politician that is against the plan (usually a Democrat, for some insane reason), they ALWAYS describe the Fair Tax plan incorrectly, and then argue against that description (straw man). It drives me friggin crazy!
Oh, and if you want to represent the Libertarians, why not ask him why politicians’ first reaction is to raise taxes rather than decrease spending.
Oh and are they going to fight pork by getting rid of riders on bills?
MGZ
My biggest concern is the lack of focus on social constructs and how we’ll educate the populous and eradicate them from society (eventually).
I have pondered for years over how to achieve this much overlooked social issue via technology. How can it be applied to begin the process of creating a truly “free” nation and society without the hindrance of outdated and irrelevant social concepts?
Yes, that’s right, boys and girls: It’s time to finally put an end to all make believe things like race and religion. I want to see a candidate that will finally step forward and challenge this nation to think outside the box via a targeted campaign to move our nation toward a better (and enlightened) tomorrow.
If Richard Dawkins were American and running for President, I’m sure he’d be pushing for an end to social constructs. So far, not one candidate has addressed this and I seriously doubt anyone will until I’m old enough to consider a bid.
@ 17 MGZ:
I am with you. or what about a flat tax? It works in some European countries and could work here.
If we ARE deviating from tech questions that is… McCain has pledged to axe every pork barrel ear mark that comes his way… will Edwards do the same? I know I keep comparing Edwards and McCain, but they are my faves from the two parties (I’m independent) and I’d much rather see them face off than ANY of the other candidates. They both seem to talk straight (McCain a bit more than Edwards, but still) and pork barrel crap like the “bridge to nowhere” in Alaska make me crazy.
Will he pledge to axe ALL pork barrel spending? I do like his talk on health care on would love to hear more there— what about portable patients files so all hospitals can access patient info.? And what is his health care solution without socializing it?
Obama in 08!! Let’s get someone who can actually deliver the CHANGE that this country desperately needs.
Hey #20:
That’s funny, I didn’t see a post about Obama agreeing to a TC interview.
Hmmmmmm, I must have missed it.
mmhh….A written interview in this day and age?
Just shows how much he cares for the nerds of Silicon Valley! Surely this can wait until he can do a live interview on the phone.
if anyone is curious as to john edward’s money contributions check out the ‘Money’ page on PoliticalBase
Agree with #1…what will he do to prevent warrantless internet data mining?
Ask him if he is still channeling unborn baby girls.
Let’s see what net effect this Techcrunch presence will have on Edwards’ chances in the primaries.
Ask him if he is participating in saysme.tv
The absolute last thing I think about when I think about John Edwards is “tech”.
I’d ask him what he is going to do different in DC. And then I’d ask him what in his record shows me that he is willing to think “outside the beltway”. Yes — I feel things need to be done different in DC, as 50 % of the U.S. doesn’t even care enough to vote anymore.
You can read a bit about Edwards on open media/ net neutrality here:
http://www.john...ues/open-media/
The more feminine of the two women running for president, score!
Ask if he has a Facebook account? else he is just fronting (Hehe haar har)
Ok seriously…
What hair spray does he use that can withstand 100mph wind?
Whats his position with Rage-Against-The-Machine getting back together?
Does he think Diamond David Lee Roth and Eddie will make it this time?
I would like to second MGZ question. I also agree with his sentiment about the Fair Tax Plan. I am re-reading the book, out of spite, because of inaccurate op-ed pieces I have seen.
I would like to add:
1. Does he support the Alternative Minimum Tax, and why?
2. Does he support Bhutto or Musharaf?
3. How much does he usually tip for a maid-rite in Iowa?
MGZ: Would there be a Venture Capital tax under the Fair Tax Plan? I don’t think so.
The DEBT and deficit…as they relate to out of control spending…
nothing else will matter if we don’t get our financial house in order…
there is serious risk next week of a real crash…
something we haven’t seen since 1987….
i’m talking blood in the streets…
the first cdo domino has fallen…today…
nov. 15 marks the new fasb rule requiring marking level III cdo type securities to market…it might get really ugly around thursday…
watch out…
in almost every field, whether international relations or economics or technology, large groups of the populace are ahead of the government in understanding and effectiveness….
why does Mr. Mdwards think politics still has relevance?
do the personality traits required for good campaigning have anything to do with good leadership?
Mike,
Ask him about how the US government is going to keep the VC Industry in the US extremely viable with the new capital raising in Russia. The Russian Government has recently allocated more than 3 Billion for 5-6 new VC funds and is also working with private capital banks to raise significantly more than this.
Traditionally, these entrepreneurs would have emigrated to America and raised funding there – but with this new huge inflow of funds, its no longer really necessary.
What is Edwards doing to continue to promote the US VC Industry as the best in the world ?
Unless Techcrunch has someone present as John Edwards answers your questions I don’t see how you will know if he or a member of his press office is providing the answers.
Debbie: “Unless Techcrunch has someone present as John Edwards answers your questions I don’t see how you will know if he or a member of his press office is providing the answers.”
I don’t see how it makes a difference
. That is, whether he personally reads the answers his press office provided, or the office just forwards the text 
. Like “Processed Cheese Food”, let’s just call it “John Edwards Campaign Branded Answers”.
@Debbie Davies – I was thinking the same thing. Although it probably wouldn’t make any difference as most candidates are reciting scripts for the most part anyway.
One thing I’ve noticed about watching Ron Paul answer questions is that you will sometimes see him hesitate as he THINKS in order to provide a GENUINE response. Very refreshing to see a politician do that.
- Outsourcing
- Free trade
I am a software engineer in the U.S. and believe that both of these are good things.
This is billed as a series so allowing candidates to dictate the terms on which they take part is slightly unfair. If I was next in the series, I’d opt to answer in writing, like John Edwards, and I’d opt to write the questions too. A good interviewer will get past the script. You stand no chance doing this unless you have the person there in front of you, live, as John Edwards knows. But all credit to Techcrunch for trying.
For all i know, if this guy get elected in the next presidential election, we’re going to have a very good looking and charming president
I really appreciate you, Michael, taking the initiative to get clear answers concerning our industry. Very awesome indeed.
@41 Debbie Davies,
I agree again.
Edwards is a good guy but seems a little soft on the issues and the way he carries himself.
Hilary may be the ticket but my gut tells me she will be a raving, control freak if ever put into office.
Obama is very smart, but sadly, the US is not ready for a non-white president, regardless of all the ‘koombaya rhetoric’ among liberls.
Republican candidates are simply plain wrong for the country right now..
oh..yeah, plse ask what he would do about improving relations w/Iran and mitigating the nuclear threat in the ME.
ask him if he thinks Colbert has a legitimate shot at beating him in the primary if he jumps in the race.
How will the U.S. remain the world’s dominant technology provider when our math and science education produces fewer native-born scientists and engineers every year? You have been in favor of more funding, but are you also willing to make any changes opposed by the teacher’s unions?
This is more important to me than other questions we might ask because the gating factor for most technology companies is not access to capital or taxes on earnings but our short supply of brilliant technologists.
Other questions:
How do we know you wrote these answers yourself?
What is your campaign learning from Ron Paul’s Internet tactics? Why hasn’t the Democratic party been able to reproduce Howard Dean’s 2004 online success?
How are your high-technology policies meaningfully different from those of Clinton or Obama?
You’ve made harsh statements in Iowa about immigration. Many of Silicon Valley’s most successful entrepreneurs have come from China, Russia and India, not on a visa to work for someone else but to start their own companies. What do you say to people in Silicon Valley who worry that this will become a much poorer place under an Edwards immigration regime?
Congratulations Michael on engaging some of the front-runners. Not that I am endorsing Ron Paul, but since he is such an Internet phenomenon, why not approach him?
Also, if you can ask Edwards to differentiate himself from Clinton or Obama, you’ll be more likely to recruit the latter two to respond.
NICE HAIR!
..that’s all there is.
http://fakestev...er.blogspot.com
when is the RON PAUL interview?
No time for a phone interview my ass. He’s afraid because his economic plans will strangle the startup economy, so he’ll have an intern write his pc answers. Sack up Edwards