As thorny an issue as immigration is for Republicans, it's now become just as tough for Democrats, thanks largely to Sen. Chris Dodd.
It was Dodd who, at the previous presidential debate two weeks ago, stood alone to say he opposed driver's licenses for illegal aliens, and who called out Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton for voicing conflicting positions on the issue.
Now, after last night's debate, Dodd appears to recognize that while Republicans can use the issue against Democrats, Democrats also can use it among themselves.
So far, Dodd is sticking carefully to the flip-flop nature of his opponents' answers, but underlying that is the fact that he was clear and unequivocal in his position.
His campaign today sent out a news release noting that Clinton, Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John Edwards each has fumbled on this question — most recently with Obama's initially convoluted answer last night.
Here's the video of Obama's response:
For the record, here's where the Democrats now stand on the licenses-for-illegals issue:
| Joe Biden | Against |
| Clinton | Against |
| Dodd | Against |
| Edwards | Against |
| Obama | For |
| Bill Richardson | For |
Left off the list is Rep. Dennis Kucinich, who wouldn't answer directly because he refused to accept the premise of moderator Wolf Blitzer that a legalization bill won't pass anytime soon.
If a legalization bill were to pass, the newly legitimized illegal aliens would be eligible for driver's licenses.
— Stephen Dinan, national political reporter, The Washington Times
Comments (1)
I'm surprised that all of the post-debate commentary has acted as if Hillary is out of the woods on this issue now, just because she's finally taken a No position on licenses for illegals. Can't anyone ask her to account for her many positions on the issue over the last two weeks? Can anyone ask here a Millionaire-type question: Is this your FINAL answer, Hillary?
Posted by Jay | November 17, 2007 12:33 AM