He said the Shiite and Sunni factions are fighting constantly, have had chances to come to a “political solution” to govern Iraq while protected by Americans and have still not done so. It’s not clear how long it would take for these sides to try to empathize with the other and reach an understanding.

“How many more men and women have to die waiting for the Shiite and the Sunnis to come up with a political understanding?” he asked, adding it was time to withdraw our troops.

Edwards said his party needs a candidate who can win, “who has the strength to become president. I’ve had enough of being nice about this. [You need to show] some strength and backbone and [you] won’t let these people run over you.”

Mark Newman can be reached at 683-5358 or by e-mail at mgnewman@mchsi.com.