Edwards tackles Clinton on special-interest funds

Democrat John Edwards on Saturday accused presidential rival Hillary Rodham Clinton of defending a lobbyist-driven political system that is “rigged against regular Americans” and that killed her plan for universal healthcare.

He said no Democratic candidate could legitimately promise to change the nation without swearing off special- interest money from federal lobbyists -- which Sen. Clinton (D-N.Y.) has refused to do.

“When it comes to the existing lobbyist game, we’ve got to end it and not defend it,” Edwards told the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. He accepted that union’s endorsement.

The former North Carolina senator stepped up his attacks on Clinton by focusing on her most notable leadership role: the failed 1993 healthcare plan she drew up for her husband, then-President Clinton.

“For more than 20 years, Democrats have talked about universal healthcare. In 1993, Democrats controlled both chambers in Congress” and voters had elected “a president who actually had the courage to propose a plan for universal healthcare. It was . . . killed” by lobbyists for insurance companies and the healthcare industry, Edwards said..

On a recent trip to New Hampshire, Clinton said: “I’ve learned you bring change by working in the system established by the Constitution. You can’t pretend the system doesn’t exist.”

Edwards replied Saturday: “Sen. Clinton is right. You can’t pretend the system doesn’t exist. But you can’t also pretend that it works.”