Q. Scott, on that point, the President has talked about changing the tone in Washington, to making the debate more civil. But the Republican National Committee put out this statement on Edwards, calling him “disingenuous and unaccomplished.” The Bush-Cheney campaign put out talking points saying that Senator Edwards “delivers his pessimism with a southern drawl and a smile.” Is that helpful?
SCOTT McCLELLAN: Well, I mean, is there something in there you’re disputing? (Laughter.) I think it’s perfectly reasonable to talk about the differences on the issues and to talk about the record. And I think that’s what you’re seeing being discussed here by the campaign and by the RNC. The President believes that we should focus on the policy differences and focus on the leadership styles, and that’s what he will continue to do as we move forward on this campaign.
Q. So you’re agreeing with those statements then, that he is disingenuous and unaccomplished?
MR. McCLELLAN: Like I said, it’s perfectly legitimate to talk about the issues and the differences on those issues, as well as to discuss the record. There are individuals in this race who have records, and those records are a reflection of how they would lead in office.
Q. You don’t seen this as personal attacks, you see this as policy –
MR. McCLELLAN: Suzanne, there are clear choices in this election, and the President wants the discussion to focus on the issues and the differences on those issues. There are clear choices and there are clear philosophical differences for the voters, come November. And the President will keep this focused on the issues and talking about his positive vision for the way forward for our country.
Q. So you don’t have a problem with the language and the tone?
MR. McCLELLAN: Like I said, it’s perfectly legitimate to talk about the issues and the differences and to talk about the record.
