The first question of the second half of this forum touches on the so-called "war on terror", terminology that Edwards rejects (as he notes as he begins his answer). President Bush, Edwards says, is using the "war on terror" as a way to silence those who speak out against torture or the Iraq War, etc. Dealing with terrorism requires a two-part response. (1) Going after the terrorists where they are, but also (2) creating opportunity and hope in the areas of the world in which terrorism has a foothold.

The next question is on Iraq, specifically how to bring the troops home. Edwards would begin bringing troops home immediately, but also begin to engage in regional diplomacy as a way to ease tensions. What's more, Edwards underscores that he would end combat missions in Iraq, specifically distinguishing between combat troops (which he would like to see removed) and other troops performing other functions like protecting the embassy (which he doesn't believe should be removed). He says, thus, that the question should not be about residual forces but rather about continuing to have combat troops.

The third question, from a MySpace user, is that given that both Edwards and Osama Bin Laden want America out of Iraq, does it follow that Bin Laden has America's best interests in mind? Edwards contends that by going into Iraq, George W. Bush actually made it more difficult to go after those who actually did harm and intended to do harm to America. What's more, Edwards speaks to the strain put on the military by the Iraq War, which makes it harder for America to deal with other issues around the world. Finally, Edwards says that there is no military solution in Iraq and states that George W. Bush doesn't even contend there is a military solution, either.

The next question comes on the issue of universal healthcare. Edwards notes that he was the first candidate to come up with such a plan. Edwards would direct members of his administration, as well as members of Congress, to give up their healthcare coverage if universal healthcare were not achieved. He also states that while other candidates say that the insurance companies and others of their ilk should have a seat at the table, he disagrees (I'll have a point to add on that subsequently...).

Edwards also notes, in an answer to a follow up question, that his plan mandates coverage for all Americans. Obama, he says, does not mandate coverage and might not cover as many as 15 million Americans; Clinton, he says, borrows a lot from his plan, though there are differences. Edwards also notes his difference with Clinton in that he does not take money from federal lobbyists while Clinton does.

The next question comes on stem cell research, particularly on the use of adult stem cells. Edwards says that he does not believe that there should be ideological limits on the types of stem cell research. Edwards also says that funding for the NIH should be doubled, and federal funding for research universities should be increased.

The next question is on what role the environment plays in his campaign. Edwards said that he believes it is playing a large role, and that if President he would work diligently to combat global warming. Edwards says that he would cap America's carbon emissions, reducing output by at least 80 percent by 2050. I a related issue, Edwards says that there should be no more nuclear or coal power plants, unless there are new carbon capture capabilities (on coal). Edwards also says that he "would be willing to ask Americans to sacrifice", that they should be patriotic about something other than the war.