Apr 11, 2007 11:58 pm US/Eastern
Edwards On Imus Spat: 'I Believe In Forgiveness'
Presidential Candidate Stays Mum On Future Imus Appearances
by Marcia Kramer
MAMARONECK, N.Y. (CBS) ―
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John Edwards at San Francisco media roundtable. (File)
AP
Democratic Presidential candidate John Edwards' spoke exclusively to CBS 2 on Wednesday morning about the Don Imus and Rutgers University controversy, and though he feels Imus deserves a second chance, he wasn't so sure about his future on Imus' popular radio show.
Edwards' campaign trail took a stop in New York today where he worked side-by-side with health care aides in a Westchester nursing. There, he took time to talk to CBS 2 Political Reporter Marcia Kramer about the Imus fallout.
"I believe in redemption, I believe in forgiveness," Edwards said of Imus, who was suspended earlier in the week after calling the Rutgers women's basketball team "nappy headed hos." Since then, Imus has repeatedly apologized for his comments and met with Rev. Al Sharpton, who called for the outspoken radio host's firing. Imus has also agreed to meet with the Rutgers team, who would not comment on whether or not they believed he should be fired.
Unlike candidates Rudy Giuliani and John McCain, who say they will continue to appear on Imus' radio show, Edwards says he hasn't seen enough from the shock jock to make that decision just yet.
"What he said is wrong because it's wrong. It has to be condemned, we have to speak out when people use this kind of language," Edwards said. "This is a very serious matter, it should be taken very seriously."
Related Story: D.J. Fired For Having Callers Imitate ImusEdwards' visit was part of the "Work a Day in My Shoes" program sponsored by the influential Service Employees International Union, where presidential candidates spend time with health care workers to understand the challenges of their jobs. His wife Elizabeth, who is battling a recurrence of breast cancer, was not with him today.
"She's really doing very well, she's an amazing woman," he said.
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