Candidates Questioned About Diamonds

By Rob Bates -- JCK Online, 1/1/2008 2:00:00 AM

At the Democratic candidate debate in Las Vegas, the closing question came from a young woman who asked Senator Hillary Clinton: "Do you prefer diamonds or pearls?"

Clinton replied: "Now, I know I'm sometimes accused of not being able to make a choice. I want both."

To which Sen. Joe Biden quickly added, "Diamonds!"

On a more serious note, former Sen. John Edwards was asked at a campaign stop in Iowa, "If you were to become president, what actions would you take to stem the flow of conflict diamonds into our country?" The question came from Marie Collins, a 16-year-old junior.

"I don't even know what that term is," he said, according to the Caucus, a New York Times political blog. When it was explained that it referred to "blood diamonds from Africa," he said, "Can I tell you I have had probably hundreds of town hall meetings. I have literally never been asked that question. Or had the issue raised."

He continued, "I don't know the answer to that. It would require more thought than I have given it. But since you raised it I will do it. I know about the issue," he said. "I certainly know about the movie. But I would have to give that more thought than I have to give you an honest answer to it. But thank you for raising it."