Edwards barracks Obama, Clinton

Former North Carolina senator John Edwards (L), New York Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (C), and Illinois Senator Barack Obama (R) stand on stage prior to the debate. Photo: AFP

Democrat presidential hopeful John Edwards has upped the ante in his battle to gain ground on frontrunners Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, accusing them of not demonstrating leadership in their voting behaviour on the Iraq war.

During a two-hour debate, staged in the crucial state of New Hampshire, Dr Edwards pointedly referred to the fact that neither Clinton or Obama spoke on the latest legislation to fund the Iraq war, choosing instead to cast their vote very late against further funding.

The bill was passed but Iraq - and the past voting records of the candidates - remains the most divisive in the Democrat primary race.

Edwards, who initially voted to allow President Bush to go to war, as did Senator Clinton, told his audience he wanted a firm timetable for the end of the war, and that it was time for honesty and leadership from the other candidates about their positions.

"Senators Obama and Clinton did not say anything until they voted," he said.

Senator Obama retorted: "I agree it's important to lead. I was opposed to the war from the start. So you are four and a half years too late."

Senator Clinton faced tough questioning over whether she had failed to read the 90-page detailed intelligence report on Iraq before she voted on the first bill authorising the war.

Again she refused to answer the question directly, instead saying that she spoke to numerous contacts and advisers. "I feel I was fully briefed," she said.

Ms Clinton, who enjoys a big lead in the polls, continually tried to point out the similarities in the candidates' positions, saying differences on issues such as health care, tax and even withdrawing troops were minor.

"I think it's important to remember this is George Bush's war ... and each of us are trying to end the war."

After the event, commentators agreed that Clinton had done nothing to damage her position as the frontrunner.

The challenge of the candidates at this stage of the process is to differentiate themselves from their colleagues and appeal to the registered Democrat voters, without being seen as too aggressive.

In practice in the Democratic Party, that means appealing to the left of the party, particularly on the war.