SGR2 saw Edwards in Cleveland tonight, my report.. cool Dean stuff too

[ShaneGR]

So I went to Cleveland State University tonight to see Senator Edwards speek.

First off, on two days media notice the crowd was estimated at 750-1000, on a Saturday night at 8. Not too bad, people were overflowing into the hallway outside.

Second, the Ohio Coordinator for Governor Dean took the stage to endorse Edwards before the Senator arrived. He pledged to do what he could to give Ohio to Edwards. When the Senator took the stage the first thing he did was thank him and took about a minute to compliment Governor Dean and all he had done for the party. Quote, "He gave us the energy we needed and I consider him to be a great friend."

Third, Edwards ran about 45 minutes late, but not a soul left. The Unite! union people were in full force as well as the Cleveland Church community (Quite a few African American activists)

Fourth, Edwards challenged the ENTIRE Democratic field to a debate in Ohio (Not just Kerry, everyone).

This speech was a little different as he talked at great length about his rise, where he came from in terms of people doubting him. Really, he was EXTREMELY personable. And the speaking style, what can you say? If he was any smoother they'd call him Silk. Several standing ovations, and considering this was his third state and fourth event of the day, it looked like he was just starting... full of energy.

[Rick Myers]

1. Going to see him tomorrow here in Youngstown!!!

Can't wait!!!

[ShaneGR]

2. I like the idea of having that in a Teamsters hall

Kind of like saying, hey Kerry, you may have gotten the national endorsement but these local folks aren't so excited about you.

[NNN0LHI]

3. Thanks for the report. Sounds like a good event and speech n/t

[DjTj]

4. Thanks for the report!

...too bad Edwards has left my neck of the woods. I may have to drive up to Maryland to try to see him again.

The Dean supporters are pouring into the Edwards blog and I think they've managed to talk the tech people into putting up a "Bat" - we'll see whether that gets implemented in the next day or so.

You gotta love the UNITE! people - I met some of them in Richmond like a day after their endorsement, and they jumped right in with great enthusiasm.

Keep us updated!

[EXE619K]

5. Edwards should be happy with the way things are going.....

Although, I will not support Big Ed....some of my collegues are supporting Edwards now.

I have to admit though, it's out of spite against one John Kerry.

I oppose "revenge voting" however, I can't convince them not to.

[ShaneGR]

8. Well, I spoke with quite a few Dean people

And I really don't think it's all revenge, particularly because the anti-NAFTA stuff resonates so well in Ohio. I think 75% of them are backing Edwards based on "Well, he's REALLY better than Kerry" than a hatred for Kerry. The other 25% really do hate Kerry. It didn't help that the Kerry people in Ohio basically told all of the Dean folks to buzz off (That's what the head Dean guy said).

[question everything]

13. Same in the Twin Cities

He addressed the Dean people, repeated his great admiration for Dean and invited his followers to join him. Later a Dean supporter told me that they are going to meet with him - or his people - later next week.

[katieforeman]

6. I saw him in MD Friday and he was amazing.

The room was also overflowing.

The more people get to see him the better his chances.

Also, the Dean person endorsement is very encouraging.

[ShaneGR]

9. That was my thought

The more people that see him the more people that will vote for him.

Honestly, have you ever seen a more pure talent in terms of public speaking? I would say the only politician I've ever seen who was better than Edwards was Clinton.

[katieforeman]

12. Edwards is the best I've ever seen, and I did see Clinton once.

Elizabeth is awesome too! I saw her on c-span once and I bet every person there ended up voting for Edwards.

With these two political talents, there would be no stopping us in November.

I grew up in Dayton, Oh and went to school in Wooster. My sister is seeing Edwards in Columbus tomorrow. I am absolutely certain Edwards is the one who can win OH in November.

[candy331]

7. I see much of Deans predicament has been was surrounded by

by a bunch of only want to win and be on what has been cast as the electability side rather than loyal support. I suppose he will have learned that lesson well in his next endeavor. Happy for you though supporting your man.

[ShaneGR]

16. You are wrong, very wrong

The Dean people, particularly the Dean people I know, were, and always will be, very good people. They saw hope in Dr. Dean. Now that his candidacy is over, some of them are fighting in their own ways for what they believe to be best. If they were just front-runners, they'd be working for Kerry. Even if they wanted too, he's shunning them.

[AP]

10. I wonder if anyone I called went. Thanks for the report.

I love the first hand reports.

[JasonBerry]

11. Edwards and his son, Wade

I have grown to understand John Edwards and what makes him tick after reading his book, and also getting to know about Elizabeth and his loss of a child. Wade meant the world to him.

Michael meant the world to me. He was 16 years old and full of life. He loved to write, loved music and poetry. I lost him to a drunk driver in a hit and run accident. My world came to a grinding halt. I also have turned a corner of late - it was seven years ago. But, actually, it's nothing you ever really get "over" you merely get "past" it.

Having been there, and so wish I haven't, I understand Senator Edwards in a way I wish I didn't have to. I know a bit about the character of the man, though I have never met him. From the shared experiences, I know that John Edwards can tackle anything. If you can survive the loss of a child - and come out the other side intact and successful - nothing can truly get you down and defeat you again. The worst -- has already happened.

[katieforeman]

14. I'm truly sorry for your loss.

After reading Four Trials, I agree that Edwards has demonstrated that he has the strength and courage to be President. I also think he knows what is important in life and what he is fighting for.

[AP]

15. Clinton said about himself and Edwards that when you lose someone in

your life sooner than expected, it changes your feelings about life. You realize two things accutely: emphemarity and accute suffering, and suddenly -- after knowing those emotions inside and out -- you're in a hurry to get things done, to make a difference in the world.