Edwards hoping for Dean's endorsement

[maddezmom]

By John F. Harris

The Washington Post


ST. PAUL, Minn. - John Edwards on Saturday stepped up his criticism of lobbyists and the insider culture he says dominates Washington, taking direct shots at President Bush and implicit ones at John Kerry, front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination.

The North Carolina senator also lavished praise on former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, whom he lauded as "my friend" who shares his goals for Democrats and for whom he has "great affection, respect and admiration."

~snip~

Edwards' pitch against lobbyists was an echo -- though considerably milder -- of a line of attack Dean took against Kerry before ending his campaign. Edwards' prospects for halting Kerry's march to the nomination -- slim, according to current polls -- in the March 2 Super Tuesday primaries and caucuses depend heavily on his recruiting former Dean supporters.

A Dean endorsement remains one of the more arresting possibilities for shaking up the race, and Edwards aides say they remain hopeful he may get it. The governor has sent polite but noncommittal signals, Democratic sources said.

The two men spoke Thursday, as did senior staff aides in a separate conversation, and they resolved that they will stay in touch.

more: http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/nation/8014603.htm

[BootinUp]

1. I Think Im Gonna Get Sick

:puke:

Is this pandering or what!? This is the guy that told Howard not to come down here and tell us Southerners what to do!

[Cuban_Liberal]

4. Oh, get over it!

This is a primary, and the rhetoric is often heated, but most of it is still rhetoric. There is no reason to assume that Dr. Dean feels about Sen. Edwards the way you feel about Sen. Edwards.

[spooky3]

6. Come on, Jim, are you saying you have never disagreed with your

colleagues or friends and never have called them on anything, then remained friends and colleagues? The incident in question ended when Dean apologized and both moved on.

[DaisyUCSB]

8. Actually, he didn't say that at, he was responding to Dean's stereotyping

of southernors, which Dean DID apologize for, and Edwards aplauded Dean's apology.

Did Edwards respond with some anger? Yes. But Northerners being sterotyped and ridiculed by southernors isn't a pervasive aspect of popular culture, the reverse is. It's still an accepted form of intolerance, and Edwards understands and resents that. He was responding to the ludicrousness of Dean's basic message that he could win in the south because he'd tell southernors that they'd been taken advantage of because of their racism and stupidity, which of course, northern starbucks and sushi liberals ate up, because yes, many liberals do have biases too

[BootinUp]

10. You seem to see only one side

I am on the record saying I did not like Deans Flag statement, but Edwards fiesty Southerner attacjk was just as distateful to me. Any use of racial issues to pander disgusts me.

[Cuban_Liberal]

11. 'Feisty Southern attack'?

Huh? :shrug:

[BootinUp]

12. over the flag issue as I said in my first post n/t

[Cuban_Liberal]

13. It wasn't an attack.

It was calling him on a statement he believed to be overly-broad/pandering. Dr. Dean apologized, Sen. Edwards accepted the apology, and they both moved on.

[BootinUp]

16. nonsense n/t

[Cuban_Liberal]

17. Truth.

Not every rebuke or disagreement is an 'attack'.

[Eloriel]

62. Oh, it was an attack all right -- delivered in an angry tone,

face to face, in one of those debates. Perhaps you've forgotten?

Not only that, but Edwards' own words were pandering and racially divisive as well. Few people noticed that. He told Dean not to come South and "tell us what to do." That's ridiculous enough, since all Dean was doing was asking for Southerners to vote for him. So in Edwards' logic, only Southerners can ask for others Southerners' votes.

But the words he used were the words used verbatim by such segregationists as George Wallace and Lester Maddox. Verbatim. Edwards is a trial lawyer, a Southerner, and definitely old enough to remember those days. He knew very well that his own words served as a coded -- and racist -- signal to the entire South. He's a trial lawyer, for God's sakes. He knows exactly what he's saying -- and why -- at all times.

I lost a lot of respect for Edwards that night. And he'll never be able to gain it back from me.

[Guaranteed]

24. As a Dean supporter, it makes me sick, too nt

[ShaneGR]

41. Hey Jim, pandering? I'll show you pandering....

Right here:

[BootinUp]

45. Clark supports Kerry

Sure there are differences between candidates, but Kerry was much closer to Clark than Edwards was to Dean on both message and on issues.

[Padraig18]

47. Not true at ALL, Jim.

Dean is much closer to Edwards than Clark ever was to Kerry.

[BootinUp]

56. Then what the hell is taking so long

Obviously Dean doesn't agree with you.

[Padraig18]

60. Not at all 'obvious'

Gov. Dean may well be waiting until after Super Tuesday; he may NOT be waiting until then, however, if the 'insider talk' from both campaigns is true: Dr. Dean and Sen. Edwards have spoken by phone several times since Wednesday, and staffers for both are attempting to arrange a private meeting between them this coming week.

Stay tuned--- it's likely going to get VERY interesting VERY soon. :)

PS--- Please bear in mind, too, that Gov. Dean has made no secret of the fact that he genuinely LIKES Sen. Edwards much more than he does Sen. Kerry.

[Eloriel]

63. Which really isn't saying all that much -- who wouldn't LIKE

Edwards better than Kerry?

[robsul82]

46. Pandering?

"Permission to come aboard, sir?"

Later.

RJS

[DaisyUCSB]

2. Edwards has never taken from PAC's or Washington Lobbyists

Which can't be argued isn't a better vantage point to take on Bush than having never taken from PAC's but taken more from lobbyists than any other senetor in the last 15 years

[KittyWampus]

38. Funny How YOu Have To Preface Lobbyist With The Word "Washington"

what about Edwards' "Bundles"?

Edwards is a freaking Insider. What a hypocrite.

:puke:

[Cuban_Liberal]

3. I've been told that a private meeting is being arranged.

Friends higher up in the campaign have told me that aides to both the senator and the doctor are trying to arrange a private meeting this coming week between the two, with the agenda being the obvious one. Sen. Edwards does respect and admire Dr. Dean, and an endorsement after Super Tuesday is not out of the question, especially if Sen. Edwards turns in some decent showings.

Personally, I cannot adequately express how honored and pleased I would be, were Sen. Edwards to receive Dr. Dean's endorsement.

:)

[maddezmom]

5. do think Dean would then end his quest for delegates?

Just don't see how Dean can endorse Edwards and yet request his supporters to vote for Dean in the upcoming primaries. :shrug:

edited: clarity

[Cuban_Liberal]

9. Circumstances change.

I think his request that people still vote for him is sincere, but I don't think it was a 'until the last dog is hung' thing. I think he means to use this as 'leverage', as well he should. However, I also think that Dr. Dean does not (likely) think that Sen. Kerry is the strongest candidate remaining, so I can see a pragmatic decision on the Dr.'s part in the offing, i.e., 'you do thus and so and I will endorse you'. I have no doubt that Dr. Dean is looking at the 'big picture' now, and if he thinks endorsing Sen. Edwards moves his agenda forward, he will endorse Sen. Edwards.

:)

[patricia92243]

22. If Dean endorses Edwards, we need a statement from Gov. Dean - vote for

him or Edwards? Dean needs to spell it out, and not leave us to "Guess" what he means/meant.

[Cuban_Liberal]

29. *IF* he does endorse Sen. Edwards....

If Dr. Dean does endorse Sen. Edwards (please God, let it be so), I'm quite sure that his endorsement will be as open, honest and straight-forward as Dr. Dean himself is. :)

Edit: typo

[sadiesworld]

7. I see Edwards got the endorsement of columnist, Katheen Parker:

"Why Edwards Should Scare Bush"

[flpoljunkie]

15. Ask yourself why Kathleen Parker and Faux News are pumping up Edwards.

I think we all know the answer to that. They are trying their damndest to get anyone but Kerry as the Democratic nominee to face Dubya in November.

[Cuban_Liberal]

19. Beware creeping paranoia.

'I have in my hand a list of Communist...". That sort of 'guilt by association' smear is just that--- a smear. Contrary to some Kerry supporters' assumptions, some in the party (and elsewhere) do not believe that St. John the Divine is the strongest candidate that we can field against Bush in November.

[flpoljunkie]

23. Bush plans to run on "national security". Edwards has virtually no cred

in foreign policy. Edward's populist "Two America's" stump speech began on the steps of the Nasua City Hall in January. In his announcement speech in his hometown of Robbins, N.C., made in front of a closed mill, he never once mentioned NAFTA.

And now he is channeling "regular folks" who have lost their jobs, as he once channeled plaintiffs in the courtroom. John Edward's is a smooth talker and appeals to some--those who either do not know or do not care that his record in the Senate does not match his populist rhetoric, and that his record on the environment is abysmal.

[Cuban_Liberal]

25. How's this for a radical idea: let's not run a *reactive* campaign.

I'm sick and tired of the Democrat's acquiescence in letting the Republicans set the terms of debate.

[BootinUp]

26. Since when is "reacting" to world events a bad thing?

We have over-extended ourselves with this Iraq situation. Its time our party takes the lead on foreign policy.

[Cuban_Liberal]

27. Since when is letting the Repubs define the terms of debate a strength?

It hasn't worked too well in the past, if I recall the outcome in 2000 correctly...

[BootinUp]

30. The dying soldiers define it just fine.

[Cuban_Liberal]

31. You see it your way, and I see it mine.

:shrug:

[dawn]

49. You're wrong.

I like Kerry, so please don't take offense, but I'm tired of this kind of paranoia.

I live in a Republican/Independent area that is full of people tired of Bush. Edwards appeals to them, while Kerry doesn't. It's just because they think he's likable.

It's not a conspiracy.

[devoedem]

14. Unlike previous endorsements.

because of the nature of his supporters a Dean endorsement could make a difference.

[Cuban_Liberal]

21. I agree, and welcome to DU, devoedem!

:hi:

[sadiesworld]

18. The talking heads loooooove Edwards.

[Cuban_Liberal]

20. So do a lot of people.

Recent polls consistently show that people like Edwards more than they do Kerry, even when they believe that Kerry is 'more electable'.

[colonel odis]

28. not everybody loves kerry the way the party does

in fact, if kerry is the nominee and doesn't make edwards his running mate, i'd be hard pressed to vote for him come november.

i'm as abb as anyone, but a lot of us simply don't believe kerry is the answer. and what appears to be a done deal by the democratic party doesn't help matters. besides, despite what the polls say now, i don't think kerry stands a chance in hell of beating bush. he's may not be as dirty as bush is, but he shouldn't try to portray himself as clean or ethical in any sense of the word. perhaps as a poster child for "power corrupts."

southerners are looked down on in many quarters of the country. (don't fret. we manage to empty y'all's pocket books every time you set foot down here.) but that can work two ways. john kennedy was a fine president who did a lot of great things for this country. but michael dukakis was a f*cking joke and by the end of october, john kerry may take his place in history beside his former boss.

[Cuban_Liberal]

32. Thank you!

This universal assumption among some Kerry supporters that everyone adores him ignores the plain truth that is so evident to many of us who do NOT support Sen. Kerry: some Democrats absolutely loathe him.

[Edwards4President]

33. Ohioans for Dean endorsed John Edwards

and appeared on stage with him last night in Cleveland to enthusiastically announce their full support.

Way to go!

[Cuban_Liberal]

34. Thank you, Ohioans for Dean!

:thumbsup:

[candy331]

57. Ohians (Dean supporters as a whole)did not endorse Edwards

A Senior staff traitor by the name of Steve ?(on DFA blog)took it upon himself to misrepresent the facts. He went to peddle his wares to Kerry but Kerry didn't bite so he went to Edwards. I for one hope Dean does does not endorse anyone, support the candidate as he chooses but forget the endorsement just like Graham and Lieberman. Dean's supporters who are not simply ABB but signed on for true change will not take it lightly him endorsing either of the two candidates and if Dean wants to continue in his next phases as he says, he could very well be the looser in the power he has gained if he doesn't handle this right.

[Donna Zen]

35. The question is why?

Why are these two men cooking up this meeting?

Dean obviously wants something out of his swing to Edwards, but Edwards represents nothing of what brought Dean's supporters to Dean. So what is it? A place in a new administration? Probably. Revenge against Kerry? While I think more of Dr. Dean than that, since his supporters get nothing, I am left to assume that the niggle of revenge plays a role in it.

And what of Edwards? What does he want? Is he suddenly going to come out against this phony bush war? No on your life. He wants the cash cow and your votes; that is it folks.

So just go a flockin' while bush comes a knockin'.

Oh, and before you jump to the conclusion that I like Kerry; well, you couldn't be more wrong. I do want to beat bush however, and Kerry's take on this war is at least near my liberal ballpark. Furthermore, Kerry's stance on renewables, labor, and domestic issues is far better. Plus, strangely enough, I think Kerry is more honest.

[BootinUp]

36. nice post Donna

[Adelante]

48. Strange bedfellows, indeed

I hear Dean supporters are already showing up at Edwards events in Ohio in force. I wouldn't be surprised if an endorsement comes soon.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

37. Ahh.. and Edwards' slithery cockroach limb wraps around Dean's back

such love! :puke:

[Cuban_Liberal]

39. Go ahead and stir the pot.

It won't work, which I'm sure Sen. Kerry will find disappointing.

[colonel odis]

40. edwards is a cockroach?

yet kerry hasn't been cocks*cking for special interests all these years?

[ShaneGR]

42. And people wonder why Mass. Liberals get tagged a bad thing

Seriously, it's that elitist language that most of us from the midwest are horrified by.

[BootinUp]

43. You can't refute the message so attack the messaenger?

[NewYorkerfromMass]

44. actually based on comment from a know-it-all Vermont libe....

whatever he is.

[dawn]

51. Same with many people here on the West Coast.

nt

[dawn]

50. Hehehehe, I love the attacks on Edwards.

Hehehe, a cockroach. That's funny.

[Padraig18]

54. I know.

He and Dennis Kucinich are the two most decent PEOPLE left in the race, and yet some still feel compelled to attack them. :shrug:

[citizen snips]

55. It is laughable.

Sometimes you just got to laugh. I think that calling Edwards a cockroach deserves a gold star.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

58. Give that star to Dean. eom

[BootinUp]

59. heh -eom-

[citizen snips]

53. There is no need to be jealous.

n/t.

[Adelante]

52. I hope

Mr. Dean endorses Mr. Edwards.

Great fun to be had by all. ;)

[Padraig18]

61. Talk about reshaping the paradigm

The Kerry campaign will have to order Di-Gel by the case, if that happens. :P

[Adelante]

64. Replace Kerry campaign with Edwards campaign

And you've got something there. :)

I pray every day that Dean endorses Edwards.

[GodHelpUsAll2]

65. Don't get your hopes up

A friend of a friend who is higher up in the campaign says doesn't make it so. I strongly do not believe there will be any such endorsement anytime soon. Not so sure there will ever really be an all out endorsement. Getting Bush out is number one but endorsements don't need to be made to accomplish that.