THE OFFICIAL Why I support John Edwards WITHOUT BASHING Obama or Hillary thread.

[ClericJohnPreston]

I think the time is well past the point when this board recognizes it is significantly polarized, just by the support of three different Tier I candidates. Partisanship is a FACT of any election, yet alone the primaries that lead to the General Election.

The stakes have been raised this year, because long-suffering Democrats, under the boot heel of Conservatism and near Fascist ( no, not hyperbole, but reality )policies have wreaked havoc upon the class differential and have brought us to the brink of a class war. All this subtext plays out on the battlefield of politics, where these boards become an extension of real world polarity.

I have been as guilty as anyone, in previously bashing either Hillary or Obama, because they are not my candidate of choice. However, as my homage to bi-partisanship, I am only going to post about what I find positive about my candidate, rather than what I believe to be weaknesses in any other from this point forward. At the end of the day, if we want to end the Republican death grip on the political narrative, we have to be ready to campaign for whomever comes out of the Convention as the Party's nominee.

So, that said, I'll explain my rationale for preferring John Edwards.

To me, a student of the Constitution, someone who swore an oath to that document, it is of paramount importance to me, that the denigration of that sublimely beautiful document by a treacherous and deceitful Bush Administration, come to an immediate halt. Every good and decent selfless act by heroes too numerous to mention, in defense of the Constitution, demands that we do everything in our power to insure it's superiority to any and all secondary interests.

To many, who live below the poverty line, and don't have the luxury of signing on to a discussion forum, we owe more than our good wishes and best intentions. The measure of greatness in any society is the the manner in which that society is protective of the weakest citizen, not the strongest.

In almost incremental steps, all the less obvious that way, CORPORATIONS from the Military-Industrial to Energy and Finance, have inexorably taken hold and control of our lives. What began as an economic model, has become over time, a tyrannical entity, capable of undermining the fabric of liberty and freedoms, protected by our Constitution. These "fictional entities" have powers and political clout, well beyond the mere human citizens it seeks dominion and control over. If we don't act soon, the most ignoble of these corporations will bring more war, seek more profit, and seek the steady erosion of personal freedoms.

It has happened already and still continues unabated.

John Edwards understands who the real enemy is. It is not ourselves alone, but a Corporate Dynasty, controlled by people who are unknown to the public. They don't hold representative office, yet they FULLY control public offices through Lobbying $$$ and vested self-interests. They will not go gently into that good night. Power must be wrested from them, for they will never willingly concede anything that they have stolen already.

The Edwards plan is not too angry for me. Then again, being in the same profession, I have had the unique experiences of being a Trial lawyer from both the Corporate and plaintiff sides. As an insurance company lawyer I had a singular function, protract or delay settlement or resolution, when outright defense and rejection were not possible. As a plaintiff attorney, I learned how infuriating it is to wage years of litigation upon corporate giants, whose war chests were designed to withstand the assault. I am proud to say, it is a strong Plaintiff Trial Counsel that has been successful in putting any brakes to Corporate hegemony,foisting harmful products upon an unsuspecting populace and prosecuting spoilers of the environment. Why do you think Bushco has such harsh rhetoric for Trial lawyers? After all Bush is merely the enabler for his Corporate handlers.

John Edwards, I believe, would lead the charge against the rich and powerful and start deconstructing the gains which allow them access to public control. As someone who has battled Corporate giants and who understands the insurance industry, finance, energy cartels and the Military-Industrial-Complex, Edwards would be the most aggressive force in restoring balance between individual rights and Corporate control. We are at a Constitutional crossroads and we need someone who battles back...hard. Force here is not or should not be a turn-off for those who understand from the trenches, as I know, that it takes a battle to beat Corporations at their own game. I wish it were otherwise, but I know REALITY, and it will be a battle we must fight, unless deprivation under a Corporate Master, brings us to the class wars, simmering under the surface of our body politic.

John Edwards is willing to take on the unpopular views, some may call rancorous, which is appropriate. However, it won't serve to placate an Electorate as to what is at stake, even if that rhetoric is harsh and the tone, less eloquent. It is, HONEST!

I know Edwards took an unpopular stand on the War vote. I applaud his honesty by admitting he made a mistake. In today's politics, expediency outweighs the weight of honesty, but Edwards has taken the hard choice again, admitting a past mistake. I now judge him by the fact of his admission and THE FACT , his ending of War and return of troops is the best plan proposed. It is the least hawkish, an irony of a candidate who is perceived as "angry".

John Edwards understands poverty, having grown up poor. He understands this Country must protect the weakest among us. His policies for domestic economics has won the universal praise of the most noteworthy economists in the Country, led by Galbraith. His policies are fair. He seeks to end the gravy train of the fabulously rich, who under Bush, have only seen their obscene fortunes grow larger under tax breaks for the rich. Tax the rich and the Corporations and give back to the poor. It is a modern-day spin on Robin Hood.

Truman was never accused of making stirring speeches. But, his buck stops here honesty was real and he understood ACCOUNTABILITY. Can you imagine, there was ever a time before Bush, when accountability was something you never ducked or avoided?

For honesty, for truth, for protection of my and my family's civil rights, for social justice and economic fairness, for the realignment of the power of amok Corporations, we need what John Edwards offers.

He has my vote because he understands how epic and gigantic the undertaking to regain what we lost will be. He doesn't sugar-coat, no matter the slur of being an "angry" candidate, the false imagery of a Corporate MSM, desperate to control the narrative of this Election for their own interests.

I respect the other member's rights and opinions regarding their candidates. I was wrong to be so harsh, and will no longer post mere rhetorical rants about what is wrong with other's choices, but will rely on posting what is good about mine to make a point.

I have given you my rationale for supporting Edwards, without links, just plain talk.

To each his own. May the best candidate win.

Whatever Dem is given the nod, they will have my 100% support!

That is my promise!

[Captain Hilts]

1. Good on you! nt

[ClericJohnPreston]

7. Thank you....

If John Edwards is man enough to admit a mistake, I can admit my own.

A few self-imposed days off from posting have helped me regain perspective.

WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER!

[Snotcicles]

2. Another discrete and reasonable Edwards supporter. Nice to hear from you. nt

[Inspired]

3. K&R

:kick:

[laconicsax]

4. Why must you bash both Clinton and Obama in one post?

:sarcasm:

[Spiffarino]

94. .

:rofl:

[goldcanyonaz]

5. Great endorsement for John Edwards. k & r

[Labors of Hercules]

6. He's the best candidate in the running, even if he is a...

penis toting Caucasian.

[Snotcicles]

8. A candidate can not pick his supporters. Seems Edwards is most lucky in that respect. nt

[Time for change]

9. I feel much the same way about that

[rhett o rick]

10. At least he is talking the talk. The other two are spewing the spew. nm

[ClericJohnPreston]

16. Try to keep the spirit...

No need to go negative on Hillary or Obama...just explaining he talks the talk, and walks the walk, is sufficient.

You'll find, if you practice, it isn't hard to be civil. I had to think long and hard over three days and a self-imposed exile, to see this clearly.

I want desperately to beat the Republicans. We must work TOGETHER, to get that done.

PURPOSE OVER PARTISANSHIP IS MY RALLY CALL TO THE BOARD!!!!

[rhett o rick]

20. I totally agree. Some times I stray. nm

[leftupnorth]

11. Spot on!

When you've been getting screwed by corporations for twenty years, you hire someone who is good at stopping and penalizing bad behaving corporations.

That hire is John Edwards.

[Triana]

12. He's self-made - not born into prosperity...

..he KNOWS what it's like to have to WORK to achieve success. Being able to do that is called "opportunity". He wants all of us - middle class and poor (those who weren't born into money like bu$h), to have that opportunity and he will fight for us to have it.

WHO he will fight: The corporations who have an iron grip on our government. The ones who have for years now thwarted success and progress on virtually every issue this country - and us - the people - face.

He doesn't take a lot of PAC or lobbyist or corporate money. He can't be bought. This shows integrity.

I like his proposed policies on getting out of Iraq, on Education, on healthcare, jobs and poverty, and the fact that he IS a populist - AND that our own Chamber of Commerce and our own corporations fear and loathe him. They KNOW he's got their number and that if he were to become president, he'd bust up their stranglehold on our gov't. A Democratic candidate can't get a better endorsement than that. That is what FDR did. That's what NEEDS to be done and John Edwards knows it. He wants to return the Democratic Party to what it was, what it is, what it was meant to be - a Party for The People.

He BEAT those corporations in the courtroom - multiple times. That gives me confidence that he can beat them in the Oval Office too. He KNOWS that he's up against and he is willing and able to fight them - and win.

[kelligesq]

13. Excellent ! Do you mind if I borrow this paragraph + a couple of other lines ?

to send in to the South Carolina letters to the editors newspapers and some other papers around the country?

And I hope you will send your letter in to the papers and to John too.

"John Edwards understands who the real enemy is. It is not ourselves alone, but a Corporate Dynasty, controlled by people who are unknown to the public. They don't hold representative office, yet they FULLY control public offices through Lobbying $$$ and vested self-interests. They will not go gently into that good night. Power must be wrested from them, for they will never willingly concede anything that they have stolen already."

[kelligesq]

15. Kicked & Recommended

:toast:

[ClericJohnPreston]

18. Thank you....

As long as you give me attribution for the paragraph, I don't care where it is used, lol.

Truth is truth. No one can copyright that.

I'm glad you appreciate my words. If anyone has greater access to the candidate and can get this message through,please do so!

[Skittles]

14. let's just overlook IWR

anyone can make a mistake :puke:

[ClericJohnPreston]

21. If I can gently chide...

no need for the added emoticon. You have an opinion, but it can be expressed without being rude.

[Skittles]

22. I'll express myself the way I damn well feel

the idea of DUers voting for someone who CO-SPONSORED THE BIGGEST AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY BLUNDER EVER makes me feel SICK

[ClericJohnPreston]

25. Your choice, of course....but,

We shouldn't eat our own. We need to stand together. Isn't that the message of your candidate?

[Skittles]

39. I want my candate to END THE WAR

not stand together with people who were COMPLICIT in STARTING IT

[7 of 11]

54. My agreements lie with you

However, the IWR came about because the President lied from every angle and fooled us into going to war. We were in favor of attacking Iraq because of false and conjured information and reports; We were victims of a horrible fraud. I do not hold Clinton nor Edwards accountable for this fiasco. Chimpy gets the full blame for this. Period.

My more main concern is the economy and this crash is being caused impart because of the war in Iraq. Our deficit's has skyrocketed funding this folly which is driving up interest rates, taking the rest of the economy down the gutter.

[panzerfaust]

65. "...fooled us into going to war"

He did not fool all of us.

As a VietVet I have been against the war ever since it was announced that we were going into Afghanistan - you may recall we are still fighting, killing, dying there?

He did not not fool us 'cause we were so damn smart, but because we had been fooled before ...

[Skittles]

81. THANK YOU

the f***ing idiots aren't just in the government - I can't believe people still make excuses for IWR and are OK with a candidate who CO-SPONSORED IT.

[Skittles]

80. HELLO

That piece of shit "president" STOLE THE ELECTION - that should have been their FIRST CLUE the assholes could NOT BE TRUSTED. And this economy will STAY IN THE GUTTER as long as we are POURING MONEY DOWN THAT IRAQ RATHOLE.

[FedUp_Queer]

88. WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will, 'til I die, stop at nothing to get the truth about the "if I'd only known then" or "we weren't told the whole story" arguments. There was plenty of evidence, in the public domain, that Iraq had NO WMD...NONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Whether it was Hans Blix or Colin Powell and Condosleeza in early 2001, there were ample statements and evidence that any diligent person could have discovered that showed that Iraq was a disarmed country incapable of defending itself, let alone threatening its neighbors or the US. So, yes, I support Edwards. I do so because he at least admits he was wrong (but does not go far enough in saying he didn't do his own due diligence), AND he is a champion of regular folks. I am personally sick and tired of the conservatives and corporatists constantly shaking the indignant "finger of responsibility" in my face, yet allowing corporations to shirk their pension responsibilities, declare bankruptcy without consequence, and screw the people. Edwards sees the corporatist government that we now have and is the first to at least recognize and attempt to change it. Don't believe me? Check out the link at the bottom of my blog...http://stevepipenger.blogspot.com/

[Yuugal]

26. yeah

and lets ignore people who have made a career of profiting from racial inequality

[ClericJohnPreston]

27. The message isn't

straw men fallacious arguments.

Law taught me how to debate. The MSM narrative of a divide is only real, if we let them make it real.

No one should ignore anything. However, that message and lesson can be used POSITIVELY, as well as negatively.

I choose to go positive. We will reach more people that way.

PURPOSE OVER PARTISANSHIP!

[UpInArms]

17. I was doing a bit of reflection today and came upon this quote:

"The beauty of the democratic systems of thought control, as contrasted with their clumsy totalitarian counterparts, is that they operate by subtly establishing on a voluntary basis--aided by the force of nationalism and media control by substantial interests--presuppositions that set the limits of debate, rather than by imposing beliefs with a bludgeon. Then let the debate rage; the more lively and vigorous it is, the better the propaganda system is served, since the presuppositions (U.S. benevolence, lack of rational imperial goals, defensive posture, etc.) are more firmly established. Those who do not accept the fundamental principles of state propaganda are simply excluded from the debate (or if noticed, dismissed as 'emotional,' 'irresponsible,' etc.)" - Edward S. Herman

All I can ask is - please do not let the media exclude John Edwards from the equation and the debate.

[kelligesq]

23. Up In Arms, send it to the cable channels and news. Good Quote.

clapping.

[waiting for hope]

19. Wow - Here's a rec and a BIG FAT KICK:

We are at the crossroads of a major crisis - on so many fronts. Edwards gets this - Thank You!

[trashcanistanista]

24. I support John Edwards because

all of the other candidates including Huckabee (on CSPAN NOW, BTW) are stealing his talking points and are trying to bring poverty, health care and the economy into their own campaign speeches. This is not to be disrespectful of them, it is certainly not a bad thing, but it is testimony to the greatness of Edwards and the importance of his platform to all Americans. I will vote for the Dem nominee, but it isn't over yet.

[progressoid]

28. Another K&R won't hurt!

[marmar]

29. Very classy and intellectual.....

Unlike the foaming-at-the-mouth attack-dog drivel that fouls GD-Politics (and GD to a lesser extent)

[McCamy Taylor]

30. Edwards is easy to support for what he stands for. You don't have to say "he isn't THAT" to like him

Since his supporters are all good Democrats, who believe in good Democratic ideals, we will all do our best to keep the party strong through and after the Convention.

I believe that Edwards staying the race is actually good for the Party in a way that some may not have considered. If the RNC and corporate media knew which Democrat was the anointed one now, they would roll out the "Swiftboat Vet" attack ads. We would get "Obama is a Black Muslim" or "Hillary is a bitch" from now until November. Since all three are still in the race, and since the last thing that the corporate media wants to do is knock both Hillary and Obama out and throw the race to Edwards--the most difficult of the three to attack---they have to sit tight and keep their interference to a minimum. Look what happened when people like George Will started to praise Obama and Chris Matthews started to trash talk Hillary. It increased her anti-establishment prestige and gave her a boost. The MSM has learned its lesson. It will have to keep its interference to a minimum--except maybe for "Edwards is a phony" if starts polling too high, and since he is running an American Saint campaign, any negative MSM publicity will only help him with his base---until there is a sure winner.

If the Dems go to the convention without a winner, the press will have to wait until this fall to roll out their attack ads. That will be cutting it mighty close, considering that the GOP candidate will be, at best, John McCain, a supporter of the Iraq War and at worst could be Rudi the Liar-Mafioso or Romney the Mormon. If it is Huckabee, the MSM will slime him . But if it is any of the others, they will have about three months to take the Democrat from the heights of Olympus to the depths of Tartarus.

It took the MSM over a year to perfect "Gore is a liar." Can they demolish this year's Democrat in three months?

[peacock]

49. Nice analysis

[PresidentObama]

31. His message of fighting for the middle class, ending poverty, and showing backbone.

His progressive agenda is EXACTLY what America needs!!

I've always liked John, have since 2003, but I have to admit after the election in 2004...he's spot on!! We do have an epic battle for the future of the middle class. Corporate power and corporate greed is stealing our future, and yes...we do have two Americas.

And from his background as a self-made man, he knows exactly the impact of when government works for you. And he knows personally the effect of corporate greed, he saw it with his dad. But he also knows the impact of good government and economic fairness, which is why he lived the American Dream.

[ClericJohnPreston]

32. So glad to connect....

with other Edwards supporters. Not a one has gone negative in this thread.

Kudos for "getting it"!

[Lugnut]

33. K&R n/t

[mzmolly]

34. I'm in! Very well stated!

:toast:

[lisainmilo]

35. Thank you so much for your brilliant post!

John Edwards is my prayer for this country and you, my friend, so eloquently delivered a triumphant post...Thank You!
:)

[ClericJohnPreston]

100. ClericJohnPreston here

Thank you for posting in my thread "The official why I support John Edwards without bashing Hillary or Obama thread".

I have submitted it to the John Edwards campaign at his web site where it awaits 10 votes for listing.

I am shamelessly requesting you register, if necessary, at www.Johnedwards.com, so you can vote to have the OP listed on his official BLOG page! If you are already registered, or after, please go to "vote on submissions" and vote for listing. I already have 6 of the requisite ten votes.

Thank you!

Michael

[bpeale]

110. i didn't see your post. what name do you post under?

[trashcanistanista]

36. I came back to K&R.

Very nice post, thank you so much!:dem:

[Nutmegger]

37. Recommended and Kicked! [n\t]

[Cameron27]

38. This is wonderful

I not a fan of Edwards, but this such a relief from all the mudslinging, that I'm going to reccommend for you.

[lisainmilo]

40. Another K&R for a beautiful post!

Thanks Again!

[whatdoyouthink]

41. Ok

But sense I cant BASH Sweet (Smart) Hillary and Nice (Bright) Obama - so I wont Bash them...


Re-pug's are fare game Right?

OK THEN those Blood Sucking , know good , pond scum, criminal thugs, baby snatchers, lieing thief, greedy pig's , anti American corporatist sellout's, lower then low - you know who you are, piss ant, something my dog brought in from the garbage, Racist, sexist, Hi and Mighty attitude-while your robbing grandma bank....DITO HEAD




Go John

[Mister Ed]

42. If Hillary or Obama were preaching the gospel that Edwards preaches, I'd be supporting one of them

I'd rather see a woman elected President than another white guy.

I'd much rather see a black man elected President than another white guy. (Imagine!)

I furthermore believe that both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are good and decent people.

But I believe that We The People are in mortal peril. Our Constitution and our democracy are under siege, and this is the eleventh hour. I need to see someone in the White House who's determined to fight against that peril. Barring that, we need someone to keep sounding the call to arms throughout this election season. For that reason, I support Edwards.

[asdjrocky]

43. What a great post!

And welcome, if I've not said it before!
K&R!!

[smokey nj]

44. K&R!!!!

[AmBlue]

45. Thank you ClericJohnPreston!!

Your insight as a trial attorney to speak to the realities of your profession and to speak up for John Edwards and the integrity of his experience in the same field is very important to the national discussion.

I have to confess, I have found myself quietly and strongly sympathizing with your rhetoric in earlier posts, but it's like my mother says: "You get more flies with honey than with vinegar." This "silly season" has been especially maddening for those of us who are well and long acquainted with the good sense of John Edwards' arguments and it's easy to be angry about the obvious distortion and silencing of his message by The Corporate Owned News (The CON-- I just love that acronym).

But, like it or not, each of us working to get this vitally important message out-- together with John Edwards-- are, by extension, the best hope America has for getting to hear the very positive message that John Edwards brings to the table, to-wit: that there is still HOPE for all of America and our hurting middle class if we are willing to FIGHT together for the foundational principles that made this country great. If, as our Declaration of Independence says, all men (not corporations) are created equal, and if our Government is indeed empowered by the consent of the governed, we then should be able to rely on the very reasonable expectation that our Government is operating in the best interests of The People, and not in the interests of Corporate entities that are paying for their favor.

John Edwards says this long and loud at every opportunity and so should all of us. I'm absolutely fascinated to see this play out as he continues to force the issue and stay in it all the way to the Convention.

Very nicely written post. Thank you.

GO, JOHN, GO!!!!

[peacock]

52. Great post AmBlue

[AmBlue]

56. Thanks, but...

I didn't mean to imply that Edwards will help only the hurting middle class and should have edited it. His policies have a built-in sensitivity for those that need help the most-- regardless of class-- and with a heightened sensitivity to those living in poverty.

It's so refreshing to hear a politician repeatedly drum on the frightening issue of poverty when all the others seem to have their heads firmly planted in the sand, isn't it? His bringing it up forces ALL of them to be answerable.

[Yael]

46. Adding another rec

:toast:

[Ninga]

47. I will not give up supporting Edwards, and thanks to ClercJohnPreston for the magnificent and

well argued post.

:hi:

:loveya:

[Mythsaje]

48. Kicked and Recommended.

Without reservation.

[Two Americas]

50. hear hear

I would also suggest that Edwards supporters defend the other candidates from some of the malicious attacks we are hearing, respect those who support Obama and Clinton, and defend the right of the Kucinich supporters to stay with their candidate and have his voice be heard.

There is nothing about the Edwards campaign that need be seen as opposed to the rest of the Democratic party. It is the biggest campaign, the biggest theme, and we have the once in a lifetime opportunity to have a big tent without compromising on fundamental principles and ideals.

We seek to strengthen the party, not to tear down or attack other Democrats. We have a disagreement with the supporters of the other candidates as to how best to move the party and the ideals of the party forward. We have no disagreement as to where we all want to go.

Within the context of a broad coalition that represents the interests and needs of 90% of the people as opposed to the interests of the few with entrenched wealth and power, all of our dreams can be realized, all progressive causes can succeed, all voices can be heard. This is what has worked for the party in the past, and it can work again.

The wealthy and powerful few have declared all-out war on the people. We did not ask for this war, we wish it wasn't happening, we all would prefer a less profound challenge and an easier path. It is tempting to compromise, it is attractive to seek a more pleasant option, to imagine that we can sit down with the powerful few who control every aspect of our lives, and that they will play fair and treat us nicely.

That approach of compromise and appeasement has been tried now for 30 years or more, and the more it is tried the more ground we lose. It will not work. We can abandon it now, or we can keep trying it and postpone the day when we must abandon it if we are to survive. Sooner or later, the approach that Edwards is taking will prevail. It is only a question of time, and the longer we postpone the showdown, the more suffering the people will have to endure. We can begin to end that suffering now, if we have the courage to do so.

[Mythsaje]

58. I do.

I will not tolerate spurious attacks that lower the level of discourse. I will defend Obama from racist bullshit, Hillary from sexist nastiness, and Kucinich from self-righteous bashing.

Let's focus on the issues, people.

[bobbolink]

51. Tremendous accounting of Edwards' strengths!

Please join us in the DU Edwards group!

And, hearty welcome to DU!

:bounce: :toast: :bounce:

[peacock]

53. Thank you, ClericJohnPreston

I´, with JRE all the way.

[lumberjack_jeff]

55. He's the best of the three, because he is willing to correctly diagnose the problem. n/t

[Qutzupalotl]

57. I'm very pleased to see this thread.

I hope it inspires more like it for all our candidates.

K&R

[FlyingSquirrel]

60. I'm very pleased to kick it.

I've done my best to NOT bash either of the two front-runners (as I believe most Edwards supporters have tried to do) and will also support the eventual nominee. I do NOT believe that it is too late for Edwards however... I feel as though we are the army outside the gates of Mordor, with no chance of success and yet still we will fight to the last man.

[Prophet 451]

59. Bravo sir!

Couldn't have said it better myself!

[ChiciB1]

61. Thanks So Much For Your Support AND Your Reasoned & Well Thought

post! Many of us who support John Edwards are VERY loyal, or at least that's the way it seems to me.

While I can't say I NEVER attacked the other candidates, I generally try not to! I have said I DON'T support them for various reasons, but I don't think it's a real attack.

Having read your post, it makes me proud to be an Edwards Supporter!!

:hug: :toast: :yourock:

[ClericJohnPreston]

62. Thank you to everyone....

I have just come back from a typical Saturday for me, working at the office. It goes with the job, the mountains of paperwork.

I must say, I am humbled by the recognition of my fellow DU'ers , who have seen fit to recommend this thread. It is 99.9% venom-free, a testament to the intelligent readers here at DU.

Unhappily, I can still see there are many with an agenda to stir the pot, glancing at the topic headlines. There is no reason I can discern, if you believe in the merits of your candidate, to bash and scornfully denigrate other's choices.

I can only hope that soon, order will return and all posters can ascribe to my philosophy and new MANTRA:

"PURPOSE WITHOUT PARTISANSHIP"

In order to beat the Conservatives, we must be a united front, no matter our individual choices.

Show your conviction in your candidate, but do so as a booster of their good qualities, not as a basher of the other choices.

[panzerfaust]

63. Yep

Trial lawyers see themselves as "Gunfighters for Good."

The rest of us see them as people who would elect Gonzales as "Lawyer of the Year", Brittney, or Britty (or whatever her name is) as "Mother of the Year", and the guy who threw his four kids off the bridge as "Father of the Year", as long as they got paid for it.

They do, however, understand power and they do understand change, and that is what we, as Democrats, need now: Power and Change. So yeah, at this point, I support Edwards.

If he does not get the Democratic nomination, I will support whoever does - even though I think it will be a closet republican, and I will not expect much in the way of change.

[MissDeeds]

64. Proud to K&R

I agree completely, and thank you for stating the case for John Edwards so beautifully!

[onehandle]

66. Edwards first. I vote straight Democratic in November.

As always.

[Maat]

67. While Kucinich is my first choice,

Edwards is a close second; he may move to first.

I'm kind of supporting them both now.

As a law school graduate (non-practicing), I am exceptionally appreciative of your articulate argument.

John E.'s speeches warm my heart; he really gets it; he wraps up the wisdom I gleaned as a social worker into a neat little bow.

Thanks.

[stickernation]

68. i just got a call from obama for fundraising.

i asked some hard questions of the volunteer, who was - despite being intelligent - clueless about the basis of her own support and so vague on obama's positions that it made it clear to me that her support was on a rock-star basis :( the best she could say was "he's said some excellent things about women".

here are my raw notes.

* give us money because we won in iowa and tied in new hampshire
* people are responding to his "call for change"
* 26 states will be voting by Feb 5
* our top level of support = $150
* (is he going to withdraw the troops?) she says his plan states that he wants to withdraw all troops by march 31st. (?????oh really)
* uh actually he wants to give them a little more time, to keep themm in there.
* he wouldn't want to go to war with iran ! (has he said anything to that extent? i read about how he wouldn't mind missiling Iran in the chicago tribune)
* there are a lot of negative things being said about obama recently
* other candidates are worried because they are moving down in the polls
* they're trying to drag him down
* there are a lot of things that hold no truth
* they embellish or make things come out of thin air
* if you go onto his website it's an awesome website that lays everything out on the table
* read through all of the proposals
* a lot of the things that the other candidates are stating are not true - exaggerated
* he wants the majority of the troops out
* but you can't take all of them out, he wants bases.
* he's going to pull a lot of them out but keep them still there
* not sure if he wants to close guantanamo.
* he is not accepting money from PAC's or fed lobbyists (really ??)
* it's a people's campaign (hm.... that means not an issues campaign i guess?)
* as we start to progress people are relying on the funding from corporate money
* obama isn't
* he needs as much support as he can during this time
* technically NH was a tie
* Clinton wasn't really that successful
* % difference was not very large between Clinton and Obama
* the Obama campaign wasn't counting on him winning either
* the media pumped up that he was going to win
* but the chances of him winning were low
* (what was the trigger moment that led to your own support for Obama?)
* i've read a lot
* i like what he stands for
* "oh i don't know" - issues that are important
* different things that are out there for different constituencies
* gay and lesbian couples, he has said something about that.
* stances for women and women's movement
* (obama has said something about sexism ?)
* i don't know
* i have to get on my next call, let me send you a voucher for later
* (ok i will do some more research thank you)


yet another opportunity missed to tell me something - ANYTHING - about what Obama stands for. :/

i realize that this post may not appear to be in the spirit of the thread. i assure you that it is. i present the above interview in a frame of strategic advice to benefit the obama campaign, especially after the convention. it is key to your success and victory that you remedy this vagueness of support and it would be a good idea for your candidate to be reminded by you to do so. let me face facts and say that it is most likely that obama would capture my vote over clinton, but if he would want me to PULL OUT ALL THE STOPS for the General, he needs to be very clear on things like troop withdrawals, guantanamo etc. again to convey strategic advice to obama, for the good of his campaign he must distill these policy positions into talking points that all of his staffers and supporters clearly understand. if bases should be kept in Iraq, for instance, his supporters - and especially volunteers - should be able to convince me that's a good thing. should he become more clear about issues i will be happy to advance him the highest level of support possible this fall if he were to achieve the nomination (i'm with edwards all the way through the convention of course). i will go visit the obama website and take some time to distill what i find there into a sweet metanotes chart for future public reference.

[MethuenProgressive]

72. "i realize that this post may not appear to be in the spirit of the thread."

That's right. But it deserves a thread all by itself, imo.
Good luck to your candidate.

[Plucketeer]

69. Great stuff!!!

:kick:

[ClericJohnPreston]

70. Thanks again...

to all the readers and posters!

[ClericJohnPreston]

71. I am still chagrined

every time I look around at the DU threads running, which seem as if they are torn right from "The National Enquirer".

Piety over perceived outrages.

I am reminded of Shakespeare, "full of sound and fury......"

Why can't we all just stay positive?

[Cronopio]

76. Sorry, but I just can't be positive about a candidate that is for an illegal war ...

... yet still claims to be a heartfelt, caring person.

A few years ago, when we didn't have the evidence we have now about how this war was conducted, I wouldn't have been so militant about it. But supporting the war (especially speaking against it but still funding it) is a moral failing, not just a disqualification for the Oval Office.

There's no way to be positive about her (and Nancy Pelosi's) kind of negativity - i.e., political opportunism with a smiley face and XX chromozomes. And if offends me to hear Hillary supporters imply that any criticism of her is criticism of her gender, which will automatically turn 52 percent of the electorate off. That's what they *want* to happen, but it won't.

I know you wanted this thread to be criticism-free, and I respect your motivation, but you asked why ...

[Cronopio]

73. Right on. K&R nt

[democrank]

74. Thank you, CJP.

I`ve bypassed most of the...I HATE YOUR CANDIDATE...threads because it`s easy to end up in the ditch if you take your eyes off the road.

Sticking with Edwards is a matter of principle with me. Although compromise is a reasonable option at times, commitment to basic principles is a must. A cursory review of Republican Party loyalty to their standard operating proceedures sends chills up my spine. I don`t want to be like that, even if it means winning.

John Edwards is realistic enough to know you don`t bring a little plastic squirt gun to a five-alarm fire. The "powers that be" are deeply entrenched in our party and in our system and they aren`t going to willingly give up their velvet cushions. The powerful have had their voices heard for a very long time. Now its time for the little guy to be heard.

I`ve had my fill with Washington insiders. It really is time to take our country back and give voice and consideration to all those who have been left behind.

[ClericJohnPreston]

75. Here, here

I'm lockstep with you Democrank!

[Cabcere]

77. Outstanding post.

:applause: Thank you for stating the case so eloquently, and for keeping it positive...I think that is especially needed on DU during primary season. :hi: I'm kicking this, and if it's not too late I'm definitely adding a rec! :hug: Well done.

[Mrspeeker]

78. K&R

Edwards 2008 :)

[Fovea]

79. Because his platform, while not perfect

goes a long way toward restoring America to all Americans, not just the preditory super rich.

[randr]

82. Well Said--More and more of my friends are feeling the same

[sandyd921]

83. Because JRE will challenge the system

John Edwards has given every indication that he is not afraid to challenge the stranglehold that the corporations and the ultra-wealthy have over our government, economy, and media!

I want my country and my democracy back! Go John go!

[sandyd921]

84. Proud to K & R this great post!

n/t

[ColesCountyDem]

85. I support John Edwards because he speaks for ME.

John Edwards talks about the forgotten middle-class people who, through no fault of their own, are slowly sliding backwards, and that's me. He speaks about people who've never had (or have lost) health insurance and worry about a financial disaster, should they become ill, and that's me. He talks about saddling our nation's children and grandchildren with generations of crushing debt incurred to pay for a pointless war and unconscionable tax breaks for the wealthiest among us, and that's my children and grandchildren.

John Edwards speaks for US, the forgotten Americans, and that's why I'll continue to speak out for HIM.

[mother earth]

86. I'm in that count too, ColesCountyDem, lost a job to downsizing

thanks to republican corporate owner who has oodles and oodles of money to have the best life has to offer, but those excesses and the housing market led to many of us losing our job(s).

John's message speaks loud and clear to me! I'm not willing to become the disappearing middle class, but my face can be added to that group for the time being, the one they keep telling us is moving up---yeah, so the likes of Tony Snow will tell people, it's no joke when you know the truth. This is personal to me, just like John says, only the tears are in the eyes of people like me. I will fight for John with heart and soul because he speaks for ME!

[mother earth]

87. Thank you, ClericJohnPreston, K & R for Edwards & all of us!

[Liz7]

89. major kudos

for an excellent post...and for your name and icon (huge fan of Christian Bale here).

[ClericJohnPreston]

90. Liz7...

if you have seen "Equilibrium", you know why I chose my avatar and my username.

I have always been the rebel. I am a non-conformist FREE THINKER who will never succumb to any distortion or manipulation.

Which is why, being a clear and critical thinker, there is only one option....John Edwards!

[mtnsnake]

91. It's because of awesome supporters like you why Edwards is hanging around for the duration

I'm positive if he could read your post it would make him smile from ear to ear. :thumbsup:

[susieq1001]

92. I agree we should stay united; we have some good choices!

Edwards is not my candidate of choice, but if he wins the nomination, I will support him.

I support Hillary.

[Spiffarino]

93. Thanks for laying the case, ClericJohn

Your reasons for endorsing Edwards are mine, and more. I would add that he is the only MAJOR candidate to enunciate the virtues of the FDR Democrats, and that he is also the most electable candidate in the running.

I must also agree that your strategy of non-bashing is the correct one. There is nothing to be gained from joining the circular firing squad. We must go with the candidate that will fight the next Republican Corporatocrat that gets its party's nod. I'm 1000% behind anybody the Dems nominate next Summer. But I'm behind Edwards and will give him my money, my time, and my skills such as they are.

[ClericJohnPreston]

96. To my fellow Edwards supporters...

thank you.... :)

[Rockholm]

95. Very nice post.

[frog92969]

97. No amnesty for Kucinich?

Sorry, I couldn't resist.
Going now.

[stickernation]

99. my #1 pick for vice

that would be my dream ticket - edwards/kucinich. after seeing the best of kucinich video that is hands down my pick.

-s

[Greylyn58]

98. A well reasoned and thought out piece of writing

Thank you for this. I have tried to stay out of the bashing and name calling of other candidates. I want to support my choice, but not bash anyone else on their choice.

Thank you for showing that it can be done.

[ClericJohnPreston]

101. A beautiful dog

and a great KO signature. Where did that image appear? I have been an Olbermann fan going back to his ESPN days with Dan Patrick. His "Special Comments" is what has helped me through the tolerance of Bush insanity.

[Greylyn58]

105. I picked it off the internet somewhere

Sorry, I can't remember where. The quote is from one of his Special Comments.

Like you, I've been a fan of Keith's since his days on ESPN. I use to love watching him and Dan Patrick on Sports Center. I had lost track of him after he left ESPN, but was thrilled when he got his own show on MSNBC.

Thanks for the kind comment on my dog. Sheridan is my baby, even at 12 yrs of age.

[OzarkDem]

102. Excellent post! Thank you!!!!

I'm so glad Edwards and his campaign are not playing the politics of division in this race.

[ClericJohnPreston]

103. Yes, thank you

but, you don't have to look very far in this forum for repeat offenders ad nauseum of divisive and non-informational threads.

I wish a certain element would just remove the collective chip on their shoulders and write what is good about their candidate, not what is wrong with others.

[southerncrone]

104. A most refreshing post for our most electable candidate.

Kudos to you ClericJohnPreston!

So nice for someone to bear their soul, admit their past mistakes & take the high road.
It's easy to see why you support JE, your post mirrors what he has done with his campaign.

Lately DU has taken on a "Jerry Springer" taint that is not serving any of us well.
We are at a crossroads, & a critical juncture in history, nothing less than the viability of our nation is at stake. We can't screw this up with our infighting!

Although I'm a Kucinich supporter, JE is my close second choice. Every day, it seems that I keep edging closer to switching to Edwards. Not because I don't believe in DK, but because MSM has made it virtually impossible for him to get his message out. I fear MSM is beginning to do the same with John; hardly a mention of him during or after the NH primary.

DK surprised me by asking his supporters in IA to get behind Obama since I feel Edwards is the closest to carrying on his message, but apparently the hedge fund activity troubled DK. It does not trouble me that much, of the top 3 Edwards is definitely the closest to the roots of the Democratic Party.

I believe John will do well on Super Tuesday, especially in the Southern states.

And WELCOME TO DU!!:hi:
Your are definitely an asset to the dialog here.


I think YOU should consider running for office!:yourock:

[ClericJohnPreston]

106. Thank you for your words of encouragement

I am humbled by your post.

[ClericJohnPreston]

107. Thanks too....

For helping me get this post to www.johnedwards.com :)

Together, we can make a difference!

[AzDar]

108. K & R...

:kick:

[Krashkopf]

109. K&R

This thread it too old to "recommend" so I'm gonna "kick" it, because it is so good!

Krash

[tom_paine]

111. Well said and well spoken. Kicked (too late to rec it)

:kick:

[redqueen]

112. Great post.

:yourock: