Oh, fuck it. Even if he's got no chance, I'm sticking with Edwards all the way!

[PresidentObama]

Go Johnny, go!!

Onto Super Tuesday.

Onto North Dakota, Missouri, and others you can do well in!!

Keep picking up delegates.

Even if you aren't the nominee, I owe you my support and loyalty until you drop out or win.

[Jim Sagle]

1. I hope he stays in, and I'll back him all the way.

[classykaren]

102. I am still backing him n/t

[neutron]

113. The Right Wing is right with you!

Anything to screw our strongest candidate!

[neutron]

115. Howard Dean needs to give Edwards a tap on the shoulder

to me, Edwards is nutty as a coot after doing nothing for 5 years except
hang around Iowa campaigning - like the village nut.

[Name removed]

220. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

151. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

171. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Duncan]

170. You got that backwards.

Unless you mean our strongest candidate is Edwards.
Obama is the rights favorite for two reasons:
1: He is weaker in the general than Edwards.
2: If Obama wins, at least he is the Dem who is furthest to the right.

[krkaufman]

221. Re: "He is weaker in the general than Edwards"

You base that opinion on what? Polling? Remember that similar polling showed the Dems' most electable candidate in 2004 to be John Kerry.

[rhett o rick]

173. So you are saying that we shouldn't bother with anyone except our strongest candidate? Very strange

[JAbuchan08]

196. Vote for the winner!

works every time....

[kenfrequed]

174. Bah

Hillary is in no way our strongest GE candidate. I have no idea why people keep saying that.

[Dems Will Win]

224. Think this thread is forgetting if you go below 15% in a district you get ZERO delegates

See as how JRE is below 10% in most state polls on Feb. 5, it will be hard for him to justify staying in the race, especially as he has no money to buy TV time with in the bigger states.

Plus Elizabeth stopped campaigning after Iowa. That's unusual.

[saracat]

2. Me too and I don't know that he has no chance. If he has no chance

America has no chance.

[SammyWinstonJack]

7. Right on!

[Andy823]

58. I feel the same way

I am in to stay with Edwards, but I also feel like you that we lose if he is not the nominee, and that bothers me!

[Sarah Ibarruri]

3. He's got to stay all the way! He's the only one with that message! The other two have none. nt

[Fresh_Start]

4. I'm with you

Edwards has been leading the other democratic candidates to publish proposals and talk about issues
His proposals are the most progressive
I'm with him until the end as well

[SammyWinstonJack]

5. Unless and until he says otherwise, I am backing him all the way!

[Guaranteed]

6. I don't think that's smart. Edwards' supporters need to let him

know that the best thing is to unite with Obama and take that V.P. spot.

Don't just throw up your hands and run Edwards into the ground.

[More Than A Feeling]

10. He needs to tell us that himself.

He's received my vote already, but the JRE button on my coat isn't coming off until he tells me its time. Him, not you, not anyone else.

[BlackVelvet04]

14. The best thing for Edwards to do is what

HE wants to do.

[Guaranteed]

17. What do you think he wants to do?

Do you think he wants the V.P. spot, or do you think he wants to lose?

What would he get with his delegates at the convention?

[BlackVelvet04]

40. He wants to give voice to those who have no voice.....

beyond that, I'm no mind reader and it's up to him.

[krkaufman]

222. Exactly. It seems he may just want to keep his message alive ...

... as long as possible, and hopefully have it embedded in the nominee's campaign. And, for that, I'll keep sending him money.

[ekwhite]

105. See my post at number 104

He could make some real gains by staying in.

[foxer]

215. Time for a reality pill

Let's look at the Big Picture shall we.
The "big money interests" know the political winds are blowing against them. What can they do? I know, let's back two "history making" candidates with massive contributions and give them unlimited media coverage, while limiting coverage to the "un-viable" and "distant third" candidates, by the companies we happen to own. Then we'll cover the bickering between them 24/7 till they can't stand each other. This has been in their playbook for a very long time.

What happened in the South Carolina primary was not a victory for anyone,because they succeeded in ripping the Democratic Party in two, along racial and gender lines. Anybody see a problem?


Before you start filling your cabinet, shouldn't you maybe like win the nomination? You act like we should be vacuuming the red carpet before roll it out for you. The problem you have is not with JRE supporters, for the vast majority of them will vote for the candidate who wins, but with the Clinton supporters and they with you. Seem to have the Grand Canyon between you now,and if you don't remove your heads from your asses now and fix this,you'll be going down like a biker babe at Sturgis.

I'll be sticking with JRE thank you, because he has welcomed everyone to back him. And he backs us. This is not about JRE or Hillary or Obama, it is about US. We're all in the same boat and we better start bailing NOW!

[stickernation]

94. 100% agreed.

Edwards is a guy I've met a few times now, his daughter is amazing, his wife is amazing, chapel hill is a great university (i just graduated from there! which is where we met) and I totally trust him.

That's just me, but whatever's cool with him is cool with me at this point. He's like MY LAWYER !!!

OUR CLASS ACTION SUIT IS JUST BEGINNING BROTHERS AND SISTERS !!!! ! ! ! ! !!

-s

[SammyWinstonJack]

20. Thanks for your concern.

:eyes:

[Guaranteed]

30. Do you want Clinton to get the nomination?

There is much, much common ground between Edwards and Obama. They need to unite.

[saracat]

I see no difference between Clinton and Obama .Sorry.

[QC]

65. I agree--six of one, half a dozen of the other.

Please, Lord, no more "centrists."

[jackson_dem]

131. I don't either. Obama is Bill Clinton -2.0

[theHandpuppet]

137. Ditto that.

And as a gay person in America, if Edwards hasn't a chance I don't see any hopes of progress for GLBT rights, either. Clinton wouldn't dare rock the boat and Obama now has a big I.O.U. to the fundie homophobic hatemongers who are his new pals.

[SammyWinstonJack]

56. I want the one person who can actually beat the repub, to get the nomination.

I don't happen to think Hillary or Obama qualify. It doesn't do any good for us too pick a nominee who can not win the GE. :shrug:

[krabigirl]

74. I'd prefer her to Obama, just barely, but I would.

[stickernation]

95. If JRE thinks its the right thing to do then OK.

Until then, the tack of "give up! it's hopeless! support obama!" is not going to work.

A better idea would be to embed this pitch in a "real reason to believe", which obviously obama really needs to work on.

I'm sick of calling his campaign "historic" and him giving an anti-war speech six years ago being summoned as sufficient grounds for supporting his candidacy. A far better argument would be about his ability to draw more people to the polls, the consequent coattail effect for Dem candidates in Congress and local elections. Also interested in "what's in it for JRE", like would he be Obama's VP, and what would that mean - should I as a JRE supporter go "that's good enough" because Obama is a good guy or should I worry about Obama like I currently am ? Set me at ease about Obama, that's the best way to try and resuscitate support for him among JRE supporters that are like myself (we are a diverse bunch). I don't want to totally lose faith in Obama but I am unhappy with many of the things I've discovered about him. I definitely see a lot in common position-wise among Obama and Edwards supporters - perhaps that would be a good place to start. But I am very concerned that Obama no longer stands behind the positions he might have supported once upon a time.

-s

[ErnestoG]

110. Obama/Edwards, Baby!

m/m

[Le Taz Hot]

169. My guess is that Edwards, if he doesn't get the nomination,

will throw his delegates to Obama which will put him over the top. ABC.

[Yael]

185. They aren't even in the same book, much less on the same page.

[AndyA]

23. Edwards has already said he won't take VP spot.

It's not going to happen.

Things can change. Quickly.

[bdamomma]

29. AndyA, you are correct again, things could change very quickly.

[disndat]

183. You've got it right

Things can change quickly, only I guess that JRE will take the vp position with Obama, gladly. But Edwards supporters should stick with him because the delegate count is critical for Edwards to get the best possible deal, and it is important that we keep Edwards message going long after the primaries, long after the election.

[zalinda]

37. You know what you can take your opinion

and shove it. I wouldn't vote for Obama, the gas bag if he was the last dem standing. And you and other Obama supporters are the reason why.

zalinda

[Guaranteed]

42. Jesus Christ. Simmer down.

Obama's not a gas bag, and like I said before, I was for Edwards until just a few weeks ago. I'm telling you, as a former Edwards supporter, that Obama is the one who can beat Sen. Clinton, and if you want change in the White House Obama and Edwards need to work this out.

[sellitman]

50. I see no difference between Obama & Clinton

Both are to the right of JE.

Both are not acceptable now.

Until I have no choice I won't vote for either.

[connecticut yankee]

143. Who would you support in the election?

I've always been for JE, but I'll probably vote for Obama in the primary on February 5.

Why?

Because a vote for Edwards would essentially be a vote for Hillary. And I prefer Obama to Hillary.

Would you rather have her run against McCain (or whoever the Repukes run)?

I really feel bad about this, but I have to be pragmatic.

[sellitman]

145. I will vote for John Edwards until I cannot.

You can waste your vote.

I will not.

I don't care who wins if he doesn't.

Toss a coin.

[krkaufman]

223. Support for your pragmatism.

I voiced a similar comment yesterday, and just now finished dousing the flames on my PJs.

I prefer Edwards, but need to be realistic, pragmatic about (1) his chances of getting over 15% in my state (where my JE vote would be discarded if he fails to get over the threshold; and (2) where he might eventually shift his support & delegates. (i.e. there is no guarantee that he'd support my preferred secondary candidate)

As someone else said, if you see no difference between the other 2 candidates, then sticking w/ Edwards all the way is the reasonable thing to do. But if you feel strongly about one of the other candidates, the above issues need to be considered.

[grmamo]

144. I agree with you, they are both alike. But could never vote Obama. n/t

[zalinda]

75. Sorry, but I don't like Obama

he says absolutely nothing. There is nothing there, just like cotton candy. And I would rather have Clinton in the White House than Obama any day. Thank you very much.

zalinda

[jackson_dem]

133. No true Edwards supporter would have jumped ship

[Yael]

186. Exactly. Supporters support. Casting a vote against during a primary isn't support.

[krabigirl]

72. same here

[George II]

163. I suppose you'd prefer Romney or McCain?

[liberalla]

39. Edwards' supporters need to support him,

until he decides to drop out!

[krabigirl]

71. Are you kidding me??? Yuck.

[toadzilla]

98. he will NEVER take the v.p. spot

and hes got my support as long as hes in the race.

[Triana]

100. Edwards has said he does not want a VP spot..

...and it is UP TO HIM to decide if and when he will drop out.

NOT anyone on DU or the media.

[jackson_dem]

130. Thanks for your "concern." Why don't Obamites demand their guy offer the VP spot to Edwards?

Oh. Not "concerned" enough to do that?

[MindMatter]

147. EXCUSE ME ...

Edwards won the white vote. He beat both Clinton and Obama by a wide margin. Obama has run his campaign foolishly to reduce his campaign to being basically the black person's candidate. It is Obama who should drop out. not Edwards. The SC results make it very clear that Obama cannot win the general election.

[Yael]

187. Those stats bother me as well

If he is to be transcendent over race, he needs to shore up more of the white vote like Iowa.

[MindMatter]

214. Or how about he step aside

and stop siphoning votes away from Edwards.

I realize black folks are rightfully excited to be able to cast a primary vote for a brother who is a real contender. But it should be perfectly obvious to everybody here that if he cannot win a significant number of the white DEMOCRATS voting in S Carolina, he doesn't stand a snowball's chance of getting enough white REPUBLICANS and INDEPENDENTS to win the election.

By staying in the campaign, he is condemning us to have Clinton as the candidate without giving folks a clear alternative with Edwards.

[bluerum]

152. If HE decides to do that I will support him. I behind him all the way. To say

that Edwards is dividing the ticket is nonsense. Obama and Billary are doing a wonderful job of cutting each other to pieces - for the most part Edwards has been standing back watching them.

[bonnieS]

157. What VP?

Supposedly Edwards tried to talk to Obama about some deal or other--not VP, as he does not want to go through THAT again! Obama was not interested. Why would he be? Why would he want a populist around to screw up his ideal of rich and poor together?

[lastliberalintexas]

165. But what about Edwards supporters who don't like Obama?

There are plenty of people I know who support Edwards but who will not support either Clinton or Obama. Some are Texas type republicans (ie, abortion and guns) who are happy to hear his economic message and even his plans to end the war. They won't vote for any other Dem, unfortunately.

Some are leftists who are willing to compromise and "trust" him for the time being but who can't bend enough to vote for the other 2.

Some are union members who have said they *might* be able to support Obama, but no way Clinton (due to outsourcing and visa issues). This last group will at least likely vote for our nominee in November, but they ain't pounding the pavement for or donating to Obama or Clinton.

That about sums up the Edwards supporters I personally know, though there are a couple who are die hard supporters of his from 2004 as well. Do you honestly think those supporters are going to Obama or Clinton?


I am personally being slowly drawn into the Edwards campaign. I've forgiven him of his IWR support ONLY because he humbled himself and apologized for it, just as I forgave Kucinich for his anti-choice positions of the past. When I see the same things said about him as were said about Dean, it makes me think it would be the right choice for me.

[Irishonly]

172. Why

Have you ever listened to Edwards? He has stated he's in it to the convention. If he decides to drop I will support him. He has already done the VP thing so why do you think he would want it again?

[Nutmegger]

8. He's the only candidate I believe in.

Edwards 2008!!!

[chimpymustgo]

9. John and Elizabeth have faced the incomprehensible before tonight, and stared it down.

This is just a setback. Onward and upward.

[DearAbby]

11. I'm with you...Edward's all the way!.................n/t

[Inspired]

12. You are a great supporter! n/t

[AmBlue]

13. Never know what can happen.

If you think the Hillariobama Show's been nasty so far, just wait. Methinks we ain't seen nothin' yet.

STAY, JOHN, STAY!!!

[Hardrada]

21. Great point. Hill and Barack are like the Gingham Dog

and the Calico Cat who annihilate each other into rags and patches. And Edwards will be left to win!

[bdamomma]

32. yea, and people are going to get tired of nastiness too.

[Ilsa]

15. Count me in! Go Johnny, go!! Keep picking up delegates. nt

[Fresh_Start]

16. small happy from SC

Edwards won the Republicans voting in the democratic primary vote
He's a great crossover candidate
He outperformed in high income and college graduates esp post-graduate

Category % Total Clinton Edwards Kucinich Obama
Democrat 73 28 14 0 57
Republican 4 20 43 - 37
Independent or something else 23 26 32 0 42

[PBS Poll-435]

123. Wahoo for "middle income" to rich white folks!!

Can I get an Amen?




Edited to correct my spelling after a "class warefare seizure."

[Catchawave]

18. I'm in {{{high five}}}

:toast:

[jannyk]

19. I'm In 'til the end - if not JE I have no candidate. nt

[saracat]

35. Me too!

[Virginian]

106. I'll vote for JE on Feb 12.

I just talked some former JE supporters to come back and vote for him, too. I told them he can't win if his supporters vote for someone else.
I'll vote my conscience in the primary and vote the party in the general election. It would be nice if both votes were for Edwards.

[Laelth]

22. I'm pinning my hopes on a brokered convention.

Still supporting Edwards. Still want an Edwards/Obama ticket, but I'll be pleased enough with Obama/Edwards if that's how it shakes out.

I vote Feb. 5, but it's the vote in November that really matters.

:dem:

-Laelth

[Joanne98]

24. ME TOO!

Somebody's got to talk about MONEY! Hang in there John.

[stravu9]

25. I'll vote for Edwards come November no matter what.

even if he endorses another candidate I will not be moved.
And I don't think I'll hang around here much anymore . Barry's supporters have always treated me mean and I don't like it.

[bdamomma]

26. I am sticking to John too.

it's a long way to election day.

[AndyA]

27. Barack's star can fade quickly.

In one word: Rezko. There's a lot there we still don't know. And none of it is going to be helpful to him.

[liberalla]

28. I'm with you! It's too early to even think about giving up!

Onwards, Upwards, Edwards. 2008

[mtnsnake]

31. Loyalty

is what it's all about. When it comes to friends, family, or your team of any kind, nothing means more than loyalty. Nothing.

:thumbsup:

[New Dawn]

33. Edwards all the way!

I'll be supporting him at my state's caucus which comes after Super Tuesday, even if he remains third place. The more delegates that he gets, the better.

[bdamomma]

36. welcome to DU New Dawn!!

it's not over by a long shot.:hi:

[New Dawn]

41. Thank you for the welcome, and I agree!

[Catherine Vincent]

34. He's speaking now and he's not giving up!

:bounce:

[bdamomma]

43. he's a fighter!!!!

what a good guy he is.....sigh

Wake up America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[LiberalHeart]

38. Ditto. John is the only one who will deliver what progressives value.

[Ian David]

44. I agree. I'll ride the Kucinich Train until it either arrives in The White House, or crashes & burns

However, I will support who ever the eventual nominee is.

Unless they start eating live babies and proclaiming that they are an agent of Satan come to deliver us into the gates of Hell.


Still, even then...

They'd be better than any of the Republicans, wouldn't they?

"In 2008, President Huckabee attacked Hillary Clinton for announcing that she was an agent of Satan come to deliver us into the Gates Of Hell. Yet, in 2010, President Huckabee signed an agreement with The Antichrist to hand-over the world to The Devil. In 2016, shouldn't we vote for a candidate who was honest about her love of Satan? Do not re-elect Mike Huckabee. Vote Clinton in 2016. She's loved Satan honestly. Mike Huckabee pledged HIS allegiance to Satan AFTER Jesus was killed at The Battle of Armageddon."

[AmBlue]

61. Um, didn't Kucinich drop out?

Hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but I did see that. We're happy to have you with us on the Edwards train.
:hi:

[Ian David]

141. Meant to say I'd ride The Edwards Train to the end like I rode The Kucinich Train. n/t

[AmBlue]

175. Got it! Glad to have you with us...

You got good taste in trains.
:hi:

[Yael]

188. Can I sit next to you?

I love trains.

:hi:

[likesmountains 52]

45. I'm with ya...I'm staying on his side all the way too.

[zalinda]

46. No other candidate for me

Neither of the other two candidates give a damn about us. It's their ego that is driving them. This campaign is ALL about them. Makes me want to:puke:

And I'm really starting to hate the Obama supporters, they think that we would go over to them? Bull. We have a mind of our own, and I will not support that gas bag.

zalinda

[MissDeeds]

57. Ditto

And the Hillbots also make me want to :puke:

I've been a Dem for over forty years and neither of them will get my vote.

[lastliberalintexas]

168. I never thought I would see a group of supporters

who could make me like the DU Clinton team again. :shrug:


Though if I hadn't been able to disassociate the candidates from their supporters, I would have eliminated Obama long ago rather than only fairly recently. The religious insanity just finally threw me over the edge.

[liskddksil]

47. 4 down 46 to go!

[More Than A Feeling]

48. John Edwards is the candidate I believe in, and he's already received my vote.

[OwnedByFerrets]

49. I want MY chance to vote for him next week!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cybergata]

51. I plan on voting for him on Super Tuesday!

He is our Hope. I support him to the bitter end.

[frogmarch]

52. Me 'n' mine are in it all the way with John Edwards.

And we're a big pack.

[bdamomma]

53. I just gave John a donation

give whatever as long as you give.

[peacock]

124. Thank you, alyce!

[MissDeeds]

54. K&R

I will vote for Edwards in the GE, regardless of what happens between now and then. He represents my values and my positions, and no other candidate comes close. I firmly believe he is the true Democrat in the race and I will whole heartedly support him. JE is fighting for us, and I will fight for him. End of story.

[citizen snips]

55. I am still with Edwards.

[Maximus Invictus]

59. ALWAYS!!!

NO OJ SIMPSON! NO REAGAN! NO FAIR TALE! NO CORPORATIST!


GO EDWARDS!!!


From Europe with love!

[FirstLight]

60. I am saddened... and still have plans to do calling for Edwards..

the numbers are a bit difficult to look at, and yet I know that John is the one who moves me and that is where I have to vote. I have never felt to much riding on my LIFE right now. I hope Hillary shoots herself in the foot and that John and Obama can find common ground, because I DO happen to hear similarities between them. I think I heard alot of JRE (not JFK) in Obamas speech tonight.

No mater what, I HAVE to trust that a democrat will be the next president, I am grateful that John wil not back down and I look forward to seeing the DNC and how it all plays out. I am SO glad he is a fighter! I know he will and IS making a difference...

I am choked up thinking about it, I Need a man like him in office...I need HIM in office!

Go JOHNNY GO!

[AmBlue]

64. Think of it this way...

For a guy that gets very little media coverage, relatively speaking, he did FREAKING FANTASTIC to get one out of five votes!!!

AND he's staying in all the way to the Convention, bless his heart. You never know which way the wind might blow, so I for one am very content right here, right now.... firmly in the Edwards camp.

:patriot: :popcorn: :patriot: :popcorn: :patriot: :popcorn: :patriot: :popcorn: :patriot: :popcorn: :patriot: :popcorn: :patriot: :popcorn:

[InvisibleTouch]

62. As long as he's in, I'm still voting for him. n/t

[liberal N proud]

63. I am with him to the end.

[alfredo]

66. We need him to have influence in the convention. I want him as

Attorney General or some other cabinet position where he can help better the lives of the American people.

[BlackVelvet04]

67. There's plenty of time for the other two

candidates to sink each other. :-)

[OzarkDem]

68. Edwards is still in, so am I n/t

[FloridaJudy]

69. I've already given him my vote.

Stay in the game, John. America needs you.

[krabigirl]

70. Thank you for posting this. Me too!

[ejbr]

73. He's my candidate! n/t

[desertflamingo]

76. in to the end!!!

i WON'T vote for obama. i WON'T vote for hillary. john edwards speaks for me. obama's "victory" speech could have and should have come from je, especially since the bulk of it was founded on je's ideas. UGH. people can be so... uninformed. oh well. i'm fighting for je all the way. my car is stickered, i wear a large pin everywhere i go, i annoy the shit out of my friends with my je emails, and i give money. he's not giving up on me and i won't give up on him. obama says he's the agent of "change." ha!! what a phoney baloney.

EDWARDS '08

[pauldg0]

77. I think he can still win .................

..Take it to Denver, John. Be the spoiler in the end. You have a straight foreward campaign!!!

[sleepyhead]

148. Welcome to DU

And I agree with every word you said. I come from a long line of liberal Demoacrats, and none of us can stomach Obama or Clinton. I can't wait to vote for Edwards on Super Tuesday!

[diane in sf]

78. I agree!

[femrap]

79. Me, too.

We, the adult segment of the Democratic Party, have no other choice. To me, this race is not black vs. white, nor male vs. female.....Obama has turned it into young vs. old(er). I guess what those young 'uns will end up getting is DRAFTED by McCain.

The young is impressed by speeches and doesn't have a clue of fascism nor the issues.

How much does it cost to get citizenship in Italy? Anyone know? Seriously.

[mac56]

80. I'm with you!

All the way!

[helderheid]

81. Kingmaker.

[pamela]

82. No retreat. No surrender. n/t

[still_one]

83. You should, and it isn't hopeless. This could go to the convention

and if no one wins the first round, anything could happen

What you said I believe is exactly what edwards strategy is, to just pick up delegates, and not worry about necessarily winning any states

[Lugnut]

84. I'm sticking too.

Go Johnny go!

[unapatriciated]

85. Edwards says he is in it all the way.

After he very eloquently congratulated Obama, he gave a very good rally speech. He used his time wisely and outsmarted CNN and MSNBC who refuse to cover his campaign. He will get his message out.

He has my vote Super Tuesday

[desertflamingo]

89. great!!

anyone have a clip of that speech? i don't have cable (gasp!!) so... i'd love to see it. i'm about done with all the obama worship on "the internets" tonight. thanks!

EDWARDS '08

[Seabiscuit]

86. I'm sticking with Edwards too! God knows the other two don't have a real healthcare plan or economic

stimulus plan. If John could persuade either Barack or Hillary to follow his plan we'd all be better off, plus I would love to see John in a prominent role in a new administration.

[readmoreoften]

87. Here here. Edwards to the end. /nt

[Plucketeer]

88. John's

the ONLY one I wanna vote for. I have to stay true to my beliefs.

[Bravo Zulu]

90. me too

also, I bought an Edwards for President sweatshirt to wear!

[midnight]

91. I feel safe knowing that there is a candidate like John

Edwards out there working for our vote. Let's reward his great plans for this country and let him take the White House in another direction.

[PhD]

92. Complete with a Howard Dean scream?

This sounds so much like

"Not only are we going to New Hampshire ... we're going to South Carolina and Oklahoma and Arizona and North Dakota and New Mexico, and we're going to California and Texas and New York! And we're going to South Dakota and Oregon and Washington and Michigan. And then we're going to Washington, D.C. to take back the White House,
Yeeeee-aaaaaahhhh!"

[Virginian]

111. I never understood why that "scream" sank his campaign. n/t

[AdHocSolver]

127. The scream was "faked" by the MSM and played on the air again and again until the sheeple started...

believing it was really a scream. Dean spoke loudly because there was a lot of noise in the room. The MSM electronically reduced the background noise, so that it sounded like there was no reason to "scream" to be heard.

They then played the "scream" repeatedly over the air implying that there was something "wrong" with him and Dean could never get elected. The Democrats fell for this "prediction" and instead of a progressive with a 50 state campaign, we got a Kerry candidacy and four more years of Bush.

Our only real progressive candidate today is John Edwards, who is also looking to run a 50 state campaign. Edwards' message is the only one which could appeal to independents and moderate Republicans as well as Democrats.

Clinton, no matter what she says, is pro-corporatist. It was Bill Clinton who pushed through NAFTA and "open" trade with China which promoted a huge rush of jobs out of the U.S. It was Bill Clinton who pushed through legislation deregulating the media and allowed the mergers that resulted in control of the media by the right wing that we see today. It baffles me how Clinton supporters think that she is going to push policies that would undo all of what Bill did when he was president.

Obama gives fine, uplifting speeches. However, he is naive if he thinks he is going sit down at the table with a bunch of ravenous sharks and not get eaten alive. Our Democrats in Congress have been trying that approach for the past seven years, and you can observe for yourself how successful that has been.

I am for Edwards all the way to the convention. He understands and speaks of our country's situation more clearly and realistically than any candidate. He has taken on the corporations and understands what this country is up against in trying to set things right again.

[rucognizant]

132. In January of 2004........

Didn't we still have 7 Democratic candidates? My memory is a little foggy, but I think Dean was the first to step out of the race after the scream. I know Clark was still in, because some caucused for him in Feb. ( Maybe Bob Graham had stepped down by then.) We had Dean, Kucinich, CLark & Kerry supporters as well as undecideds........2nd week in Feb. our caucus!
Why is it that we are now pared down to just 3????
I think beyond the scream; the fact that his campaign ran out of money SUDDENLY, was a deal breaker! One of his strong platforms was his balanced budget as a Gov. BUT it's one thing to balance a budget when you are going into your office daily; and another to be campaigning all over the country, staying in hotels, not getting enough sleep. I think someone or someones, in the campaign headquarters in Burlington; really let him down in that dept.! Then there was that rankerous dismissel of Joe Trippi, what happened there?
Now it worries me because Trippi is EDWARDS campaign manager................

[grmamo]

149. Your words duplicate my opinion exactly. You go John, Thanks for not QUITTING! n/t

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

154. Hi PhD! Long time no see!

I wondered if you'd left, but here you are! :hi:

MKJ

[PhD]

226. Hi

Thanks for the greeting, but you may have me confused with someone else.

[stickernation]

93. FOR THOSE ABOUT TO SUPPORT EDWARDS

I SALUTE YOU !!!!!!!!

:toast:



This is just the beginning of the FUN !!!

Isn't everyone here having a BLAST supporting Edwards ?! ! I KNOW I AM !!!!! !!!!

:party: :party: :party: :party:

let's put the PARTY back into the democratic party folks !!!


JOHN EDWARDS IS DISTINGUISHING HIMSELF MORE EVERY DAY FROM THE MILLIONAIRE CANDIDATES.

IF WE DON'T WIN THE ELECTION OUTRIGHT, WE ARE DEVELOPING ONE FASCINATING SCHISM.



SALUD !!!

[avaistheone1]

96. Edwards has me 24/7

No other campaign speaks so clearly to me about the importance of change, and how that can be done.

[Kool Kitty]

112. Well said.

He's got my vote and my husband's, too. :bounce:

[2hip]

97. I've never been more committed to a candidate.

and I'm not going anywhere!


        Edwards '08 tees!

[Ken Burch]

99. I'm considering him for our Alaska caucus on Feb 5th.

I'd advise him to sharpen up his anti-Iraq and Afghan war positions. He can pick up Kucinich and Richardson people that way, and cut into the "progressive" wing of the Obama vote.

[Triana]

101. As long as he's in it, he's got my full support. As for the symbolic change candidates...

...the MOST they MIGHT get from me is a reluctant vote in the end - IF even that. Both of them nauseate me and make me feel dirty.

[JDPriestly]

103. The convention and then November 2008

Edwards is the only candidate that can win. Hillary will bring out the Republicans and lose because of the reaction to her. Obama will simply lose.

[ekwhite]

104. I'm backing Johny too

Even if he doesn't win, the number of delegates he could win could turn him into a king maker at the Democratic convention. Edwards could extract concessions from the top two candidates for the American people. Heck, in a brokered convention, he could even end up as the Democratic nominee.

[Muddy Waters Guitar]

107. Same here, and in fact JRE has many chances for victory-- in many ways

My friends and I were talking about it tonight, and we all agreed that JRE has to stay in.

Several reasons:

1. Many of JRE's best states (working-class Midwestern and Southern states) come very late in the primary season.

2. There are many debates still on the horizon and thus, opportunities for JRE to shine.

3. Most importantly, whether or not he gets the most delegates, JRE can be the power-broker in the wake of a photo-finish by the other two major campaigns. This means that JRE can be the strongest advocate for important progressive causes at the Convention.

JRE needs to stay in this!

[lisainmilo]

108. I say all the way to WH!

:kick:

[McCamy Taylor]

109. The Edwards Campaign is IMPORTANT. Who else speaks for the poor?

[Virginian]

114. Nobody else speaks for the poor because the poor

can't make large contributions to campaigns. That is one of the reasons he doesn't have the money for TV ads the others do.
If you can donate to the JE cause, go to the website and donate.
If you can't donate, Bless you and may you be more prosperous this year and next.

[Two Americas]

117. yes

And in spite of all of the obstacles, we have a toehold, a showing. It is an enormous victory, and we have just begun to fight. There is a long way to go, but we have made a start.

[Two Americas]

116. of course

There is no alternative. Does anyone think the battle will go away and be over if the Edwards candidacy fails? Then opposition won’t quit. The two major candidates cannot stop the opposition.

We don't have any choice about this. Fight now, or fight later.

Did some Edwards supporters think that what he is saying is just some clever rhetoric to get elected, or that Edwards is some sort of consumer product, and that when the product fails to sell that message evaporates and disappears like last years advertising slogan?

The truth, the power, the validity and the inevitability of Edwards message have nothing to do with the outcome of any election.

There is no quitting this fight, even if you want to. The fight will just come find you.

Did some Edwards supporters imagine that this would be easy or painless? That we could just waltz in and win a rigged and crooked game?

20% or so support is an enormous victory given the reality of the situation. We can build on that. Or we can be discouraged, question our perceptions, shut up and quit. That is what our opponents hope we do.

This is so much bigger than the Edwards candidacy. It is not he who is being tested, it is us.

[desertflamingo]

120. a-effin'-men!!

isn't that the truth? that's why i'm NOT leaving je. he's got my back - and i've got his. why? because he's the first major candidate i ever remember telling it like it is and NOTICING that those of us left in, recently departed from or now don't have a snowball's chance in hell of getting into the middle class desperately need help. we are up against goliath. he is our david and we are the slingshot. we and only we can bring down the giant - with je's help. so we need him, and he needs us.

EDWARDS '08!!!

[Yael]

189. Well said!

"It is not he who is being tested, it is us".

That pretty much speaks to all of the Edwards "supporters" who have posted in this thread and others that they are jumping ship to vote "against" Obama/Hillary.

They were tested and found wanting.

[Ellen Forradalom]

118. If he picks up a good number of delegates

He's in a good position to influence the party platform. For that reason alone, if you want to vote Edwards, do so.

[xxqqqzme]

119. In '04 CA's primary was in June

The corporate media had long since decided Kerry was 'electable'. Howard Dean was my first choice, Edwards, my 2nd. So when the primary rolled around, I still voted for the good Doctor. I'll be sticking w/ John as well. I'm not a real big fan of any candidate the corporate media picks for my vote.

[deacon]

121. All the way with JE -- n/t

[Raine]

122. I'm standing with Edwards

as long as he remains in the race! :patriot:

[peacock]

125. Edwards is a fighter & so am I

I´m standing with Edwards. He´s the only progressive candidate. He speaks for me.

[mnhtnbb]

126. I'm committed to voting for Edwards in May in NC primary.

[Tennessee Gal]

128. STICKING!

John is the one all the way to convention.

A lot of things can happen between now and then.

[yy4me]

129. Same here! I can't get myself to let go of the hope and joy that

John Edwards and his lovely wife give me. Something inside me says to believe this man. Listen to his position....he actually says something that I can relate to.

I don't care what race or gender the candidate is. I need to hear the substance in their words. I want to know how any initiatives will be accomplished. I don't hear that information coming from the others. All I hear is words.

[anniebelle]

134. My family is supporting Edwards all the way.

Sent another check to his campaign this morning. His campaign is first time we've ever given money before the GE. Go Johnny, Go!

[The Wizard]

135. What Democrats do best

is snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Let's face it: The media picks our candidates by how much money thay can raise, and as long as we have Republicans controlling the vote tabulating mechanism, elections are fixed.

You don't know how lucky you are boy,
Back in the USSR.

Say good bye to American democracy.
The dream is over.

Either Obama or Clinton assures a third Bush term.
Neither of them will deliver one more electoral vote than Kerry did in 04.

[rambler_american]

136. Yes. Edwards is my choice also.

But if Obama becomes the nominee I'd have no trouble voting for him. Hillary not so much.

[Silver Gaia]

138. Edwards has my loyalty and my vote. Nothing will change that.

He's in this for America, and so am I.

[PleadTheFirst]

139. I'm with John

till the final bell.

[bluecrush]

140. I too am keeping the faith for JRE

and those of us who have followed the Senator since 2004 and earlier know how dedicated he is to the issues. Because of that dedication, I will not drop my support for Edwards until he decides to end his candidacy. I can't wait to vote for him in Pennsylvania.

[Summer93]

142. Best Message

I think that Edwards has sthe best message of any of the candidates.

Unfortunately the M$M will whittle away at the best candidates so that our country ends up with the worst possible candidate as our new leader.

[wellstone dem]

146. I will caucus for him on Super Tuesday because he speaks for the poor

[Kajsa]

150. That's exactly why I'm sticking with JE.

Thanks, Kerry2008.

:kick:

[tdiggins]

153. My day with Hillary Clinton

Well, I didn't get to drive an armored vehicle. I didn't drive
Hillary, and, in fact, I never got any closer to her than 30
feet or so.

Although I am firmly behind John Edwards, I volunteered to
drive in the motorcade out of loyalty to my friend Shawn
Bagley. Shawn is the local Clinton chair - among many other
Democratic Party credentials - and has been a Hillary backer
for years. He was more excited than a kid at Christmas.

The entire event came together in 24 hours. The Clinton
campaign had called Shawn on the holiday Monday morning, to
say that Hillary was coming to Salinas to receive the
endorsement of the United Farm Workers. Shawn leaped into
action, and set the rally for the Hartnell College gym.

It was raining, sometimes heavily, on Tuesday morning, January
22. I arrived at the Monterey Airport shortly before 11 AM,
called on the intercom, and walked through the gates to the
private Monterey Jet Center.  There I met my "boss",
James, the advance man in charge of motorcades; my friend and
fellow driver ( and fellow Edwards supporter) Cesar Lara; and
Mark, from the Secret Service.

We were briefed on motorcade protocol - when the lead car
rolls, we roll, whether any one is in our car or not, and stay
directly behind the car in front. The Secret Service issued us
clip on pins, authorizing us to be within the security
perimeter.

For the next 45 minutes, we waited in the VIP lounge, eating
cookies and drinking coffee. We met  other Secret Service
guys, and chatted with a CHP officer who had worked for
several California governors.

A little before noon, Enterprise delivered our two Chrysler
Town & Country minivans. James put signs in the windows;
James assigned Cesar to Staff 1 and I got Staff 2. We spent a
few minutes adjusting seats and mirrors, etc.





A new team of Secret Service drove in behind the wheels of
hunter green Suburbans with Maryland plates and bullet proof
glass. We got the hand waving in a circle "head 'em
up" signal from Mark and headed to the vehicles. We drove
from the Jet Center VIP lounge on to the tarmac. I was near
the end, with the press bus and a CHP car behind me. In front,
four CHP motorcycles, a CHP car, the two Suburbans,  a Secret
Service Buick sedan loaded with weapons, and Cesar in Staff 1.

We opened the hood, all the doors and the rear hatch as our
CHP buddy and his K-9 conducted the "sweep",
sniffing all vehicles, including all corners of the press bus,
for explosives. Doggie got a little excited at the Buick.

. Fortunately, the weather had cleared a bit while we waited
on the tarmac for the sweep and for "wheels down".
Even when the sun came from behind the clouds, it was chilly,
with temperatures in the low 50’s. We walked back to the Jet
Center to urinate, and I ate the sandwich I had thought to
bring with me.

Wheels down came at 1:55, and as the chartered ATA 737 taxied
towards us, we rolled up to where the stairs were waiting. The
rear hatch opened, and the press began to get themselves and
their equipment on the bus. Young men in suits typing on
Blackberries headed for Cesar and me.

The front hatch opened and the Secret Service when in and out
a few times. Secret Service agents were on the tarmac,
constantly scanning the surrounding buildings. Finally,
Senator Clinton deplaned, shook hands with a small welcoming
committee and the ground crew, and headed for the lead
Suburban. With just one passenger, I rolled.

Out the gates and along the access roads, we headed for
Salinas, 15 miles away. The four motorcycles behaved like
sheep dogs, chasing up and down the motorcade, first ahead to
block cross traffic, then coming up from behind. We watched
cautiously for them in the mirrors, since they sometimes
passed on the left, then on the right.

When we reached Highway 68, I was excited and a bit nervous. I
thought our high-speed motorcade would soon hit speeds of 70
mph or more on the narrow, hilly, two-lane, 55 MPH highway to
Salinas, driving fast, nose - to - tail,  but I was ready.

What is this? We're stopping for a red light? Ok, now we'll
get going. What's this, another red light? What's that,
traffic in front of us?

What a disappointment! We did not push any traffic out of our
way, and I don't think that we ever went faster than 55, even
when we reached the four lane part on the highway. The lead
CHP car didn't even have his lights flashing! Very often, when
the motorcycles got behind us, that meant cars were turning on
to the road in front of us. 



After about twenty minutes, we arrived at Hartnell College.
The motorcade turned into a parking lot over a specially made
ramp, down a service road, then on to a sidewalk. We pulled
right up to the main entrance and everyone got out and went
inside. The bus reversed into a special parking space and the
entire motorcade laboriously u-turned, and pulled up to the
entrance facing the other direction.

James had warned us to stay with our vehicles, in the event of
a crash departure of some kind, but Cesar and I were able to
enter a secured portion of the foyer and see some of the rally
from near the doorway.

The place was packed! More than 3000 supporters had crowded
the gym, and another thousand or more were in an overflow
auditorium next store watching on TV. Clinton was on a stage
on the floor, with a huge American flag backdrop (borrowed
from the Navy, Shawn told me later) and the bleachers behind
her were full of UFW members in red shirts waving Hillary
signs. The bleachers across the floor were jammed with more
supporters, and folding chairs were on the floor for local
dignitaries. Many others stood wherever they could find a
space big enough.

From the ten minutes or so that I heard, Hillary gave a good
speech. She thanked the UFW and spoke about jobs, immigration,
education, the middle class, and so on and so on. Cesar and I
eased out and once again hung out with the guys with guns,
shaking hands with other Democrats and some bodies in the
secure foyer. Shawn was aglow; he really did a fantastic job
pulling this off. As the speech ended, Hillary headed for a
meet and greet with the locals, and Cesar and I headed to our
posts.

We ended up waiting an hour. It had started to rain again, on
and off, so we were in and out of our vans, watching the cops
around the perimeter get soaked and the Secret Service agents
ducking in and out of the gym, and James searching for
umbrellas.

My passenger never left the van. Moe, a 22 year old from
Chicago, was the "equipment manager". His job was to
get campaign and press luggage and equipment to and from the
airport and the sites and hotels, coordinated the
"sweep" before "wheels up", During the
rain,  he kept pushing buttons on the van’s radio, schooling
me on Akon, Fitty, Tupac and other crap. Another staffer came
over and called him the "baggage bitch"; all the
staffers I met were sharp, friendly twenty-somethings. Poor
Moe – this was his first visit to “Cali” and he saw nothing.
He was disappointed not to see some young California girls –
“talent”, as he called it.

Finally we got the signal from Mark, Clinton came down the
steps, and we were off again on another slow speed motorcade,
back to the tarmac and the steps to the plane. Press and staff
rushed aboard, Hillary shook a few more hands, and the hatches
closed. We had to wait for "wheels up" - in case
something happened, I guess - and back to the Jet Center.



The Secret Service thanked us, Cesar and I positioned the vans
for Enterprise to pick up, James collected his signage, and we
received discharge papers. It was a little after 5 PM, and
getting dark. The day did not go quite the way I had expected,
not  all that exciting, but it was an adventure, and I will
gladly volunteer to drive Hillary again on her next visit -
campaigning for John Edwards for President.

[mistertrickster]

155. Good idea. That way Edwards can be the new Nader.

:sarcasm:

[shadowknows69]

156. Aye so am I

He's getting my super tuesday vote for all the good it will do me in upstate NY. Hillary's loved up here because of the BS impression that she has saved our base from being closed.

[pjt7]

158. I admire John's passionate

followers, but hope everyone is thinking strategically on what Edwards best bets are. I think he should make an agreement with Obama & join forces. He could still campaign with Obama & make the same talking points, but explaining to all how he can fight for the poor & advocate for them as the Attorney General of the United States.

[shadowknows69]

160. I'd love to see John as AG if all else fails

I don't think he'll accept (or even be asked) the VP slot again. I think he could potentially do more good as AG, with a President willing to let him prosecute corrupt corporate interests.

[peace frog]

159. He has my vote

right down to the last.

[Meshuga]

161. Good for you

It is not over until there is a nominee. You never know what could happen.

[George II]

162. You really needed the obscenity in that subject????

GROW UP!!!

[happygoluckytoyou]

164. TIME TO GET OUT AND BACK OBAMA

[debbierlus]

166. There is no where to go

Obama or Clinton?

I am voting Edwards.

And, in a general election, I am unsure if it would be better to let it fall apart under four more years of Republican rule and have a chance for real change in four years time OR put a new face on the old corporate system & allow the dems to be scapegoated for eight years of Bush.

Man. Some choices....

[Yael]

190. You bring up a very good point that has been weighing heavily on me lately

I still haven't wrapped my mind around it as yet, but it is simmering on the burner. Tied to the same old status quo and all of that.

If we can't distinguish our candidates from (R)s -- will change ever come?

In that, maybe it is us that are wrong and the country wants to go moderate after 8 years of neo-con excess?

[balantz]

204. I agree.

Do we bandaid again, or do we let it just slide right down where it is inevitably going? Sometimes it seems to make sense to just have the pain now and pick up the pieces sooner, rather than later.

[7horses]

167. I'm staying with...

underdog all the way. Go, John go!!!

[balantz]

176. Edwards all the way!!!

I ain't buyin' the hype, I ain't drinkin' the kool-aid. I am old enough and wise enough to see an option for REAL change when it's presented. The way I see it is there is a Washington machine that controls everything so that the elites keep their power. The left wing of this structure is currently the democratic party. All of the good old boys (and girls) of the left wing of this elitist oligarchy are lining up behind either one of the two candidates who will CONTINUE this structure. John Edwards means to change this unbalanced system for the good of the people of this country, the countless numbers of regular people. Any other choice is just more of the same, which to me is more of nothing that will really change. We have to change this system radically NOW!

[benny05]

177. Checking in from IL

I'm sticking with JRE all of the way.

[jaybeat]

178. Hell YES!

Edwards IS:

--Running a campaign of SUBSTANCE

--Talking about POLICY

--Advocating we TAKE ON corporations, not expect they'll play nice or act like what is in their interests is good for everyone else.

--Bringing ISSUES (poverty, etc.) to the campaign that the others ignore or pay lip service to.

Plus, Edwards IS NOT:

--Attacking his other candidates for quotes, the actions of surrogates, etc.

--"Making" the campaign "about" race, or gender, the last Democratic President, or whatever other divisive, divide and conquer strategy the RNC would like the Dems to run with to destroy each other and themselves.

--Taking corporate money.

--Tearing down his opponents in a "desperate" attempt to boost himself up, even though conventional wisdom says that's the only way to get back into a race if you're third in a field of three. He is NOT turning his opponents into such damaged goods that they will be at risk in November.

There are NO downsides to the continuation of Edwards' candidacy, and I think he could be an EXCELLENT peace maker and a true UNITER of our Party at the convention.

Assuming he does not win enough delegates to have a shot at the nomination, WHICH I AM BY NO MEANS CONVINCED OF!

GO JOHN EDWARDS!!!!!

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[Sadie5]

180. Things to remember

Those who think Obama is going to march right into the oval office and do the bidding for the middle class and the poor, think again. There is a corporate debt to be paid first. The Clinton haters might do good to remember that Clinton had to pay his debts off in the way of NAFTA. Poppy left NAFTA unfinished and the Neocons demanded that Clinton follow through. The debt was called in and Clinton paid his dues. Obama first needs to stop his wife from mouthing off, if you know what I mean. she could become the next Billy Carter on the presidency. Why is it that when Bill Clinton campaigns for his wife he is taken out of context and belittled, but Michelle runs her mouth unchecked(her black remarks)and nothing is mentioned. Hillary too has taken corporate funds, but she is my second choice after Edwards. My how the GOP would love a Obama presidency because it's apparent that he knows little about foreign policy, knows little about economics outside a textbook, and his debating skills come in third of the three candidates, and he could be molded into shape like silly putty. Kennedy was not in office long enough to Gage his worth as a president and I personally think that uncle Teddy and John Kerry have persuaded Caroline Kennedy to back a loser. Obama is hinting that Edwards might be his AG, this excited the voters as Edwards believes in the court system, but in doing so he would resign mighty fast as Obama's backers call in the IOUs. He would not stay in a corrupt presidency. This bipartisan crap is for the birds as Obama would stock his cabinet with GOP helpers that would push a GOP agenda. Jump on the Obama bandwagon and ride it all the way to town, then come back here and whine for sympathy after about a year because it will be Bush business as usual and Obama will be the perfect puppet.

[balantz]

198. That is how I see it. It is obvious.

Look at the whole picture of what's going on in Washington and see how things are being set up for the oligarchy. If this goes down as you present it, things will get awfully scary in this country. The fascists have all their ducks in a row and many democrats are just bowing to the power structure instead of turning on it and trying to dismantle it. Change? That won't happen if things go on as they are, and with Obama as the figure-head nothing will change, he will become a puppet of the right. The neocons have been cultivating everything to go in their favor, and they are doing it successfully.

[judaspriestess]

179. I'm in

:hi:

[ChiciB1]

181. Way To Go!!! I Thought We Were Going To Lose You For A While!!

I'm in to the end, most Edwards supporters have been VERY VERY LOYAL!! Thanks, we'll hang in there!

[earth mom]

182. I don't give a DAMN who all these people are supporting-the Kennedys etc.!

Even though I love RFK Jr., I think he's dead wrong.

The people of this country have NOT spoken yet!!! Edwards is WAY more popular than any of the powers that be or the talking heads want to admit.

I'm so gawd damn sick of all this b.s. about Hillary & Obama. Look what happened in 04. It was Dean Dean Dean. Well, we all know what happened there.

Don't let people tell you either Obama or Hillary is a done deal. Because it is NOT! NO WAY NO HOW! :grr:

[Yael]

184. You speak for me!

:applause:

[ooglymoogly]

191. Surrender??? We have not yet begun to fight!!!

on to victory

[Joey Liberal]

192. I like Edwards, but .............

He couldn't even win his home state. It's over for him.

[ooglymoogly]

195. Are you kidding me...The primaries have just begun!!!

get a grip. It is still anybodies race.

[pleah]

193. Edwards! He is the only Democrat in this race.

[kestrel91316]

194. I'm with him ALL THE WAY!!!! He stands a very good chance of

playing kingmaker come convention time. And if he plays his cards right, maybe he could land a job as, say, Attorney General (boy, that would have the Right on the run!!!).

[Maineman]

197. I Like Edwards, but I resent your vulgarity

Grow up.

[mtnsnake]

199. Where the fuck do you think you are? Sunday School?

:shrug:

[realFedUp]

200. Kucinich was my "fuck it" vote

Fortunately I don't have to make that choice
anymore.

[wiggs]

201. Here in CA, if it's close I'll vote for Obama. Otherwise I go with Edwards. nt

[balantz]

202. If voters who want Edwards rally behind Edwards

instead of going with a "safe" bet, then we just might be able to have him as the nominee.

[Riverman]

203. ME TOO! "Its the Issues Stupid" It's not about who gets elected

or if they are a woman, a black man, a black woman, and an Asian person, a disabled person, a senior citizen and another wealthy white guy, or any other descriptor. Who is speaking to the issues that the vast majority of the people in the country are trying to deal with every day - paychecks, cost of housing, food, gasoline, medical care, taking care of children, education of children and on and on.

The primary issue right now is how this immoral war is sucking the life blood out of this country in terms of lives of our young people in the military (dead and physically and emotionally injured), the long-range negative consequences for US citizens, government and corporations reputations around the world for the invasion of Iraq and the horrific death, maiming and destroyed society our taxes paid for there. Not only the negative moral fiber, karma, soul-loss, or whatever you want to label it, for the US citizens who particiapted in this war and those of us who have not done enough to stop it. Is Ron Paul the only one who has said in public that the reason te economy is the now the number one issue is BECAUSE of the WAR spendng? And, I would say the colosally immoral war profiteering that has been allowed to go on under Bush's watch and our watch!

The very issues that most of the candidates are not talking about expect for Kucinich (now sadly having to drop out) and Edwards. Dodd and Biden talked some about the important issues.

However, how many of us here want to throw the remote thru the TV when we watch CNN, MSNBC or any news show where 99% of the political discussion is about who has what strategy to win this primary or caucus, who is slinging the mud that lands, is Bill Clinton making points for Hillary by relentessly making race an issue (which he is) RATHER than has real discussion about who has the positions and ability to begin to undo the mess that Bush will leave, who can actually get universal medical care for the citizens, who will challenge the oil producing entities and corporations or financial institutions to do anything other than to exploit the situation for their own greed and immoral profits?

I am not so naive to think that corporations that own MSNBC and CNN will do anything other than to keep the pot stirred to get ratings and try to sell crap to the population that is not needed - ever notice the number of Drug adds on those shows!

So this ongoing rant is about trying to do my tiny bit from my tentative perch to help awaken myself and my co-citizens to wake up and so something, anything! Yes it is desperate and desperate times require new measures to change course. It ain't gonna happen with Hillary, maybe not Obama and likely not enough with Edwards. And, it taken a long time to get us here, so it ain't gonna happen overnight.

But, I would like to see less destructive policies coming from this government and start moving to a government of the people who acts in the interests of the people. Let's at least "First Do No Harm!"

Call me a dreamer, a liberal, a progressive, a bleeding heart, a sensitive man, or any other distracting name, but I am for people, not profits, not corporations, not war, not war profiteering, not power-hungary lying politicians, not mistreatment of people because of their social status, origin of birth, race, gender, creed or who they choose to love! I am for honest labor unions, the environment (love hugging trees)as well as eating healthy food, breathing clean air, drinking pure water, swimming in clean lakes, streams and oceans, the rights of any two people to marry that does not hurt anyone else, for humane (what a concept) treatment of all animals and living entities.

It seems it will take an effort that developed over many years in the 1920's and 1930's that forced Rosevelt to take action. That there was finally someone in a position of power to do something did make a difference. That is why I am so disgusted by Pelosi, Reid, Hillary, Schumer and 95% of the elected democrats who can be far bolder than they have been. They have power in their hands and are not using it for the good of the people. That is a crime and a shameful legacy! As the saying goes - evil prevails when good people do nothing!

We are good people, the dilusional people who support the republicans are vastly good people too, with good intentions, but blinded, bribed and numbed to what is happening. It is good that Obama is trying to reach out to them, but his policies are too mild. (Yes, likely a Black man cannot be elected with a progressinve agenda for fear of being charged with being a Black Panther or some angry black radical epitath. How sad!)

I'm not going to shut up nor matter how ineloquent I get or have mis-spelled words! (Thanks to everyone who feels the need to correct by spelling, labeling and grammer at times - its cute of you to be so concerned given the bigger issues we are facing.) Getting mad ain't gonna be pretty or PC - so get over it!

Have a nice day!

[vanboggie]

205. Sticking with JRE all the way

There's nobody else I WANT to vote for. This is the guy with the integrity.

[Janiam]

206. Yeah baby! That's what I'm talkin' about.

Fighting spirit. Stand up for yourself even when things aren't going as you planned or as you want. That's character. That's strength!

[Veracious]

207. Edwards Right man wrong time.

I hope risky Obama can win.

[leftcoastie]

208. I AM GLAD

John Edwards is staying in the race. He was absolutely correct when he acknowledged he may not make it to the White House, but he'll drive the debate. I must say both Hillary and Obama have stolen John's ideas (or just agreed with them by using them as their own). I say it's flattery and John WILL make a difference as he already has.

He still has my vote and I hope he gets to be king maker at the convention as well as get into the new administration.

Edwards 08

[populistdriven]

209. K&R! nt

[stlsaxman]

210. I'm with Edwards. period. n/t

[Sheltiemama]

211. We have early voting where I live

I voted for Edwards last Wednesday. So did my mother. My father crossed parties to vote for McCain just because Huckabee and Romney frighten him. We have enough of a theocracy already, thank you very much -- this from a Christian. There also was a local Republican he wanted to vote against. He'll vote for the Democratic nominee in the main election, though.

[jdadd]

212. It's JE for me!!!!

Go Johnny Go....

[SaveAmerica]

213. Bill Clinton didn't win his first state until his 8th states, I'm not

giving up on Edwards. I'm tired of people telling me who to support, "MSM" and Democrats.

[focusfan]

216. I wish people would realize we need John Edwards

i wish they would forget Hillary and Obama

[Swagman]

217. It's important to allow Edwards to keep getting attention..

..he has so many positive policies and it's obvious he genuinley believes in them. The more they are talked about the more an eventual winner may take notice.

### and don't forget: he is really the Vice President-just as Al Gore was President !

[Carrieyazel]

218. Edwards has nothing to lose by staying in.

Especially since Obama/Hillary are such poor candidates for us.

[kaygore]

219. I made calls into SC for him and keep sending him what little money that I can

I wish that I could do more.

[Star]

225. Yup

Just sent in my absentee ballot for Edwards.

He's the only one I really want to win. I'll vote for whatever D in the GE, but for the primaries, its Edwards all the way.