Why This Edwards Voter Is Now Backing Obama-By Paul Rogat Loeb

[kpete]

Why This Edwards Voter Is Now Backing Obama
Submitted by davidswanson on Thu, 2008-01-31 15:13. Elections
By Paul Rogat Loeb

I gave John Edwards more money than I've given to any candidate in my life, and I'm glad I did. He raised critical issues about America's economic divides, and got them on the Democratic agenda. He was the first major candidate to stake out strong comprehensive platforms on global warming and health care. He hammered away on the Iraq war, even using scarce campaign resources to run ads during recent key Senate votes. He'd have made a powerful nominee—and president.

I've been going through my mourning for a while for his campaign not getting more traction, so his withdrawal announcement didn't shock me. But sad as I am about his departure, I feel good about being able to switch my support to Barack Obama, and will do all I can to help him win.

I've actually been giving small donations to both since Iowa, while hoping that the Edwards campaign would belatedly catch fire, and exploring ways the two campaigns could work together. With Edwards gone, I think Obama is the natural choice for his supporters, and that Edwards should step up and endorse him as his preferred nominee. All three major Democratic candidates have their flaws and strengths—they all have excellent global warming plans, for instance. But Edwards wasn't just being rhetorical when he said that both he and Obama represent voices for change, versus Clinton's embodiment of a Washington status quo joining money and power.

Here are a dozen reasons why I feel proud to have my energy, dollars and vote now go to Obama: http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/30603

[Tarheel_Dem]

1. i know the feeling, and completely concur. terrific article (eom)

[Qutzupalotl]

2. The author is also a DUer. Check Editorials & Other Articles. nt

[mahina]

3. I loved his book "Soul of a Citizen- how to live with conviction in a cynical time"

What's his name here?

[Qutzupalotl]

5. He's using his full real name.

[silverweb]

4. Wonderful article.

Thanks for posting this. :hi: